The Archeparchy of Changanacherry, the de facto headquarters of the Catholic community in Kerala, is upset and angry with the CPI(M) and the Indian National Congress for their opposition to the Centre’s decision to change the Waqf rules.

Archdioceses from across the Catholic community across the state have strongly condemned the “unanimous” resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly that demanded immediate cancellation of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.

More than 600 families from Munambam, a picturesque coastal village in Kochi, are on the verge of being evicted from their land where they have resided for generations.

“Of the around 600 families who are at risk of losing their homes, 404 families are from the Christian community while the rest are from the Hindu community,” said Anup Thomas, a BJP leader who is at the forefront of agitation alongside Christians. Alliance and Association for Social Action (CAASA).

According to Thomas, families from the Christian and Hindu communities face threats from various Islamist organizations in the state.

“The Waqf Board authorities claim ownership of over 30,000 acres of prime land in the state and the plight of the people of Munambam is just one case among many,” said Kevin Peter, president of CAASA.

The Archeparchy of Changanacherry on Saturday issued a statement questioning the double standards of the CPI(M) and the Congress on this issue.

The Social Harmony and Vigilance Commissions of the Archeparchy of Changanacherry and the Eparchy of Kothamangalam, yet another powerhouse of the Catholic community, have demanded that the resolution of the Kerala Legislative Assembly demanding the annulment of the Center Waqf Amendment Act be canceled immediately or these parties were sure to face the anger of the people.

The Catholic Church in the state is launching various agitations across Kerala to have land belonging to members of the Christian and Hindu communities returned to them.

Residents of Munambam are unable to remit their property taxes because revenue officials refuse to accept the same orders issued by governments that ruled the state from time to time.

MA Nissar, former district judge residing in Kannur and a staunch Muslim, had told The Pioneer that there were many discrepancies in the state’s Waqf country. “The sooner they rectify the situation, the better,” Nissar said.

George Netto, a resident of Munambam, said that due to legal problems caused by the Waqf Board, residents of the coastal village were unable to sell their own properties.

Two centuries-old temples, three churches and a seminary (an institution which trains future Catholic priests) are found in the village.

“All these properties are in limbo as the Waqf Board claims ownership of the land on which they are located. There has never been a case of communal discord in this village. We are all fishermen by profession,” said Sukumaran, a resident.

Father James Kockavayalil, Father Jacob Rathappillil and Joji Chirayil, leading the agitation against the Waqf Board’s claims, said on Monday that they were not against Muslims at all.

“We want justice to prevail. Fundamental rights should be provided to all citizens of the country and there should be no discrimination on the basis of caste or religion,” they said in statements issued from Kothamangalam and Changnacherry.