KOCHI: With the Piravom by-election round the corner, the factional feud between the Malankara Christians over the ownership and administration of churches has resurfaced after a short interval. The latest dispute is over the ownership and administration of seven churches, which had joined the Orthodox faction under the initiative of Thomas Mar Athanasius. Both the factions took to the streets of Kanyatunirapel, near Puthencruz, on Sunday, leading to a clash with the police. “Seven parishes under the Kandanad diocese had joined the Orthodox faction a few years ago. Around 95 per cent of the people in these parishes are Jacobites while the parish priest belongs to the Orthodox faction. It is to be noted that these seven churches fall under the jurisdiction of the Piravom constituency,” said Fr Varghese Kallappara, spokesperson of the Jacobite Church.He alleged that the Orthodox faction was trying to encroach upon the churches in view of the ensuing by-election. “They believe that the political leadership will not intervene, as they do not want to invite the wrath of a particular faction,” Fr Kallappara said.The Orthodox faction also raises the same allegations. “It is true that the Piravom by-election is the immediate reason for the feud. Though there was a dispute over the ownership and administration of these churches, there was peace. “The Jacobite faction is creating a chaotic atmosphere in the wake of the by-election,” said Fr Johns Abraham Konat, priest trustee of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.He also alleged that the Jacobite faction was enjoying the support of the government. “We came to know that one of the Ministers had intervened in the issue and directed the police to register the cases, but not to arrest anyone. “The fact that none has been arrested so far, even after a Circle Inspector was seriously injured in the attack, bears testimony to it,” Fr Konat said.
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