Munambam action council at a crossroads but to wait for now

Kochi: The land agitation council in Munambam, which expected a major announcement from Union minister Kiran Rijiju to resolve the long-standing dispute in the area during his visit on Tuesday, was left disappointed as nothing significant happened. However, the council has decided to wait for three more weeks as "requested by Centre" before determining the next course of action.

"Until our demands are met, we won't back down. This concerns 610 families and the future of their children. Justice delayed is justice denied and no political party seems to understand this. The minister acknowledged our concerns and has assured us of his support," said action council chairman Fr Antony Xavier.

Fr Xavier also said the issue could have been resolved long ago, either by the central or the state govt. He said the council had requested the new law to have retrospective effect but that demand, along with other suggestions, was not considered. "We also sought clarity on how the bill would impact us and the authorities said they would respond once the new provisions are drafted," he said.

The Syro-Malabar Church, meanwhile, expressed disappointment that the matter might have to be taken to court instead of being resolved through parliamentary procedures.

"While presenting the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, Rijiju promised it would bring a permanent solution to Munambam issue. However, during his visit here, he said the amendment alone can't resolve the matter and hinted that it may need to be settled by Supreme Court," said Syro-Malabar Church spokesperson Fr Antony Vadakkekkara.

Centre deceived people of Munambam: Cong

Opposition leader VD Satheesan said Centre deceived the people of Munambam while the state govt betrayed them by approaching the court against the waqf tribunal.

Satheesan said at a news conference that the state govt wasted an opportunity to resolve the issue. "UDF has been saying from the beginning that the new waqf law would not solve the Munambam issue and now everyone realises it. The new law might lead the Munambam issue into a never-ending legal problem. The family that donated the land and the Farook College management, which purchased it, stated at the tribunal that the land was not waqf property. Both the sellers and buyers of the land have aligned with the UDF's stance. In this context, a favourable position emerged from the waqf tribunal. However, the state govt had the waqf board file a case in the high court, staying the waqf tribunal's proceedings," he said.