Munambam Land Protection Council meets Jose K. Mani, seeks government intervention

Leaders of the Munambam Land Protection Council met with Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] chairperson Jose K. Mani, MP, on Sunday (July 6), seeking his intervention in resolving the long-standing Waqf land issue.

The delegation, comprising Fr. Antony Xavier (patron of the council), chairperson Joseph Rockey and convener Joseph Benny, held a 45-minute discussion with Mr. Mani. They urged him to push for a permanent resolution to the land dispute and sought his support to bring the matter to the attention of the State government.

Speaking after the meeting, Fr. Rockey said Mr. Mani had been approached in his capacity as a representative of the community. He also acknowledged the supportive stance Mr. Mani had taken in the Rajya Sabha in favour of the protesting families in Munambam.

To expediate action

“Now that the judicial commission has submitted its report, we have requested Mr. Mani’s help in expediting government action. It has been 268 days since our protest began and it will complete one year on October 13. We are hoping for an early and lasting resolution,” he said.

Mr. Mani, for his part, assured the delegation that he would raise the issue with the State government.

“The matter is under the consideration of both the tribunal and a judicial commission. The concerns raised by the delegation will be brought to the attention of the Chief Minister and the relevant departments. We will do everything possible to address their grievances,” Mr. Mani said.

The Kerala Congress (M) regards the meeting as a positive outcome of its ongoing efforts to reach out to the predominantly Catholic families protesting in Munambam.

With Munambam residents

Earlier, during the discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Mani had made a pointed effort to align himself with the people of Munambam, who are locked in a legal dispute over land ownership before a Waqf tribunal. While he expressed partial support for certain provisions in the Bill, Mr. Mani ultimately voted against it.

In his speech, Mr. Mani had backed key clauses such as the provision allowing court challenges to Waqf Board rulings and another revoking the board’s unilateral power to designate land as Waqf property. At the same time, he voiced strong opposition to the Bill’s controversial provisions allowing non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and State Boards.