Thommankuthu St. Thomas church, under the Syro Malabar Church, takes out a Way of the Cross procession on Friday to the spot where a cross was removed by the Forest department at Thommankuthu, near Thodupuzha.
According to the church authorities, the procession was held in protest against the Forest department, which removed a cross erected by the church beside the Neyyassery-Thokkumban road onApril 12. Though the Forest department and the police tried to prevent the entry of the faithful to the area, the procession entered the spot and conducted prayers.
Johny Ellikkal, treasurer of the St. Thomas church alleged that the Forest department tried to encroach on revenue land. “The land where the cross was erected belonged to a local resident for over 60 years, and the spot is situated outside of ‘Janda,’ a rock used to demarcate forest and revenue land. The church will call a meeting and discuss further protests against the department over the removal of the cross,” said Mr. Ellikkal.
Written petition
He alleged that after Kaliyar range officer took charge, the official opposed tree-felling activities on title deed lands. “We have submitted a written petition against the official to the High Range Circle Chief Conservator of Forests,” said Mr. Ellikkal.
“ The Forest department is trying to spread the forest cover by claiming ownership of farmlands in and around Janda. The department should not attempt to expand the forest cover by demolishing religious symbols or obstructing religious processions,” said Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose.
The MP said he has written to the Chief Minister to initiate action against the officials who removed the cross and blocked the Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday.
Reserve forest area
A senior Forest department official said the spot where the cross was erected is part of the reserve forest area. The church authorities have not yet presented any documents claiming ownership of the land. “In Thommankuthu, the land outside the Janda is part of the reserve forest. The department has not yet decided to register a case against the participants of the procession who illegally entered the reserve forest area as several women and children were part of the rally,” said the official.
Kothamangalam diocese chancellor Fr. Jose Kulathur said the Forest department is now claiming ownership of land outside the Janda marking. “The government should take action against the forest officials who removed the cross. We suspect that it is an attempt to tarnish the image of the Catholic religious symbols,” he said.
Officials said the church authorities had erected the cross on April 11. The department has booked a case against 18 people, including Fr. James Aikkaramattom, vicar of St. Thomas Church, on the charge of erecting a cross on reserve forest.
Published – April 19, 2025 08:40 pm IST
