THRISSUR: Spirit In Jesus on Saturday lashed out at the district administration over its decision to remove the giant cross at Pappathichola, saying it had hurt the sentiments of believers.
It also warned of legal action against those behind the move.Babu P T, Spirit In Jesus, Idukki coordinator, said they had been unnecessarily dragged into controversy.
He clarified they did not encroach on government land and the site where the cross was installed belonged to Mariyasusai, son of Michael, who owns about four acres of land.
Mariyasusai is a follower of Spirit In Jesus and two years ago he had approached them for financial assistance to help renovate the old cross, which had been put up by his grandfather over 60 years ago.
The organisation just renovated the cross and they had no other rights on the land. John E C, Mumbai coordinator, Spirit of Jesus, said Mariyasusai had already applied for getting patta (title deed) for the land.He insisted no notice had been issued to them. As for the notice pasted on the cross,John said, Mariyasusai had replied to it.