Centre issues notice to Kerala Waqf Board after BJP complaint over Munambam land

Thiruvananthapuram: The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has issued a notice to the Kerala Waqf Board over the Munambam land dispute following a complaint by BJP state president and MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Chandrasekhar had written to Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, alleging that the Waqf Board had unilaterally registered several properties — including around 404 acres in Munambam — on the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal. He argued that, under the UMEED framework, only the concerned mutawalli (caretaker) is authorised to upload land details to the portal and that direct registration by the board amounted to an overreach and was unlawful.

In response to the representation, the Centre has asked the Kerala Waqf Board to provide an explanation.

BJP leaders welcomed the ministry’s action as proof that the Central government is taking the concerns of Munambam residents and various organisations seriously. The party said it has consistently sought to protect the property rights and livelihoods of those affected.

Chandrasekhar warned that adding disputed lands to the UMEED portal while ownership matters are sub judice raises serious legal and administrative issues. He said similar complaints have been raised from other parts of the state, including Taliparamba, and that the BJP will continue to press for interventions where needed.

He added that the Centre’s notice is an important step for Munambam residents seeking redress and reiterated the party’s commitment to pursue legal and administrative action to protect genuine landowners and prevent unlawful disposals.

(Inputs from IANS)