Kochi: The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) Vigilance Commission has strongly condemned the recent encroachment on the land of the Kalamassery Marthoma Ashram, emphasizing that legal action must be taken against those responsible. The Commission also warned that certain factions are attempting to misuse the incident to foment unnecessary communal tensions, a move it categorically denounced.
According to reports, the current incident is a lingering issue stemming from a long-standing dispute over land acquired for Marthoma Bhavan in 1980. The ownership of the property was legally confirmed in 2007 through a court ruling in favor of Marthoma Bhavan. Despite this, a few individuals have recently claimed to have purchased the land, leading to illegal encroachment. The confrontation began in the first week of September when, around 2 a.m., the perimeter wall of Marthoma Bhavan was demolished and the debris removed. Residents discovered the destruction the following morning on September 5 and lodged a complaint with local authorities. Police intervened, instructing the perpetrators to cease construction, but the work reportedly continued despite official directives.
The Vigilance Commission highlighted that certain groups have sought to portray the incident as a communal conflict, perpetuating narratives on social media that distort the reality of the situation. “This land has been subject to court disputes for years,” said Fr. Michael Pulikkal, Secretary of the KCBC Vigilance Commission. “The courts have consistently ruled in favor of the Ashram, including the upholding of lower court verdicts by the High Court. The latest encroachment coincides with a pending case in the Munsif Court, indicating this is a legal matter rather than a communal one.”
Fr. Pulikkal commended the Ashram and Church authorities for handling the situation with wisdom and restraint, avoiding communal interpretations despite provocations. The Commission also stated that George Parakkal and the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese are coordinating necessary measures to safeguard the property and ensure that justice is achieved through legal channels.
The KCBC Vigilance Commission reiterated its full support for the Marthoma Ashram’s stance and urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation that could inflame tensions. Legal proceedings remain the appropriate avenue to resolve the dispute, and authorities have been called upon to take firm action against those responsible for the illegal encroachment.