Removal of cross in Thodupuzha sparks row

Kochi: Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission has condemned the action of the forest department for allegedly removing a cross installed by the church at Naranganam in Thodupuzha.

The church claimed that the forest department officials demolished the cross erected 750 meters away from the forest boundary by the parish of St Thomas Church in Thommankuthu, causing hurt to religious sentiments.

Officials with the Kaliyar range said that the cross was removed following requisite protocols. The cross was installed recently on forest land on the side of a road constructed by diverting forest land for developmental works, said an officer. It is not a private property but forest land, the officer said, adding that all senior officers and the DFO were intimated before the cross was removed.

Meanwhile, the church is claiming that the parish has right over the land and that action should be initiated to re-install the cross. TNN