Kochi, Kerala. The Hindu Aikya Vedi organized a land protection conference, raising demands to repeal the Waqf Act and end “Waqf terrorism”. The event, organized by the Hindu Aikya Vedi committee at Cherai Devaswom grounds, was inaugurated by Chief Patron K.P. Sasikala Teacher. Hundreds of people attended, expressing solidarity with the residents of Munambam.
Sasikala Teacher warned that if there is a threat to their homesteads, the nature and intensity of the protests in Munambam will change. She criticized those who, for the sake of a few votes, support the current policies, alleging that some leaders are metaphorically “licking the shoes” of the Waqf Board and Islamic religious leadership. “Their place will be in the garbage bin”, she declared, adding that they would not bow to religious fundamentalism.
“No one will be allowed to be evicted from their own land anywhere in the state, not just in Munambam”, Sasikala Teacher asserted. There are moves to resolve this issue by providing alternative land elsewhere. However, no land will be surrendered to the Waqf Board in this matter, she emphasized, accusing the board of trying to take land without any legal documents, not even oral agreements. She claimed that even Muslims were ensnared by the Waqf Board.
State President R.V. Babu delivered the keynote address, with introductory remarks by Secretary M.C. Sabu Shanti.
Sasikala Teacher also visited the satyagraha pavilion in the courtyard of the Velankanni Matha Church in Munambam. She assured the residents of Munambam that the Hindu Aikya Vedi would stand with them to protect their rights, stressing the need for permanent and full land rights. “If this issue is temporarily resolved, it will only be questioned again tomorrow”, she said, calling for a change to the situation that allows for claims on anyone’s land unjustly. Hindu Aikya Vedi State Vice President Swami Devachaitanyananda Saraswati and protest convenor Joseph Benny also spoke at the event.
