Removal of cross: Pinarayi expresses displeasure

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday expressed strong displeasure over the manner the Revenue officials pulled 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.

Vijayan said the steps taken by the district administration have resulted in some misunderstanding among a particular section of the society.

"A cross which was there was destroyed as part of an anti-encroachment drive.. The government viewed the matter very seriously," he said in Kottayam.

The cross, set up under the garb of spiritual tourism atop a hilly area, was brought down with the help of earth movers Thursday morning.

It was set up on a 30-acre piece of land allegedly impinged by a group of people calling itself, Spirit of Jesus.

Besides the cross, some thatched sheds and a prayer hall too were also demolished as part of the operation.