Centre, state should intervene in Munambam issue: Almaya Munnettam

The central and state governments should intervene effectively in the issue where over 600 families in Munambam are facing the “threat of displacement” over the Waqf property dispute, said Almaya Munnettam of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church.

“This is because they are empowered to do so under the Waqf Act of 1995. Any delay could create a division in the community,” said Shyju Antony, chairman of the forum that advocates transparency in the governance of the archdiocese. He spoke at a gathering on Saturday (November 16) to express solidarity with the affected families and assured the support of over six lakh members of the Archdiocese for the people of Munambam.

Expressing concern over the developments in Munambam and attempts to create communal polarisation, the state unit of the Indian Human Rights Movement has condemned the state government’s “delay” in amicably resolving the issue. Officials of the movement, led by President Felix J. Pulloden, also visited the agitating families at their protest site.

Meanwhile, the Apex Council of Ernakulam District Residents Associations (EDRAAC), chaired by its president P. Rangadasa Prabhu, urged the state government to take action to protect the land and houses of the affected families in Munambam and address their concerns to take away.