Clash breaks out during Christmas celebrations in Kerala’s Alappuzha; several kids, women injured | Kochi News

KOCHI: Clashes broke out between two groups of Christmas carol singers in Kerala’s Alappuzha late on Christmas Eve, leaving several people injured, police said on Thursday. The incident took place in the Nooranad area at around 11.30 pm, when a disagreement between the two groups escalated into a physical confrontation, according to the police. According to news agency PTI, tension reportedly rose during the carol rounds as members from both sides confronted each other, leading to the clash. Some media reports said that women and children were among those injured. A police officer said the injured persons had visited hospitals for treatment, and further details were awaited. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, police said, adding that an investigation into the incident has been launched.Special prayer services began on Wednesday evening and concluded with midnight masses, drawing thousands of faithful to churches across Kerala to observe one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. The head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Raphael Thattil, led Christmas prayers at Mount St Thomas in Kakkanad, Kochi. Addressing the congregation, he reflected on the challenges people face in life and encouraged them to find strength by turning to Christ, who was born in a humble manger. He said faith gives the courage to rise above difficulties. He added that Christmas opens new doors of hope and possibilities, and said the festival should inspire people to move forward with renewed faith, guided by the light of the Christmas star. The celebrations, however, took place amid growing concern over reports of attacks on Christians and disruptions to Christmas events in different parts of the country. The Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, described the situation, where believers are allegedly forced to live in fear in several regions, as extremely serious. He reminded people that Christmas is a day of hope and joy, and said believers should be able to celebrate freely without fear. He also said there were deliberate attempts to reduce the importance of Christmas, but stressed that the message of Christ could never be erased from the land. Calling for peace, he urged people to pray for those spreading hatred and appealed to those in power to govern with justice and a sense of responsibility.