Changanassery: Changanassery Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil has voiced concerns over what he described as unnecessary statements being made regarding the recent hijab-related issue at St. Rita’s School, calling them attempts to divert attention from other pressing controversies in Kerala. The Archbishop praised the school authorities for handling the matter appropriately and emphasized that politicizing the incident only risks creating communal tension.
“Some are using this issue to stir divisions that do not exist, turning a resolved matter into a platform for political posturing,” Mar Tharayil said. He questioned whether certain secular parties were exploiting the controversy to undermine communal harmony under the guise of secularism, suggesting that the timing and nature of these statements indicate a calculated effort to polarize communities for electoral gains.
The Archbishop expressed hope that the common conscience of Keralites would see through such tactics. “The people of Kerala must recognize these dirty tricks that threaten religious harmony and take a stand against them,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of preserving unity and mutual respect among communities.
Mar Thomas Tharayil’s remarks reflect growing concern among religious leaders that minor disputes are being politicized, distracting public attention from more substantive issues affecting the state, and potentially eroding Kerala’s longstanding tradition of communal coexistence.