ASIA/INDIA - The murder of the fishermen in Kerala seen as a "national outrage", but "religion has nothing to do with it"

Cochin (Agenzia Fides) - The death of two innocent Indian fishermen took place off the coast of Kerala on February 15, the accident with an Italian oil tanker, is considered a "national outrage", but this story should "hold off nationalism and religion, to ensure truth and justice": is what brother Raphael Paliakkara, OFM Cap, Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Monks of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle said to Fides, based in Cochin.
The Friar tells Fides what the atmosphere in Cochin is like: "People are pretty angry, but it is also stirred up by the media and politicians. The problem in public opinion is that this murder was seen as a national outrage. In any case it seems that the public outcry is decreasing. The fishermen killed were Catholics and the Catholic community feels touched. But this story has nothing to do with religion, one must not stimulate nationalism or religious sentiments. The only thing we hope is that the Church can bring a word of peace. I think that, after questioning, the case can be clarified and the Italian soldiers can be freed. It is only a matter of justice."
The Friar reminds Fides that there are several dioceses, schools and Catholic groups, like the Franciscans, who are engaged in pastoral care of the fishing communities in the '"AOS"- Apostolate of the Sea . Fishermen, he underlines " earn a living from the sea, in a daily life full of dangers, going to sea for weeks."
In Kerala, the fishing industry occupies an important place in the economy. Its share in the domestic production of marine fish touches 25%. There are over 100,000 people involved in fishing in Indian territorial waters and nearly 350,000 fishermen are engaged in fishing operations off the territorial waters. The coast of Kerala is 590 km long, includes nine ports with an extensive fishing activity and 17 major sorting centers of fish. In 2010-2011, the export earnings of fish and seafood from Kerala exceeded $ 2.8 billion. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/2/2012)