Kerala Church Stands Firm in Munambam Land Dispute

In Kerala's Munambam, protests over Waqf land claims escalate with the Syro-Malabar Church leading solidarity initiatives. Church figures demand government intervention in the disputed land issues affecting local residents. Meanwhile, political opposition to the Waqf Bill amplifies tensions around land ownership and civil rights.

The escalating tensions in Munambam, Kerala, have reached a new peak as the influential Syro-Malabar Church steps up its support for local protests against the Waqf Board's land claims. Solidarity events were orchestrated by the All Kerala Catholic Congress across 1,000 churches.

In affected areas like Cherai and Munambam, residents claim unlawful land grabs, leading to a call for government intervention from church leaders including Major Archbishop Raphel Thattil, who emphasizes that the issue requires a democratic resolution.

Tensions rise with political shifts as the Syro-Malabar Church and local entities criticize the LDF and UDF's stance against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, fearing it legitimizes disputed claims and fails to respect the rights of longstanding residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)