KOTHAMANGALAM: As Fr Thomas Paul Ramban of the Orthodox church is all set to enter the Mar Thoma Cheriapally in Kothamangalam, the police have intensified security around the church. The situation around the church is getting tensed as thousands of Jacobite church followers have gathered in protest against Ramban's entry. The Jacobite followers are currently conducting prayers inside the church. According to police, any attempt to draw them out and facilitate the entry of the Orthodox members can lead to violence.

Meanwhile, the petrol pump owners and employees in the area are facing a huge crisis as police have forbidden the supply of fuel until further notice. As per the order, consumers will not be able to collect fuel in bottles or in any other containers from any petrol pump in Kothamangalam. The order has been issued to avoid any attempts such as suicide threats in relation to the church dispute. All the pump owners and agencies in the area have received notice regarding the order. Notices have been pasted in order to inform the consumers of the development.