Waqf Bill brings no benefits, says Kozhikode Archbishop; CM to hold discussions with bishops regarding Munambam issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will hold discussions with bishops of the Christian Church regarding the Munambam issue. The Chief Minister’s intervention comes through K.V. Thomas, Kerala’s representative in Delhi. This move follows the Centre’s clarification that the new Waqf Bill will not help resolve the Munambam issue.

The discussion is expected to take place after Easter. Addressing the media, Kozhikode Archbishop Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal confirmed that the Church leaders will engage in discussions with the Chief Minister. He noted that it is now evident that the Waqf Bill offers no tangible benefits. The Church had supported the Bill initially, believing it would help resolve the Munambam issue, but Archbishop Chakkalakal stated that this stance may be reconsidered in light of the current developments. His remarks came during a 'Meet the Press' event held in Kozhikode.

Organizations, including KCBC, had extended support to the Waqf Bill in the hope that it would provide a permanent solution to the Munambam issue. However, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju recently indicated that the legal battle would still need to continue to resolve the matter. Meanwhile, the BJP leadership has informed that the Prime Minister will meet with representatives of the Munambam protest committee. The Syro-Malabar Church also expressed disappointment, stating that politicians had misled them and that legal amendments would not bring about a permanent resolution.