Cheppad Orthodox Church Wall and Cross Demolished for National Highway; Priests and Devotees Injured in Clashes
Alappuzha: The demolition of the wall and the shrine (Kurishady) of the Cheppad St. George Orthodox Valiyapally as part of the National Highway expansion project led to clashes. Priests and devotees who attempted to prevent a large police contingent from demolishing the shrine were allegedly assaulted. Following this, more devotees gathered at the scene after the church bell was rung.
Vicar Fr. Biji John, Fr. Binu Thomas, and other devotees who tried to stop the demolition of the wall and shrine using an excavator were reportedly beaten. The tense situation eased only after MLA Ramesh Chennithala arrived at the location. Ramesh Chennithala instructed that the demolition activities be temporarily halted.
The MLA spoke with the District Collector over the phone and held discussions with Chengannur RDO T. Vijayasenan, who was present at the scene. Subsequently, the police operations ceased. Yesterday evening, the National Highway Authority arrived with an escort of 100 police officers to demolish the cross. The demolished stone cross, carved from a single rock, was approximately 1500 years old. Devotees later installed a wooden cross in its place.
Church officials had previously requested the National Highway Authority to ensure that the ancient stone cross was not damaged during the highway construction. A related case is currently pending in court. The RDO assured church officials that no further action would be taken without discussions between both parties and that the issue would be resolved through immediate talks.
Meanwhile, Biju Ummen, Secretary of the Malankara Association, alleged that the demolition of the Cheppad church’s shrine was a violation of law and an insult to Christian believers. He demanded an immediate investigation and swift action against those responsible, as well as the immediate restoration of the shrine.