"Waqf Board claims"BJP's youth leader Adv. Shone George visited Union Minister for Minority Welfare Kiran Rijju

Waqf Board claims, BJP's youth leader Adv. Shone George from Kerala state  visited Union Minister for Minority Welfare Kiran Rijju yesterday.

Union Minority Welfare Minister Kiran Rijju was able to convince the people of the difficulties and threats faced by the residents of Munambam due to the Waqf Act.

Referring to the Church-backed protest in Munambam by residents facing a land dispute, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju launched a scathing attack on the Congress, which has opposed the amendments brought by the Union Government to amend the Waqf Act, urging it to 'stop treating Muslims as a vote bank and work for every community.

The development comes after ongoing protests in Munambam over Waqf land claims intensified, with the Syro-Malabar Church organising solidarity events across 1,000 churches on Sunday.

In a post on 'X' after receiving a representation of Munambam land case in Kerala from BJP leaders Rajiv Chandrasekhar and Shone George, Rijiju said, "After claiming the lands from nearly 600 families in Munambam, the Waqf is now claiming ownership of Thaliparamba town in Kannur, including 600 acres in the city center. I've assured for full justice."

Residents in Cherai and Munambam in Ernakulam district allege that the "Waqf Board is unlawfully claiming" their land and property, despite residents holding registered deeds and land tax receipts.

The Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-led LDF recently passed a unanimous resolution in the state assembly opposing the BJP-led Centre's Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which challenges provisions in the existing Waqf law.

In opposition to the bill, the Church claims that properties held by Christian families for generations in Cherai and Munambam, have been "unlawfully claimed" by the Waqf Board under provisions of the current Act.

Former Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar was also present.

The minister also assured that the people of Munambam will be protected by law. This Kirata Act imposed by the Congress will bring a change repeated his support.