THRISSUR: Yuhanon Mar Meletius, the metropolitan bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church's Thrissur Diocese, has denounced the attacks that took place during Christmas celebrations in some parts of Palakkad district. In a post shared on Facebook, he wrote, "There, bishops are being honoured, and the crib is being worshipped. Here, the Christmas crib is being destroyed."

His comments were in response to two incidents: threats issued by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) district leaders during Christmas celebrations at Nallepilly Government UP School in Chittur, Palakkad, and the destruction of the Christmas crib at Chenthamara Nagar GB UP School in Thathamangalam.

After the VHP leaders arrived and issued threats against the Christmas celebrations at Nalleppilly Government UP School, the Christmas crib at Thathamangalam Chenthamara Nagar GB UP School was found destroyed. Following the incidents, Minister K Krishnankutty announced that a special investigation team, led by the Chittur DySP, has been assigned to probe both incidents. Investigations are being carried out by focusing on CCTV footage from nearby shops and houses.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently attended a Christmas celebration organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.