Kochi: Cops bar 67 Jacobites from entering Piravom church

Kochi: The police on Wednesday restricted 67 Jacobite believers from entering the Piravom St. Mary's Church and its premises for the next two months amidst a tense atmosphere with the Orthodox faction claiming their right as per the 2017 Supreme Court verdict.

The Jacobite faction opposing the entry of the rival group of the Malankara Jacobite Church into the church closed its main gate and positioned themselves on the church premises leading to a stand-off since morning.

Niranam Bishop Geeverghese Mar Coorliose said the church will not be handed over to the Orthodox faction.

The two sides should talk and solve the matter in a spirit of consensus.

The Orthodox faction, however, said any discussion will be held after the implementation of the court verdict.

The police should help implement the court verdict, said Kandanad East Metropolitan Thomas Mar Athanasius.

Stating that they are not for creating any law and order situation the Orthodox leaders settled for a sit-in before the church.