- 14 July, 2025
Edakochi, July 14, 2025 — The 45th General Assembly of the Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC), held at the Alph Pastoral Centre, Edakochi from July 11 to 13, 2025, approved a comprehensive social-political resolution addressing various critical issues concerning the Latin Catholic community and the coastal population of Kerala.
The KRLCBC General Assembly expressed grave concern over the government’s apathy and negative approach towards resolving the challenges faced by the Latin Catholic population in Kerala and its repeated neglect of their longstanding demands.
The assembly highlighted that Latin Catholics still lack adequate representation in democratic governance structures and in the leadership of political parties. In light of the upcoming elections, KRLCBC resolved to adopt a clear political stance. The assembly decided to intensify preparations at both the state and regional levels. In response to the continued neglect of coastal areas, the assembly resolved to work in collaboration with other coastal communities. It was also decided to form political committees at the local level to coordinate activities at the panchayat, municipality, and corporation levels.
Despite repeated appeals to the government to address the obstacles Latin Catholics face in obtaining community certificates, no resolution has been achieved so far. The government has also failed to respond to the demand for clarity in the order that included Nadar Christians in the OBC list and granted them reservation benefits. Against this backdrop, the assembly resolved to initiate visible protest programs.
The continued delay in publishing the report by the Justice Koshy Commission, appointed to study the backwardness of Christian communities in Kerala, was described by the assembly as suspicious. The assembly urged the government to publish the commission’s findings and recommendations immediately and to ensure their practical implementation.
The recent ship collision along the shipping route off the Kerala coast has triggered a severe environmental crisis. There is a growing concern that the discharge of hazardous chemicals into the sea will lead to the long-term depletion of marine resources. The assembly called for intensified legal measures to ensure appropriate compensation for fisherfolk and coastal residents. It also demanded a complete ban on sea sand mining, which causes damage to both the sea and the shoreline.
The increasing politicisation of university education in Kerala was strongly criticised by the assembly, which noted that the higher education sector is facing a deep crisis as a result. The root cause of the current turmoil is not directly related to the academic field. When chancellors, vice-chancellors, ministers, and student organisations turn academic spaces into political theatres, the future of students is cast into uncertainty. The government must intervene urgently, the assembly insisted.
The assembly condemned the government’s efforts to infringe on the rights of religious minorities to run educational institutions. The inspections carried out by the education minister, under the pretext of examining school prayers and religious symbols, were described as highly concerning.
It further observed that both the Central and State Governments continue to implement policies and programs that alienate fisherfolk and coastal communities. The move to open India’s deep seas to large vessels poses a direct threat to the livelihood and survival of the fishing community.
Expressing concern over the government’s failure to act on the report submitted by the Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair Commission — which was appointed to address the Munambam land issue — the assembly urged immediate action. It appealed for the protection of the land rights legally acquired by the families in Munambam and for the prompt restoration of their revenue entitlements.
The government has yet to provide a permanent solution to the long-standing issues in Muthalapozhi, Thiruvananthapuram. Severe sea erosion continues to affect several areas in Thiruvananthapuram district, including Pozhiyoor, Valiyathura, Shankhumukham, Kannamthura, and Vettukad, as well as in Alappuzha district (Punnapra, Ottamassery) and in Ernakulam district (Nayarambalam, Edavanakkad). The assembly called for comprehensive action to protect Kerala’s coastline. It also demanded the completion of sea wall construction from Chellanam to Fort Kochi and the allocation of necessary funds. The central government must provide financial support to protect the coastline, which also serves as the national border.
Kerala’s agricultural sector and plantation workers are facing severe crises. The assembly urged the state government to undertake effective interventions. Frequent rain-related damage, wild animal attacks, and heavy taxes on agricultural products in the hilly regions are posing serious challenges.
The public healthcare sector is also facing multiple problems. These institutions are the only hope for thousands of economically disadvantaged people. With the rising costs of treatment in private hospitals, the government must ensure that the public healthcare system maintains high-quality services.
The assembly also expressed concern over the growing spread of alcohol and narcotic drugs. It urged the government to reconsider policies that promote the availability of alcohol in public spaces, including metro stations.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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