NELLORE: A long-standing dispute over JMB Church in Ongole resurfaced on Sunday, leading to tension between two rival groups of the congregation.
The church committee has been split into two factions for years, conducting prayers separately while fighting legal battles over control. The issue escalated after the group led by Pastor Augustine claimed to have secured court permission and moved to conduct elections.
On Sunday, the Augustine faction attempted to enter the church premises to hold prayers, citing court approval. Members of the rival group opposed the move, resulting in a brief standoff.
Police rushed to the spot and were deployed in large numbers to prevent escalation. Ongole DSP Rayapati Srinivasa Rao intervened and held discussions with both groups.
He said both sides were prevented from entering the church to avoid any untoward incident, while regular devotees were allowed to offer prayers. Referring to a court directive on elections, he said the District Registrar is preparing to conduct the process, though objections have been raised.
Police said the situation is under control and a vigil is being maintained to prevent further clashes.
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