CPI Kerala unit secretary Kanam Rajendran today defended removal of a cross erected on an encroached land in ecologically sensitive Munnar, saying the religious symbol had been "abused to cover up falsehood."
"This cross does not symbolise the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.. This cross is being used to encroach government land (in the state),"he told party workers in his May Day address here.
The leader of CPI, a key ally of the ruling LDF, said it was "unfortunate" that the cross which symbolises the supreme sacrifice was being abused to encroach government land.
A 30-feet tall metal cross put up by allegedly encroaching government land at Pappathichola in high range Munnar was pulled down last month as part of an anti-encroachment drive.
However, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had expressed strong displeasure over the manner in which the cross was removed by the Idukki district administration.
However, CPI has said that the Revenue department, held by the party MLA, was determined to evict encroachments from the government land in the state.
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