Jacobite believers protesting at church | Screengrab: Mathrubhumi News
Pathanamthitta: The Jacobite faction started intense protest against the procedures to take over the St Mary’s Church in Vallicode-Kottayam here. The devotees are camping on the premises of the church protesting against taking over the church.
Earlier, it was informed that Orthodox priest and church authorities will arrive at the place as part of taking over the church. However, it was later informed that they would not come to the church on Saturday. With this, the protesters calmed down a little.
However, the Jacobite faction stated that they would disperse only after Orthodox faction officially informed they would not come on Saturday. A trench has been formed at the entrance of the church. One of the devotees said that it was made as part of renovation of the church and not as part of the protest.
A Jacobite believer said that they would not stop or physically harm the Orthodox priest if he arrives at the place as per the court order. He added that all people in the area are Jacobite believers. They are firm on the stand that Orthodox faction will not be allowed to take over the church.
The district administration had sought help of police to take over the church. There are about 30 police officers deployed in the place. The church,which is currently under control of the Jacobite faction, was established in 1907.
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