The Archeparchy of Changanacherry, the de facto headquarters of the Catholic community in Kerala is upset and angry with both the CPI(M) and the Indian National Congress for their opposition to the Centre’s move to amend the Waqf Rules.
The Archdioceses of the entire Catholic community spread across the State strongly condemned the “unanimous” resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly which demanded the immediate annulment of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
More than 600 families in Munambam, a picturesque coastal village in Kochi are on the verge of being evicted from their land where they have been residing for generations.
“Out of the 600 and odd families which stand to lose their houses, 404 families are from the Christian community while the rest are from the Hindu community,” said Anup Thomas, a BJP leader who is in the forefront of the agitation along with Christian Alliance and Association for Social Action (CAASA).
According to Thomas, families of the Christian and Hindu communities face threats issued by various Islamist organizations in the State.
“The Waqf Board authorities claim ownership to more than 30,000 acres of prime land in the State and the plight of Munambam residents is just one case,” said Kevin Peter, president of CAASA.
The Archeparchy of Changanacherry has issued a statement on Saturday questioning the double standard of the CPI(M) and the Congress in the issue.
The Commissions for Social Harmony and Vigilance under the Archeparchy of Changanacherry and Eparachy of Kothamangalam, yet another power house of the Catholic community have demanded that the Kerala Legislative Assembly’s resolution demanding the annulment of the Centre’s Waqf Amendment Act be cancelled immediately or these parties were sure to face the wrath of the people.
The Catholic Church in the State is launching various kinds of agitations all over Kerala to ensure that the land belonging to members of Christian and Hindu communities should be returned to them.
The residents of people in Munambam are unable to remit land taxes because the revenue officials refuse to accept the same citing orders issued by the Governments that ruled the State from time to time.
M A Nissar, former district judge residing in Kannur and a devote Muslim had told The Pioneer that there were many discrepancies in the Waqf Land in the State. “The earlier they rectify the same, the better,” said Nissar.
George Netto, a resident of Munambam said that because of the legal issues caused by the Waqf Board, residents in the coastal village were not in a position to sell their own properties.
Two age-old temples, three Churches and a seminary (institution that trains wannabe Catholic priests) are housed in the village.
“All these properties fce uncertainty as the Waqf Board claims ownership to the land on which they stand. There never was any instance of communal discord in this village. We are all fishermen by profession,” said Sukumaran, a resident.
Father James Kockavayalil, Father Jacob Rathappillil and Joji Chirayil, leading the agitation against the claims of the Waqf Board declared on Monday that they were not at all against Muslims.
“We want justice to prevail. Fundamental rights should be made available to all citizens in the country and there should be no discrimination based on caste or religion,” they said in statements issued from Kothamangalam and Changnacherry.
