Kochi, 19 Oct (H.S.):

Keralam Waqf Board chairman M.C. Mayin Haji has asserted that the disputed land at Munambam is Waqf property, contradicting Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s stated position and placing the government’s handling of the issue under renewed scrutiny.

Speaking to reporters, Mayin Haji said the land had been registered as Waqf property in 2019 by a board of which he was also a member. He maintained that the board could act only within the framework of the law.

According to him, the government should intervene to assist residents facing the prospect of losing their homes, as the dispute directly concerns their shelter and livelihoods.

“The land at Munambam has already been registered as Waqf property. Anyone who considers the board’s action unjust can appeal against it,” he said.

Mayin Haji said providing assistance to people whose homes were at risk was the government’s responsibility. The board, he added, had no scope to take any other course beyond what the law permitted.

His remarks run counter to Satheesan’s earlier declaration that the disputed Munambam land was not Waqf property. The Chief Minister had reiterated that his position remained unchanged and said the minister concerned would explain the government’s proposed response.

Satheesan had also attributed the registration of the property on the Union government’s UMEED portal for Waqf properties to the board appointed by the previous administration.

The disagreement brings into focus the distinction between the government’s political position and the board’s insistence on the legal implications of the existing registration.

While serving as Leader of the Opposition, Satheesan had described Munambam as an issue that could be resolved within 10 minutes of assuming power.

The chairman’s latest statement leaves the government facing questions over how it intends to reconcile its assurance to residents with the board’s position that any challenge must follow the appeals process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman