Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 2 (PTI) – The Kerala government has reaffirmed its support for the judicial commission investigating the Munambam Waqf land dispute, a day after the panel temporarily halted its operations. Law and Industries Minister P Rajeeve emphasized on Sunday that the state had granted full independence to the Justice C N Ramachandran Nair Commission and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of eligible occupants in the coastal village.
The commission, set up to probe the ongoing land dispute in Munambam, suspended its activities following the state government's submission to the Kerala High Court that the panel lacked judicial or quasi-judicial authority and could not enforce its recommendations. Justice Ramachandran Nair clarified that the commission would remain inactive until the High Court delivers its final verdict on a petition challenging its appointment.
Government’s Stand on the Issue
Minister Rajeeve assured that the government would examine the commission’s findings to determine legal measures to safeguard the residents of Munambam from displacement. "The government has the constitutional authority to take necessary steps to protect these people and ensure their legal rights," he stated, adding that the state remains committed to standing by the affected families.The state’s position came in response to a petition filed by the Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi, Ernakulam, which challenged the formation of the commission. The government maintained that the commission was solely a fact-finding body without the authority to adjudicate land ownership disputes.
BJP’s Continued Support for Protesters
Meanwhile, BJP state president K Surendran reinforced his party’s stance, vowing to prevent the eviction of any of the 600 families allegedly facing displacement due to the Waqf Board’s claims. Speaking at a gathering of the ‘Munambam Bhoo Samrakshana Samiti’—a protest group on a 113-day relay hunger strike—Surendran asserted that the BJP had supported the movement from its inception and would continue to do so until a resolution is reached.Accusing other political leaders of shifting their positions on the matter, Surendran remarked, "Some leaders express solidarity with Munambam residents, only to change their stance within 24 hours. This is the result of their distorted secular perspective."
He also questioned whether the Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan still stood by his earlier statement that the Waqf Board had no legal claim over the disputed land.
Call for Parliamentary Action
Highlighting a broader legislative approach, Surendran advocated for the Waqf Act Amendment, asserting that its passage in Parliament would offer a permanent solution to land encroachments by the Waqf Board, including in Munambam. He further demanded that the Kerala Assembly withdraw its earlier resolution against the amendment and urged the state’s 28 MPs to back the legislation.Residents’ Concerns Persist
In Cherai and Munambam, villages in Ernakulam district, residents have strongly opposed the Waqf Board’s claims, arguing that they possess valid land deeds and tax payment receipts. Many fear eviction despite having official documentation proving their ownership.As the dispute continues, all eyes are now on the Kerala High Court’s verdict, which is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the future of the Munambam land controversy.
