IUML makes its stand clear on Munambam Waqf land

PTI Malappuram/New Delhi: Straining the relationship between the Congress and its key ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), senior League leader and MP E T Mohammed Basheer said on Monday that the contentious property in Munambam in Ernakulam district is Waqf land. “At no point has IUML state president Panakkad- SayyidSadiq Ali ShihabThangal stated that the land in Munambam is not Waqf property,” he told reporters in New Delhi on Monday. Responding to IUML leader K M Shaji’s statement that no one could deny the Waqf Board’s ownership of the land, Basheer said that the former made this statement based on the facts. He stated that the claims made by the Leader of Opposition in Assembly, V D Satheesan, or anyone else that the land in Munambam is not Waqf property are “incorrect”. “IUML leader Kunhalikutty had stated that PanakkadThangal had clearly said the party’s stance and do not make controversies.

However, at no point did Thangal claim the land in Munambam is not Waqf property,” he added. Basheer further urged that discussions should proceed on the basis that the Munambam land is Waqf property. M e a n w h i l e , PanakkadThangal said on Monday that there is no confusion within the party on Munambam land row. He affirmed that the IUML firmly stands by its position that the residents will not be evicted. When asked about Shaji’s remarks, Thangal stated that the IUML’s stance on the issue is clear, adding that leaders have their own style in delivering speeches. Thangal said that he had convened a meeting of Muslim organisations three weeks ago in Kozhikode and all the outfits unanimously decided that no one should be evicted. “It is the government to intervene and resolve the issue immediately and the delay from the side of it has caused the unnecessary controversies,” he told reporters. He added that the leaders of Muslim organisations visited Munambam, met the bishops and conveyed their stance.

“The bishops have responded positively, and the government must ensure all necessary support for the judicial commission appointed to resolve the issue amicably,” Thangal said. Asked whether the IUML is of the view that the land does not belong to the Waqf, Thangal dismissed the need for such discussions at this stage, adding that no situation should arise where residents face eviction.