A tragic incident unfolded in a convention centre near a port city in Kerala, resulting in the loss of one life and severe injuries to 36 individuals due to multiple explosions during a Christian religious gathering. This distressing event has sent shockwaves throughout the region. Initial investigations indicate that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were employed in these explosions; three explosions were reported, two of which were of significant intensity and one of lower intensity. The incident occurred at an international convention centre in Kalamassery, where hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses followers had congregated for the final day of their three-day prayer meeting. Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian religious group with its origins in the United States in the 19th century.
Kerala has been under scrutiny due to the aggressive actions of certain elements, and despite repeated intelligence warnings, adequate countermeasures have not been implemented. The virtual participation of a Hamas leader in a rally and the IED explosion at a religious gathering of a Christian group of American origin necessitates thorough investigations to apprehend the culprits. Fortunately, the collateral damage has been limited so far, but this is a clear indicator that all is not well in Kerala. The Central Government should engage with the Kerala Government, presenting all available facts, and, if necessary, involve the NIA in a comprehensive investigation. These explosions serve as a warning to other states as well, as there may be attempts to disrupt interfaith peace using subversive methods. People must remain vigilant to avoid falling into these traps. Simultaneously, every effort should be directed towards exposing the sinister network responsible for these acts. Local sympathisers should be held accountable alongside the main suspects. India is a secular country where multiple religious communities have coexisted harmoniously for centuries. There is no justification for disturbing this harmony, and any such attempts must be met with a firm response. The responsibility to maintain this brotherhood primarily rests with the State Governments.
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