The relay hunger strike by Munambam Waqf land victims has entered its fourth week, drawing growing support from various community leaders, local bishops, and the Church. They have pledged to stand in solidarity until justice is achieved. On October 31, the 18th day of the strike, Bishop Dr. Ambros Puthenveettil of the Kottappuram Diocese addressed the gathering in Munambam, condemning the Waqf ‘invasion’ and calling it as ‘a flaw of the country’s democracy’. He demanded for the restoration of revenue rights to the victims over their lands and homes.
The Bishop added that the media, who are supposed to be the watchdogs of democracy, are evading the issue and are therefore flawed as well. He assured that he and the Kottappuram Diocese would stand with the Munambam victims until they receive justice.
The Munambam Waqf issue in Kerala centres on a dispute over land claims made by the Kerala State Waqf Board, which asserts ownership of properties legally purchased by Christian families from Farooq College authorities. This conflict affects nearly 620 families of Munambam, a coastal village in Ernakulam district, who are at risk of losing their homes and lands, resulting in significant mental anguish among residents.
Kottappuam Diocese Vicar General Monsignor Rocky Robi Kalathil, Chancellor Fr. Shabu Kunnathoor, Fr Ajay Kaithara, Kollam Diocese Priest Fr. Romans Antony, Vishwa Dharmam editor Prof. Marshal Frank and Kanjirappalli Diocese Kattappana Forane priests Nobi Vellappilli and Fr. Shibin Stephern visited the pandal to express their solidarity with the victims.
Munambam victim Joseph Benny, who has taken legal action against the Waqf Board by moving the Kerala High Court, stated that they have faith only in the BJP, expressing distrust towards all other political parties. He recalled that the Kerala High Court, in 1975, confirmed that the land they occupy belonged to Farooq College under a gift deed. In 1987, Farooq College passed the resolution and sold the lands to them (Joseph Benny and others) for monies. They used and spent those monies for constructing the college. And, people lived there peacefully.
However, when residents went to pay taxes in January 2022, they were informed it was no longer possible due to the 1995 Waqf Act. Benny asserted that this rule must be amended, as it poses challenges to democracy and creates social disharmony—an amendment he believes the BJP government is pursuing for the country’s stability. He states amendment is necessary for the country and the social harmony. He further expressed distrust in other parties, criticising their repeated yet unfulfilled assurances that the residents’ rights would remain secure.
The Munambam victims had raised the issue with the Waqf Minister multiple times, but each discussion ended with the Minister’s unwavering stance that the land belonged to the Waqf, leaving no room for reconsideration. The next round of discussions was held with the local MLA in Thiruvananthapuram, resulting only in permission to pay taxes as though it were ‘Waqf land’ rather than land owned by the residents themselves. Further proposals in discussion included options for the government to either take over the Munambam land and grant it to the current occupants or provide the Waqf Board with alternate land elsewhere.
Earlier, Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangat of Pala, also visited the Munambam relay hunger strike and stated that Bharat does not need religious laws that fall outside Revenue Rules. The Bishop stressed that Munambam is the product of the sweat, strain, hard work, and efforts of the Christian community.
The Bishops personal visit and public speeches denote the significance the Church places on the issue.
An increasing number of Christian priests and community members now recognise the BJP as their only defender, as pseudo-secular parties continue to compete in appeasing radical Islamic forces.
Kerala Legislative Assembly both LDF (ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front) and UDF (Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front) passed unanimous resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Bill introduced by the Union government in Parliament. Meanwhile, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and Kerala Catholic Bishops Council have written to the JPC, urging amendments to the 1995 Waqf Act.
They indicate that the Christian minorities are no longer blind supporters of the UDF and LDF.
Despite the imminent bye-elections in the Chelakkara and Palakkad assembly constituencies and the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, both the LDF and UDF continue to support the Waqf’s stance.
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