Waqf land dispute: Protesters urge Kerala CM for ‘permanent solution’

PTI Kochi: Protesters from Munambam village in Ernakulam district urged Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday to find a lasting solution to their ongoing land dispute with the Waqf Board, as their protest entered its 30th day. A delegation led by Bishop Ambrose Puthenveettil of the Kottappuram Diocese and Joseph Benny, convenor of the Munambam Bhoo Samrakshana Samiti, met with the Chief Minister during his visit to Kochi. After the meeting, Joseph Benny stated, “The Chief Minister informed us that the government is working on a permanent resolution. We are hopeful of a favourable outcome after the high-level committee meeting scheduled for November 22.” However, the protesters said their relay fast would continue.

“We are peacefully striking in front of Velankanni Matha Church in Munambam, and we will continue until a permanent solution is reached,” said a protest leader. Members of the Munambam Bhoo Samrakshana Samiti warned of extended protests if the issue remains unresolved. Industries and Law Minister P Rajeeve and Vypin MLA K N Unnikrishnan also attended the talks. After the meeting, Minister P Rajeeve said, “The government will not evict anyone; we are working towards a permanent solution.” Further, he added that a high-level meeting, initially scheduled earlier, was postponed to November 22 due to the state by-polls.

The ongoing protests in Munambam over Waqf land claims have intensified, with the Syro-Malabar Church organising solidarity events across 1,000 churches on Sunday. Residents in Cherai and Munambam allege that the “Waqf Board is unlawfully claiming” their land and property, despite residents holding registered deeds and land tax receipts.