The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has sought a report from the Chief Secretary, Kerala, regarding the disruption of Christmas Eve celebrations at St Thomas Church in Palayur, Thrissur. In a report tabled in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju on violence against Christian community and complaints received in connection with such incidents, it was cited that the NCM sought a report from the Kerala government based on a petition filed by Justin Jacob.

According to the complaint, the police prevented the carol from being sung and threatened to dispose of Christmas decorations, including a tree, lights, and crib, despite the event taking place within the church compound on December 24, 2024, at Palayoor St Thomas Church, Thrissur. The incident stirred up a row in Kerala.

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The sub-inspector Vijith reportedly disallowed the use of loudspeakers for carol songs, saying that the church authorities didn't take prior permission. It was also alleged that the police behaved rudely, and although Suresh Gopi MP was informed, the inspector refused to talk to him over the phone. The church authorities had said that police had caused tension on church premises before the visit of Syro-Malabar church major archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil.

The report also notes that a petition was received from Shashi Tharoor MP on attacks on Christians in India in 2021. The NCM sought reports from Chief Secretaries of Uttrakhand, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Kerala. A report was received from Government of Kerala in which it was informed that no incidents were reported in Kerala, and strict action will be taken against anyone engaging in crimes that disturb communal harmony in society.

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