Munambam Waqf issue quietly gaining state-level attention

KOCHI: The struggle of 614 families to retain their land in the coastal region of Munambam is gaining big attention. In a recent development, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church announced its support for the protest led by the Latin Catholic Church. The protest gaining traction across the state has given nightmares to the LDF-UDF front, as they fear erosion in the Christian vote base. Palakkad BJP candidate C Krishnakumar visited the protest site in Munambam and offered solidarity to the protestors.

The BJP candidate's visit was just one day after Bishop Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church advised his followers to vote for a third alternative in elections. This is viewed as an implicit endorsement of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Palakkad Diocese Bishop Fr Peter Kochupurackal had already clarified that the church would support those taking a positive stand on the Munambam issue. The Hindu Aikya Vedi will stage a land conversation protest at Devaswom Nada Cherai. Popular leaders KP Sasikala, RV Babu, and Valsan Thillankeri will participate in the event, demanding an end to the Waqf atrocities. Starting from November 20th, the Hindu Aikya Vedi plans to conduct several such events across the state.

“The Munambam movement was able to convince the people of the horrors of the Waqf Act. The LDF-UDF front is keeping mum over the issue even while the whole nation is discussing it.” – C Krishnakumar.