Rijiju explained that without the amendments to the law, there was a risk that any land could be declared as Waqf land.
Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated on Tuesday that the Waqf Act is not targeted against Muslims and that the government is correcting a long-standing mistake through legal amendments.
At a press conference in Kochi, the minister remarked that some individuals are spreading misinformation suggesting that the government is targeting the Muslim community, which he described as completely incorrect. “We will ensure that incidents like Munambam are not repeated anywhere in the country, and that justice is served to the people of Munambam,” he added.
Rijiju explained that without the amendments to the law, there was a risk that any land could be declared as Waqf land. “Our government introduced the amendment bill after recognizing this danger,” he noted.
The union minister urged the Kerala government to take immediate action to resolve the Munambam issue. He called on the District Collector to instruct the Survey Commissioner to review all steps taken so far.
“Both the LDF and UDF should refrain from engaging in vote bank politics. Justice must be served in Munambam, and no community should be regarded as a vote bank. The Muslim community should not become a vote bank for the Congress or the Communists,” Rijiju emphasized.
He indicated that the people of Munambam may need to continue their legal battle. Since the matter is currently under consideration by the court, he advised that a resolution should be sought through legal channels. The recent amendments have altered the powers and structure of the Waqf Tribunal; therefore, if they disagree with the Tribunal's decision, those affected can approach the High Court or the Supreme Court for redress.
Rijiju stated that, technically, it can be asserted that the issues in Munambam will be resolved through the court system.
BJP State President Rajiv Chandrasekhar claimed that the state government is attempting to deny the constitutional rights of the people of Munambam. He questioned why the Muslim League, part of the UDF, is challenging the amendment in the Supreme Court.
Kiren Rijiju inaugurated a public meeting titled "Thank You Modi - Bahujana Kootayama" in Munambam later in the evening. The purpose of the meeting was to express gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government for passing the Waqf Bill, which will protect the homes and livelihoods of families living in Munambam.
The programme was organised by the agitating people to express gratitude to the Centre for bringing the Act. The Kerala State Waqf Board has staked ownership of 404 acres of land in Munambam where 610 families mainly Christians and Hindus are staying for generations. They have been agitating for the past 185 days.
Rijiju assured the people of Munambam that the Centre would take steps to resolve their land issue. "We will intervene to restore the revenue rights of the people. I will come back to Munambam after finding a solution to the problem," he said and urged the people not to fall prey to the anti-government propaganda of the other political parties.
The union minister also called on the Church leaders in Kochi.
Meanwhile, the CPM , Congress and Muslim League criticised the BJP for misleading the people of Munambam.
Muslim League leader P K Kunhalikutty said the BJP had made tall claims about resolving the issue once the Waqf Act comes into being. Now they are talking about resolution through legal channels.
CPM leader and industries minister P Rajeev accused the BJP of dividing the people on communal lines.
Congress slammed the union minister for making false claims.
