Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy
on Sunday said if needed, the government would intervene to
resolve the dispute between the two factions of the Marthoma
church over ownership of St Paul`s and St Peter`s churches at
Kolencherry in Ernakulam district.
Talks are going on to find a solution to the dispute and if
needed the government would intervene, Chandy told reporters
on the sidelines of a function here.
There will be a solution to the issue immediately, Chandy
said.
Meanwhile, protesting against the government`s "inaction,"
the Orthodox faction took out a march to the residence of the
Chief Minister at Puthupally in Kottayam district this
morning.
The Chief Minister was holding a meeting with members of
the public at his residence when the faction members squatted
on the road in front of his house with placards.
Faction sources said if needed, they would also stage a
fast in front of the Chief Minister`s residence.
The Orthodox faction, which is demanding implementation of
the district court order that the administration of the two
churches be handed over to the Orthodox group, has decided to
intensify its agitation.
Yesterday, the faction took out a march to the office of
Revenue minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan at Kottayam.
The Jacobite faction, which is demanding that status quo be
maintained with regard to the churches, took out a march in
Kolencherry today.
Orthodox faction Catholicos Basilious Pulose II, who is on
fast since September 11 demanding implementation of the court
order, has said the `fight for justice will continue` while
Jacobite faction head Catholicos Baselious Thomas I is holding
continuous prayers in Kolenchery.
PTI
