State Government Assurance Brings 413-Day Munambam Protest to an End

Kochi: The 413- day- long protest by the Land Protection Committee in Munambam has finally come to an end, following the High Court’s verdict and the collection of land tax from local residents. With the state government’s assurance now confirmed, the committee withdrew amid an atmosphere of relief and celebration.

At the protest site near Velankanni Matha Church, ministers P Rajeev, K Rajan, and MLA K N Unnikrishnan formally concluded the protest, presenting oranges to the committee leader Joseph Benny. Other dignitaries present included MLA Job Michael, Land Protection Committee guardian Fr. Antony Xavier Thara, CPI M district secretary S. Satheesh, CPI district secretary N Arun, and committee members Joseph Benny and Sebastian George.

Protesters expressed visible relief and gratitude, warmly welcoming the ministers and officials. Earlier, a High Court division bench had clarified that the Munambam land in question was not Waqf property. The state government further assured that no evictions would take place. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan personally informed the committee of the decision.

Retired Justice C N Ramachandran was appointed as a judicial commissioner to examine and report on the legal rights of the local residents. While the commission’s authority was initially questioned by a single bench, the division bench delivered a landmark verdict on October 10 confirming that Munambam land is not Waqf property. This paved the way for the interim order on November 26, allowing residents to proceed with their dues.

The Land Protection Committee had launched its protest on September 27, 2024.