Congress MP from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, has been vocal in urging the Kerala government to act swiftly in resolving the ongoing Waqf land dispute in Munambam, a matter that has generated significant unrest among the local residents. The dispute centers on the allegations made by the residents of Cherai and Munambam in Ernakulam district, who claim that the Waqf Board is unlawfully laying claim to their land, despite them holding valid registered deeds and land tax receipts. The residents argue that their rightful ownership is being ignored, and the matter has led to months of protests, with approximately 610 families involved in the struggle.
In an effort to understand and bring attention to the ongoing issue, Tharoor visited the area where the locals have been on a hunger strike for 96 days. These protests are a clear indication of the frustration and desperation felt by the residents, who are fighting for their rights and for a resolution to the long-standing land dispute. Tharoor, speaking to reporters during his visit, described the issue as a "technical-legal issue" rather than a matter of communal conflict. He called on the Kerala government to address the matter from a legal and administrative perspective, emphasizing that it should not be sensationalized or politicized in any way.
“It’s not a Muslim-Christian issue, it’s a technical-legal issue, and should be resolved in that way,” Tharoor stated. He urged the authorities to avoid inflaming the situation by turning it into a communal conflict, as doing so would only worsen the tensions between the groups involved. Tharoor’s message was clear: the dispute should be resolved through proper legal channels and with due respect for the rights of all parties involved.
Furthermore, Tharoor made a strong appeal to the state government to act without delay in establishing the facts related to the issue. “My appeal is no one should wait much more, and the state government should not delay in establishing the facts on file regarding what has happened,” he said, expressing his concern that the matter had been prolonged far longer than necessary. He emphasized the importance of finding a swift and just solution to the dispute, one that would address the concerns of the residents while also upholding the rule of law.
In addition to his calls for government intervention, Tharoor also underscored the need for an expedited judicial process. The locals, who have been struggling with the uncertainty over their land rights for months, are looking for a quick resolution in the courts. Tharoor pointed out that whatever judicial processes have already been initiated should be concluded as quickly as possible, allowing the affected families to regain their land rights without any further hindrances. “Whatever judicial process has already begun should be expeditiously concluded so that these people should get their lands,” he said, reiterating the need for a swift resolution to the matter.
The dispute has been particularly challenging for the residents, who have been living on the land for years and are now fighting for their right to continue occupying it. The claims made by the Waqf Board have led to significant unrest in the community, with families protesting in the streets and demanding their rightful ownership. The ongoing hunger strike is a desperate attempt to bring attention to their plight and push the authorities to take immediate action.
In a related development, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously assured the residents of Munambam in November 2024 that no one would be evicted from the village. During a meeting with the Munambam Samara Samiti, an organization formed to advocate for the rights of the affected families, Vijayan assured them that the state government would work to resolve the issue in a way that would not cause undue hardship to the residents. The Chief Minister’s comments were intended to offer reassurance to the residents, who had been left feeling uncertain about their future. However, despite these assurances, the matter remains unresolved, and the protests have continued.
Tharoor’s intervention has brought renewed attention to the issue and highlighted the urgency of resolving the dispute. His statements have been welcomed by many of the residents, who are hopeful that his position within the Congress party and his influence in the state can help bring the matter to a swift and just conclusion. As the situation continues to evolve, it is clear that the need for an equitable solution is more urgent than ever. The residents of Munambam are hoping for a resolution that recognizes their rights and provides them with the certainty they need to continue their lives without the looming threat of eviction.
This land dispute has also brought to the forefront the broader issue of land rights and the complexities involved in resolving such conflicts in Kerala. The Waqf Board’s claim over the land is based on the argument that the property in question is Waqf land, which, under Islamic law, is a religious endowment. However, the residents argue that they have held the land for years, paying taxes and maintaining legal possession. The case is a reminder of the legal and administrative challenges involved in resolving land disputes, especially when historical claims and modern legal frameworks come into conflict.
In conclusion, the Waqf land dispute in Munambam continues to be a sensitive and complex issue that requires careful attention from both the government and the judiciary. Tharoor’s call for a legal and administrative solution, free from communal tensions, offers a constructive approach to resolving the matter. It is now up to the Kerala government and the judicial system to take the necessary steps to bring this long-standing dispute to a fair and just conclusion. The residents of Munambam and the wider community are eagerly awaiting a resolution that will allow them to move forward with certainty and peace of mind.
