Catholic bishops of the Eastern rite Syro-Malabar Church have opposed changes to the forest law in southern Kerala state, saying the move could harm farmers amid a rising man-animal conflict. The Communist-led government has proposed amending the Kerala Forest Act of 1961 purportedly to suit current social needs and help better forest conservation. The amendments “will adversely affect the farmers living in the periphery of the forests,” the bishops said in a statement on Jan. 8 during their synod. The five-day synod, the supreme decision-making body of this Eastern Rite Church, began Jan. 6. It is attended by 54 serving and retired bishops at Mount St Thomas, the Church’s headquarters in the Ernakulam district. “Prima facie, the changes look more harmful to humanity instead of being human friendly,” the bishops said, urging the state government to “clear the anxiety of the people over its move.” The statement said the prelates held extensive discussions over the proposed changes. It expressed concern over granting forest officials more powers to arrest or detain individuals without a warrant and search the premises or vehicles of anyone based on mere suspicion.