KOCHI: A team of priests and devotees led by Thomas Paul Raban of the Orthodox faction reached to enter the Marthoma Cheriya Pally at Kothamangalam where a dispute exists. However, devotees of Jacobite faction were firm in their stand and denied permission for them to enter the church. A tense situation is prevailing in front of the church.

The RDO present there asked everyone to cooperate in executing the court verdict and said that it is unlawful to stand in front of the church. Legal action will be taken if not withdrawn from the protests. Thee RDO warned that if not permitted to implement the court order, force will be used.

A large contingent of police has been deployed in the area considering the tense situation. The Orthodox faction came to enter the church following the Supreme Court order. The Jacobites camped in the church last night itself to prevent the entry of Orthodox faction. Many including Ramban were injured in a clash that broke out between the two factions days before.