Kochi: The Waqf Board has announced plans to evict fisherfolk from Munambam to reclaim land, with the intention to proceed with legal actions to claim the land as their own, according to Waqf Board Chairman M.K. Zakir. The Board recently held a meeting to discuss Waqf properties, deciding to safeguard all lands under its jurisdiction. As part of this plan, they will take steps to reclaim the land in Munambam, while also considering possible public protests against their actions.
Without ownership documents from the revenue department, many local families face difficulties, unable to mortgage their own land for loans for their children’s weddings or education. Fisherfolk also struggle under harsh conditions, living under tarpaulins due to the inability to rebuild their damaged homes, and lacking resources for boat maintenance, which threatens their livelihood. Waqf’s decision is viewed as a challenge to these vulnerable people already in distress.
The Waqf Board’s approach to reclaiming the land in Munambam is strategic, including previous board members in this effort. A group called the Waqf Land Protection Committee has been established, and a petition was filed in the High Court asserting that the Munambam land belongs to the Waqf. Gradually, the Waqf Board itself joined as a party in the case. The Waqf claims rights over 440 acres in Munambam, though after sea encroachment, only 110 acres remain, where 610 families currently reside, who now face the threat of eviction.
Meanwhile, protests are intensifying against the Waqf Board’s encroachment, as residents fight for their right to live on their land. Recently, the BJP Minority Morcha organized a solidarity march, led by State President Jiji Joseph, and inaugurated by BJP State Vice President A.N. Radhakrishnan.
The march, which began from Beach Vanchitappal, concluded at the Velankanni Matha Church courtyard, where parish vicar Antony Xavier addressed the gathering. The closing session was inaugurated by BJP State Vice President Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan.
