The People’s Convention organised by the Hindu Aikyavedi in Kochi has called on the Union Government to revoke the Waqf Rule. The convention expressed solidarity with the people of Munambam, who have been engaged in protests against the anti-democratic efforts by the Waqf Board to seize their land and displace them. Attended by hundreds of protestors, the convention held on November 8 at passed a resolution urging the revocation of the Waqf rule and declared full support for those affected in Munambam. It firmly asserted their commitment to stand with the victims “lock, stock, and barrel.” Several political, social, and community leaders, social workers, and writers participated in the convention, voicing their concerns. The resolution passed by the convention reads:
“Waqf is claiming the lands of Munambam natives through the anti-democratic Waqf rule. This unjust rule has driven them to a dire situation, affecting 620 families. The state government has denied the legitimate property rights of the natives of Munambam and several other areas. These affected families have lived there for several decades. Both the ruling and opposition fronts—the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF)—have betrayed the people of Munambam. Hindu Aikyavedi declares its solidarity with their right to protect their land.”
The Waqf rule is unjust and anti-constitutional; it should be abolished. The Nehru regime incorporated the Waqf into the system, granting the Waqf Board significant powers due to minority-appeasement politics. Later amendments in 1995 and 2013 gave the Waqf Board even greater authority, elevating it to a position above the country’s Constitution.
Even Islamic countries do not have such Waqf rules. Currently, the Waqf Board is the largest private landowner in the country, holding nine and a half lakh acres of land. A strong, united resistance from all of Kerala society is needed to put an end to this encroachment. The entire Kerala community must stand with full force to stop this unilateral invasion. The Waqf rule should be revoked, and a new Waqf rule should be introduced.
Kummanam Rajasekharan, senior BJP leader and former Mizoram Governor, BJP state vice president Dr K.S. Radhakrishnan, Ex-Muslims leader Dr Arif Hussein, writer M.V. Benny, Hindu Aikyavedi patron K.P. Sasikala Teacher, Hindu Aikyavedi state president R.V. Babu, Padma Shri M.K. Kunjol, BJP leader Adv. Shon George, Sun India representative Adv. Thomas Mathew, and social worker A.P. Ahmed spoke on the occasion.
The convention decided to hold a ‘Land Protection Rally’ in Munambam on November 11, followed by protest rallies in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode district centres. From 20 November onwards, rallies will also take place at the Panchayat level.
Meanwhile, the Waqf Board has started to claim more areas in the state. The latest report comes from Thalipparambu, Kannur, where the CPM has its strongest district unit in the country. The Jamaat Mosque is claiming 600 acres of land in the heart of Thalipparambu, one of the major towns in Kannur district. Many people have received eviction notices. The mosque claims that a gentleman named Nareekkode Illam Nambootiri ‘Waqfed’ this land to the mosque about 75 years ago. However, the landowners are vehemently opposing this claim, asserting that they legally purchased their lands at fair prices. They intend to substantiate their ownership by presenting title deeds, possession certificates, tax receipts, pattayam, and other necessary documents during the upcoming hearing. Those who have received notices have already responded through their lawyers.
Another Waqf claim has been reported from Chellanam, Kochi. The Waqf Board has reportedly included details of several properties in Chellanam in the list it submitted to the Union Government. Janam Malayalam TV channel has broadcast these details in their news bulletin. The affected residents in Chellanam are, again, poor fishermen, similar to those in Munambam.
Several writers, intellectuals, and cultural leaders have started to speak out strongly against the Waqf claims. The latest among them is Dr George Onakkoor, a retired professor and renowned critic. Dr Onakkoor expressed that the situation in Munambam is extremely troubling. The protests and tears of the Munambam residents cannot be overlooked. The government formulates rules and laws, and the courts are there to uphold them; no institution should be above the judiciary. If the government is sincere, it must rise to the occasion and take the necessary steps to protect ordinary people.
