Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiran Rijiju, told the Waqf victims of Munambam that they would get their revenue rights to their land back. He promised to visit Munambam again after resolving the entire issue. He was addressing a “Thank You Modi” (Nandi Modi) programme in Munambam on April 15.
The Minister stated that the Modi government is committed to ensuring equal justice for all. He said the BJP government would not rest until their problems are solved. BJP does not see it as a political issue but as a humanitarian matter. He urged the people not to fall prey to the drama of the opposition parties. Kiran Rijiju said that although it was his first visit to Munambam, he was well aware of the issue. He added that he was ready to give assurance that the problem would be resolved. Narendra Modi is the leader capable of solving the problems faced by the people of Munambam.
Met Christian fishermen community in Munambam today along with MoS @GeorgekurianBjp ji, @BJP4Keralam President @RajeevRC_X ji, State BJP leaders.
Listening to their painful struggling for the land rights was moving. They deserve justice. #WaqfAmendmentAct will help their case. pic.twitter.com/hx8ri4I92F— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 16, 2025
The Minister added that there are several religions in the country and all enjoy equal rights. The Government is not against Muslims. The propaganda that the Waqf (Amendment) 2025 is a move by the Central Government against Muslims is absolutely incorrect. A centuries-old error is being corrected. This crucial decision was taken because the country is currently governed by a responsible and sensible administration. Changes have been made to the structure and powers of the Waqf Tribunal through a legal amendment. Therefore, if the tribunal’s verdict is unjust, the victims can approach the High Court and Supreme Court.
A clip of my address at Munambam in Kerala. Justice will be given the the suffering Fishermen families. pic.twitter.com/jfFHokKlTF
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 16, 2025
The Union Minister stated that the Centre has changed the uncivilised rule which authorised the Waqf Board to grab any land without rhyme or reason. Had this ridiculous law not been changed, the Waqf Board could have claimed any land across the country. The Centre amended the law after realising the consequences of its draconian clauses. Many people in the country have been facing Munambam-like issues. The Amendment ensures equal justice for all. Congress and other opposition parties are blaming the Centre for this. The Minister said that the necessary rules and regulations for implementing the Amendment would be formulated within three weeks. He was responding to the false propaganda of both Congress and CPM that the amendment would not help resolve the Munambam issue.
The Minister’s visit to Munambam on the 180th day of the agitation
BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Union Minister George Kurien also spoke on the occasion. The people of Munambam accorded a hearty welcome to Kiran Rijiju upon his arrival.
Earlier, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiran Rijiju, addressed a press conference in Kochi. Speaking to the media, the Minister said that his government does not target the Muslim community. However, the Government has corrected a historical error by amending the Waqf law. Without such an amendment, any land could have been declared as Waqf. The amendment is aimed at ensuring justice for all. Unfortunately, some politicians are exploiting it for their petty political gains. The Munambam incident will not be repeated anywhere else in the country. The Government has acted to protect the rights of ordinary citizens. He appealed to the minorities not to become vote banks for Congress and the Communists.
I'm blessed to meet Archbishop Dr. Joseph Kalathiparambil in Kerala.
Also had meetings with the Members of Syro Malabar Catholic Public Affairs Commission and the Members of Kerala Council of Churches. They thanked PM @narendramodi ji for passing the historic Waqf Amendment Act. pic.twitter.com/i5LkFVuibo— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 15, 2025
The Minister said that the people of Munambam can approach the Supreme Court in connection with the High Court verdict. The State Government should take follow-up action. The Ernakulam District Collector should re-examine the Munambam documents. The Government should issue necessary instructions in this regard. He added that vested interests could no longer intimidate the people of Kerala in the name of BJP.
Kiran Rijiju said that the Amendment removed Clause 40 of the old Waqf Act and was tabled in Parliament after detailed deliberations. Old issues cannot be repeated. Oral declarations will no longer make Waqf land—documentary evidence is essential. A supervisory role has been assigned to the District Collector to ensure impartiality and justice. People belonging to non-Muslim communities also face issues related to Waqf; hence, non-Muslims are included as well.
BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar assured the people of Munambam that he would arrange a meeting of their representatives with the Prime Minister shortly, in accordance with their wish.
The Minister also met senior priests of the Church. His visit has served as a morale booster for the poor natives of Munambam.
