Thiruvananthapuram, 20 Oct (H.S.):

The Kerala government has reached a compromise to accommodate the Kanthapuram A.P. faction in the State Waqf Board, following strong objections over its exclusion from the recently reconstituted body.

Waqf Minister N. Shamsudheen said changes would be made to the announced board to ensure adequate representation. The government would move forward by taking everyone along, he told reporters.

As part of the reconciliation efforts, Shamsudheen is scheduled to meet Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar at the Karanthoor Markaz on Tuesday evening and explain the proposed arrangement.

The Chief Minister and Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty intervened directly to facilitate the negotiations. Ponnani MLA Noushad Ali also played a significant role in bringing the sides closer.

Under the proposed formula, a nominee of the Kanthapuram faction would be inducted into the Waqf Board. Existing member Thodiyoor Mohammed Kunhi Moulavi may resign to create the vacancy.

In return, the faction would relinquish the chairmanship of the State Haj Committee. Following the proposed resignation of incumbent chairman Hussain Saquafi Chullikkode, Mohammed Kunhi Moulavi would be appointed to the post.

Explaining the initial exclusions, Shamsudheen said the government had been required to follow strict category requirements while reconstituting the board. No organisation had been deliberately sidelined, he maintained.

Kunhalikutty had earlier described the faction’s grievance as justified and expressed confidence that discussions would produce an amicable settlement.

The agreement could pave the way for the withdrawal of district collectorate marches planned by the Kanthapuram faction on October 22 to protest its lack of representation.

Faction leaders are meeting separately in Kozhikode to decide their final position on the compromise. An official announcement is expected after the minister’s meeting with Kanthapuram.

The proposed exchange of positions remains subject to the resignations and appointments envisaged under the arrangement, while the faction’s decision on withdrawing the protests is awaited.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman