In a significant move towards promoting communal harmony, Catholic and Muslim leaders in Kerala have come together to discuss a long-standing land dispute that has been causing tension in the coastal village of Munambam, located in Ernakulam district.
The disputed land, believed to be a Waqf property, has become a point of contention between the Waqf Board, which governs land for Muslim charities, and local villagers who claim they legally purchased the land decades ago. The Waqf Board asserts that the land was donated by a Muslim individual in the 19th century and was meant for charitable purposes, while the villagers contend that they acquired the land through sale deeds, and they have been living there for over 40 years.
The issue has sparked protests from over 600 families, most of whom are Catholics, who fear eviction from their homes. The land dispute has gained significant public attention, with both Muslim and Catholic communities expressing concerns over the potential impact on social cohesion and the risk of the issue escalating into a sectarian divide.
Also Read: Dalit brothers murdered over land dispute in Gujarat
In a bid to resolve the issue peacefully, bishops from the 12 Latin rite dioceses in Kerala met with prominent Muslim leaders from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) at the Verapoly Archdiocesan headquarters in Kochi. The discussions focused on reviewing historical records, legal documents, and finding a transparent solution. Both parties expressed a commitment to resolving the issue through legal channels.
Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal, president of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Bishops’ Council, expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, stating that Muslim leaders had shown solidarity with the affected families and were willing to take steps to settle the issue legally. He emphasized that the talks aimed at fostering mutual understanding, in line with Kerala’s tradition of interfaith cooperation.
IUML Kerala president Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal called for immediate government intervention, suggesting a meeting involving all stakeholders, including Muslims, Catholics, and Hindus, to reach an amicable settlement. He stressed the importance of resolving the dispute to prevent further unrest.
Archbishop Joseph Kalathipramabil of Verapoly also welcomed the dialogue, expressing optimism about a peaceful resolution. However, he urged the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to step in and ensure the matter is resolved through legal means.
The dispute intensified in January 2022 when the Waqf Board’s claim to the land was brought to the attention of the affected families. Since then, the government has ceased accepting land tax payments from the villagers, further fueling tensions. Protest leaders argue that the land was not listed as a Waqf property when it was purchased, and that its designation as such in 2008 was arbitrary.
The dialogue between Catholic and Muslim leaders represents a hopeful step towards resolving the dispute, but the path forward remains uncertain. The affected families are hoping for a permanent solution that preserves their homes while respecting the legal rights of the Waqf Board.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)
