A major controversy has erupted in Kerala after Pakistani and Chinese flags were hoisted alongside the Indian national flag during a 40-day prayer session organised by a Pentecostal group in Udayamperoor, near Thrippunithura in Kochi. The incident, which took place at the Jesus Generation Auditorium in Kandanadu, came to light when a local resident visiting for a social event spotted the flags and alerted the public.
Soon after, BJP workers led by Ernakulam City District General Secretary Sreekkuttan Thudathil staged a protest outside the venue. Police reached the spot, conducted a search of the premises, and seized the flags of China and Pakistan. A case has been registered on June 8.
The auditorium is said to be owned by Church pastor Deepu Jacob, a native of Udayamperoor. He organised the 40-day pastoral prayer session, attended by nearly 200 devotees. Reports indicate that the flags of Pakistan and China were hoisted alongside Bharat’s tricolour. Deepu told the police that he had purchased the Pakistani flag during a visit to China.
Police summoned Deepu Jacob for questioning at the station. He was later released. The BJP has demanded legal action against him for anti-national activities, citing the hoisting of the Pakistani flag and the alleged desecration of the Indian national flag.
According to reports, Deepu claimed the prayer camp was intended to promote world peace, and thus they displayed the flags of about twenty countries, including Pakistan.
Pastor Aneesh Anand and Brother Deepu Jacob were the organisers of the prayer camp. Pastor Babu Cheriyan (Power Vision & Indian Pentecostal Church, Piravom) led the prayers.
Political observers and nationalist organisations have termed this a serious matter. They believe it highlights, in stark terms, that Kerala has become a haven for anti-national elements.
BJP leader Sreekkuttan Thudathil told Organiser that the party will draw the attention of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to the incident. They intend to request a probe into the sources of Brother Deepu’s income. He was once a layman, but now owns a large air-conditioned auditorium and several commercial properties in Kochi.
Being insensitive to the ongoing developments, conflicts, and threats posed by Pakistan and China is deeply concerning. Pakistan-sponsored terrorists recently targeted and killed tourists in Pahalgam after verifying their religion. Meanwhile, China continues its provocations along the borders and has been implicated in espionage activities. Both countries have acted against India’s national interest—Pakistan through cross-border terrorism and China by supporting such agendas on international platforms under the guise of diplomacy. These actions reflect both diplomatic and military aggression towards India. In this context, the act of hoisting Pakistani and Chinese flags by a church pastor raises serious questions about his intent and sense of responsibility as a citizen.
