Shashi Tharoor Calls on Kerala Government to Swiftly Address Waqf Land Dispute in Munambam

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called on the Kerala government to address the Waqf land dispute in Munambam promptly. He urged authorities to avoid turning it into a communal issue. Residents of Cherai and Munambam in Ernakulam district claim that the Waqf Board is unlawfully seizing their land, despite them having valid deeds and tax receipts.

Protesters from Munambam village have appealed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for a permanent resolution to their land dispute with the Waqf Board. Tharoor, after meeting locals on a hunger strike for 96 days, stated, "It's not a Muslim-Christian issue, it's a technical-legal issue and should be resolved in that way. So let's not make it a communal conflict."

Tharoor's Appeal for Swift Action

Tharoor emphasised the need for immediate action by the state government to clarify the administrative and legal confusion surrounding the issue. He stressed that the matter should be resolved quickly to prevent further delays. "My appeal is no one should wait much more and the state government should not delay in establishing the facts on file what is happened," he said.

The MP from Thiruvananthapuram also highlighted the importance of concluding any ongoing judicial processes swiftly. He believes this will ensure that affected residents can reclaim their lands without unnecessary delays. "Whatever judicial process has already begun should be expeditiously concluded so that these people should get their lands," he added.

Response to RSS Chief's Remarks

In response to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's comment about India's independence being realised after the Ram temple consecration, Tharoor expressed disagreement. He stated, "Independence was won with a lot of sacrifices and hard work of a lot of people in our minds, starting with Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation."

Tharoor questioned how anyone could undermine the efforts of freedom fighters who sacrificed greatly for India's independence. "How can any responsible Indian denigrate the achievements of freedom fighters who have given their lives in several cases as well as their freedom in British jails to fight for the freedom that we take for granted today," he posed.

Support for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

The former union minister welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He expressed hope for lasting peace in the region, stating that "durable and permanent peace should be established."

Tharoor's comments reflect his commitment to addressing both local and international issues with clarity and urgency. His emphasis on resolving disputes through legal means highlights his approach to governance and diplomacy.