Kochi: The Syro Malabar Church Thursday reacted cautiously to the incident of pulling down of a 30-feet tall metal cross as part of an official anti-encroachment drive in the hill station of Munnar in Idukki district.
Church spokesman Fr Jimmy Poochakkatt opined that there was no issue in removing a cross erected on an encroached land but questioned the manner in which it was demolished in Munnar by the Idukki district administration as part of its anti- encroachment drive.
"Cross is a very important holy symbol in the Christian faith.. We have reservations in the manner in which it was demolished.
"At the same time we are of the opinion that any such symbol, whether it is religious or political, situated on an encroached land should be removed," Poochakkatt said.
He also said the state government should take steps to see that the drive in Munnar is not stopped in the name of such incidents.
"Some people try to rake up religious sentiments to sabotage such move by the government.. Authorities should beware of such forces," the priest said.