Kochi: The Syro-Malabar Church’s Idukki diocese screened “The Kerala Story” for catechism students of Classes 10 to 12 who attended the vacation course diocese parishes, triggering another controversy. The screening was part of course curriculum which encouraged students to watch the film, discuss it among peers and prepare a review. The course had a portion under the heading “Love Jihad”.

Fr Jins Karakkat, chairman of the diocese’s media commission, said the movie was screened to develop awareness among students. “The movie was screened during the course held from April 2 to 4. It was part of activity in the course to watchit and prepare a review,” said Karakkat.

He said the “love jihad” portion in the book was not the kind talked about. “The love jihad mentioned in the book is different. We’ve only said that there is a scheme wherein young ones are lured, feigning love, to use them for other purposes. It is not targeting any religion or community,” he said.

As per an image purportedly from the booklet and shared on a social media group, “love jihad” is an activity undertaken by extremist organizations. The portion also talks about police finding that Muslim faithful in general don’t have an organized “love jihad” movement. It claims “love jihad” exponents are extremists who have kept the Islamic faithful also in fear. It says that some extremist groups provide love, gifts, and money to lure girls from other religions to use them for their requirements.

Opposition leader V D Satheeshan said the Idukki diocese’s move was the wrong approach. “Kerala Story is not a true story. It is made to insult Kerala.”