To keep waqf land row from spiralling, Muslim delegation calls on bishops in Kerala

The Left government's delay in solving the issue had come under criticism from the Opposition Congress after BJP stepped into the issue in a bid to get closer to the Christian community in Kerala.

Kozhikode Bishop Varghese Chakkalakkal, one of the bishops who took part in the discussion, said, “IUML has declared their solidarity with the people of Munambam.

A delegation of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Monday held discussions with bishops of Latin Catholic Church in Kerala to ensure that the waqf land controversy at Munambam in Ernakulam does not snowball into a communal issue.

IUML leadership led by state president Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal met 16 bishops of the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala at the headquarters of Varapuzha archdiocese in Kochi to find an amicable solution for the vexed land issue.

After the meeting, Thangal told the media that there are legal issues on which the government should take decision without delay. “All stakeholders in the issue should be convened to find a solution. The issue can be solved. The Government should intervene in the issue at the earliest,’’ he said.

Kozhikode Bishop Varghese Chakkalakkal, one of the bishops who took part in the discussion, said, “IUML has declared their solidarity with the people of Munambam. They are confident that the issue can be solved. We also have the same view,’’ he said.

Also Read | What is Munambam waqf land dispute which has led to protests by Christians, Hindus

Earlier, Thangal had convened a meeting of all leading Muslim organisations, where it was decided that occupants of the waqf land should not be evicted. IUML also could convince other Muslim organisations about the fallout of adopting a hardline approach on the issue.

The Chief Minister has convened a meeting on November 22 to discuss the matter. The Left government’s delay in solving the issue had come under criticism from the Opposition Congress after BJP stepped into the issue in a bid to get closer to the Christian community in Kerala. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje had visited Munambam last week and alleged that the Waqf Board was waging a land jihad. BJP has also extensively used the Waqf land row in the by-poll campaigning.

Shaju Philip

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

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