Munambam action council calls off protest, splinter group takes it further

The Munambam action council called off its protest on Sunday after the revenue rights of the residents were partially restored by the High Court. However, a splinter group has decided to go ahead with the protest.

The protest was called off on the 415th day in the presence of Industries Minister P. Rajeeve and Revenue Minister K. Rajan. “The residents decided to temporarily call off the protest after the revenue authorities accepted property tax from them and started issuing possession certificates for the holdings. The protest could be revived if the promises are not met,” said Fr. Antony Xavier Tharayil, the action council convener.

He said the council would pursue the legal fight in the Waqf Tribunal and the High Court. While the tribunal will consider a case related to Munambam on December 5, the one pending before the High Court is likely to come up on December 17, he said.

Meanwhile, a section of the residents reportedly associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued their protest, alleging that the action council compromised the residents’ interests. The action council should have continued the protest till the issue was permanently resolved. Earlier too, the revenue rights were restored only to be withdrawn, said a leader of the Munambam Samara Samiti.

The protest was called off after Joseph Benny, action council leader, accepted lime juice from Mr. Rajeeve. Job Michel and K. N. Unnikrishnan, MLAs, were also present.