KOCHI: The St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian church in Piravom witnessed tense moments on Monday afternoon after the police reached here to execute the Supreme Court order.People belonging to Jacobite faction had gathered inside the church premises and locked themselves in to prevent police from entering the church.In its order in 2017, the Supreme Court had given control of the church to Orthodox faction.The believers raised suicide threat if police attempt to attach the church and give it to orthodox section. Strong police contingent are waiting outside of the church and speaking to church leaders seeking cooperation in implementing the court order, but to no avail. Ernakulam SP (Rural) Rahul R Nair is also present at the spot.Some protesters even poured kerosene oil and threatened to self-immolate if police tries to enter the church. Several women supporters scaled the church walls to protest the police action.It has been learned that police are likely to back out due to the protest.Reacting to the standoff at the church, Piravom MLA Anoop Jacob said that government should reach an amicable settlement with both Jacobite and orthodox factions before implementing the court order.

Stay updated with all the Latest Kochi headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.