St. Mary’s Church, Mannamangalam, in Thrissur was closed on Friday following a clash between the Jacobite and Orthodox factions of the Malankara Church on Thursday night.
Around 20 people, including Orthodox Bishop (Thrissur diocese) Yuhanon Mar Meletios, were injured when members of the factions threw stones at each other. Abraham Parakkal of the Jacobite faction, who suffered grievous injuries, was admitted to Jubilee Mission Hospital here.
The Orthodox faction, which had been waiting outside the church gate, and the Jacobite faction, camping inside the church, resorted to stone pelting on Thursday night. The glass windowpanes and the gate of the church were damaged.
The police took around 35 people from both sides into custody in connection with the incident.
The police have registered non-bailable sections against 120 people, including Yuhanon Mar Meletios. Bishop Meletios, who was also injured, is the first accused in the case.
Collector T.V. Anupama held discussions with the factions on Friday. The Jacobites camping inside the church vacated following a directive of the Collector.
Meeting today
The church was closed and the Collector asked both the factions to maintain the status quo till 2 p.m. on Saturday. A meeting of the factions has been called on Saturday.
Legal action will be taken against people who try to violate the High Court’s stay order on the issue, the Collector said. The representatives of the factions promised to maintain peace in the coming days.
The Jacobite faction will give in writing to the Collector on Saturday its decision to keep away from prayers and administration of the church. The Orthodox faction will not enter the church till a decision is taken by the High Court on an appeal in the case.
