Fri Nov 22 15:14:11 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Appoints Commission to Resolve Munambam Land Dispute

**Thiruvananthapuram, November 22, 2024** – The Kerala State government announced the formation of a judicial commission to address the ongoing Munambam land dispute. Headed by former acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, C.N. Ramachandran Nair, the commission will investigate the issue and propose a permanent solution within three months.

The decision, announced by Law Minister P. Rajeeve, follows a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The commission’s mandate includes protecting the legal rights of all bona fide occupants, ensuring no evictions, and finding a way to resolve the conflict between the occupants and the Kerala State Waqf Board. The Waqf Board has agreed to halt further eviction notices pending the commission’s findings. The government also plans to challenge a High Court stay on property tax remittance by the occupants.

Minister Rajeeve emphasized the government’s commitment to a permanent solution, stating that premature announcements could harm the interests of the occupants. The dispute involves nine High Court cases and two before the Waqf Tribunal.

The opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) criticized the government’s decision, alleging a deliberate delay and accusing the government of providing opportunities for divisive forces. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan also criticized the government’s refusal to hold an all-party meeting on the matter.

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