Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has been accused of betraying the 600 families of Munambam Waqf victims. These families, who have occupied the disputed land for generations, are now facing despair following the government’s decision to appoint a Judicial Commission headed by Justice (Retd) C.N. Ramachandran Nair, former Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.
The high-level meeting, chaired by CM Vijayan on November 22, decided to file a petition in the High Court while entrusting the Judicial Commission to resolve the issue. This move, however, has been widely criticized by the victims and observers, who see it as a ploy to stall their agitation and defer action indefinitely.
Protests Erupt in Munambam
Angered by the government’s decision, the affected families carried out torch-bearing marches in the streets of Munambam, expressing their discontent. The Munambam Action Council has rejected the formation of the Judicial Commission, vowing to continue their agitation.
Observers have pointed out that the high-level meeting, which included Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leaders, appeared to be more of a political performance than a genuine attempt to address the issue. IUML state president Panakkad Sayid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal and general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty met with the Arch Bishop of the Varappuzha Archdiocese before the meeting, raising questions about the sincerity of the process.
While the government maintains that no one with legal title deeds will be evicted, it has remained silent on the broader legal rights of the landowners. Critics argue that the appointment of the Judicial Commission is a calculated move to dilute the intensity of the agitation.
The Waqf Protection Council, supporting the Waqf Board’s claim over the Munambam land, reiterated that the disputed lands belong to the Waqf. This position was discussed in a Waqf Tribunal meeting in Kozhikode just before the high-level talks in Thiruvananthapuram. Although the tribunal deferred its decision to December 6, it has further fueled tensions among the affected families.
Key Decisions from the High-Level Meeting
Judicial Commission: The commission has been tasked with resolving the issue within three months. However, there are concerns that its tenure could be extended, delaying justice further.
Legal Safeguards: The government has assured that those with legal title deeds will not be evicted and that their rights will be protected.
Government Orders: The state will issue specific orders to guide the Judicial Commission in reaching a final legal solution.
CM Vijayan is expected to meet with the Munambam Action Council online to urge them to call off their protests.
Munambam Action Council’s Stand. The Action Council has firmly rejected the government’s proposals and has vowed to continue its agitation until a fair resolution is reached. “We cannot accept the Judicial Commission as a solution. This is just a ploy to silence our voices,” said a council representative.
