Traditionally, the Syro Malabar rite was ad orientem, that is, facing the altar. However, after VII there were priests who lobbied for the “facing the people” position. They compromised and both postures were permitted, with people becoming accustomed to one posture or another (depending on what was standard at their parish). However, it has been a source of conflict since the 1970s (when the versus populum position was enforced through the Novus Ordo).
Bergoglio has been trying to impose VII uniformity, and it was decided that the Spyro-Malabar rite had to become more uniform. The only thing odd that the Vatican wants the ad-orientem posture, although it may not be Rome but simply the preference of this archbishop sent from Rome. Or it may be that the majority in India already followed the traditional ad-orientem use and this was a clumsy attempt to make it uniform.
I think it is really just to impose authority and certainly not to encourage reverence or orthodoxy, but it’s interesting that it’s the pro-vs populum crowd that is out there rioting.
Thank you.