‘Syro Malabar Church’ protests against Waqf Board in Kerala

• ‘Syro Malabar Church’ is an association of 1,000 churches

• Waqf Board claims 2 Christian-majority villages, Church opposes

Kochi (Kerala) – A protest is being held by ‘Syro Malabar Church’, an association of 1,000 churches, against the arbitrary administration of the Waqf Board. The church’s protest is over a land dispute in the villages of Munambam and Cherai in Kochi. The organization has alleged that the Waqf Board is taking control of several lands owned by the villagers. Major Archbishop (Senior Pastor) Raphael Thatil of the Syro Malabar Church has demanded the Union and State Governments to intervene and find a solution in the matter.

🚨Syro Malabar Church Kerala: Protest by the ‘Syro Malabar Church’ in #Kerala against the #WaqfBoard

📌The ‘Syro Malabar Church’ is an organization of 1,000 churches.

📌Waqf Board claims over two Christian-majority villages; the #Church opposes!

👉Why don’t the #Christians… pic.twitter.com/rHtqVLoOLf

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) November 11, 2024

The Waqf Board is trying to illegally control the land and property of the villagers of Munambam and Cherai. Christian families have been living in this village for many years. They are also paying Government taxes on their properties. They have documents about the same. Despite this, now the land has been claimed by the Waqf Board. Villagers are asking if the land is registered in the name of local villagers; then how can the Waqf Board claim it.

Villagers are increasingly opposing the Waqf Board’s claim. If this issue is not resolved, the agitation is expected to intensify.

Editorial Perspectives

• Why Christians and their churches in the country do not demand to abolish the ‘Waqf Act’ ?

• It has now become necessary for all Hindu organizations to unite like the Church in Kerala and fight to abolish the Waqf Act.