Kalpetta: The Catholic Congress has called upon the Kerala government to make public the long-delayed Justice J.B. Koshy Commission report on the social and economic conditions of the Christian community. Speaking at a public reception held as part of the Catholic Congress’ Rights Protection Tour in Kalpetta, Global President Prof. Rajeev Kochuparambil criticized the government for withholding the report even two and a half years after its submission.
Prof. Kochuparambil said it was a grave injustice that the findings and recommendations of the commission had not been released or implemented. “The government should stop hiding from the J.B. Koshy Commission report. Continued negligence will compel the Catholic community to take a firm political stance,” he warned. He accused both the ruling party and the opposition of displaying a lack of urgency compared to their swift implementation of the Paloli Muhammadkutty and Sachar Commission reports.
The event was inaugurated by Thariyodu Forona Vicar Fr. Thomas Plashanal, while Global Vice President Dr. K.P. Saju Kollapally presided. The gathering also saw addresses by Fr. G. Philip, Fr. Shiju Ikkarakkanayil, Fr. Saji Ittamuntakkal, Annakutty Unnikunnel, Mathew Chompala, Vincent Cheravelil, and Johnson Kuttikkattil, all of whom echoed the demand for transparency and justice for the Christian community.
In Bathery, the reception meeting was inaugurated by Assumption Forona Vicar Fr. Thomas Manakunnel, with Diocese Vice President Saju Pulikottil chairing the session. Fr. Jose Mechery, Charles Vadassery, Thomas Pattamana, and Molly Mamuttil delivered speeches highlighting the need for equitable socio-economic policies.
The Rights Protection Tour continued in Mananthavady, where a rally was flagged off by Forona Director Fr. James Puthenparambil. The meeting was inaugurated by Bishop Mar Jose Porunnedam of the Mananthavady Diocese, who urged both the central and state governments to address the persistent challenges facing the agricultural sector. “A permanent solution is essential to protect the livelihood of farmers and the stability of the agrarian economy,” the bishop said.
Diocesan President Johnson Thozhuthungal presided over the Mananthavady function, while Vicar General Msgr. Paul Mundolikkal delivered the benediction address. Other speakers included Diocesan Director Fr. Joby Mukkattukavungal, Sebastian Purakkal, Adv. Gladys Cherian, Thomas Pazukkala, T.J. Roby, Jijo Mangalat, Xavier Kochukulathingal, Sunil Palamattom, and Regimon Punnoli. The gathering concluded with a vote of thanks from Renil Kazhuthadiyil.
The Catholic Congress’ ongoing campaign aims to press for equal representation, social justice, and the timely implementation of reports that address the Christian community’s developmental concerns. The organization reaffirmed its resolve to continue advocacy until the J.B. Koshy Commission report is published and its recommendations are acted upon.