KOCHI: The Latin Church has criticized the government in the deep sea fishing agreement. Kochi Bishop Joseph Kariyil told the media that there was a situation where the sea was sold and stolen by contract and the industries department and the fisheries department had intervened in a criminal manner and this would be reflected in the elections.

"There has been criminal negligence. I will not say that the Chief Minister directly intervened, knew and did it. I do not think he is fully responsible for this. I am not talking in the style of saying that the Chief Minister should resign immediately if he moves. But Mercykutty Amma and others cannot escape responsibility. If they say it's a conspiracy, it's a conspiracy there are involved," he said.

Meanwhile, Geevarghese Mar Coorilose, Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese of Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church, came out in support of the Latin Church on the issue of the deep sea fishing agreement. Mar Coorilose wrote on Facebook that he respects the zeal of the Latin Catholic Council for pointing out mistakes.