- 16 July, 2025
Kochi / Munambam, Kerala, July 16, 2025 : The Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) has urged the state government to immediately release the C.N. Ramachandran Commission report, insisting that justice must be ensured for the people of Munambam’s coastal region who are fighting for the revenue rights of land they purchased at significant expense.
KRLCC Vice President Joseph Jude, speaking while inaugurating a dharna in front of the Kakkanad Collectorate, stressed that the government must be prepared to act swiftly to uphold justice for these residents. He further demanded that, based on the Commission report, the government should invite Munambam residents for discussions to resolve the issue. Jude warned that the state government’s prolonged delay could lead to major repercussions in the near future.
Prominent figures addressing the protest included KCBC Deputy Secretary Fr. Thomas Tharayil; KRLCBC Deputy Secretary Dr. Jiju Arakathara; Kudumbi Seva Samajam State President A.S. Shyamkumar; SNDP Munambam Branch President Murukan Kathikulath; KLCA State President Adv Sherry J. Thomas; State General Secretary Biju Josie; KLCWA State Treasurer Rani Pradeep; KCYM State President Paul Jose; Kottappuram Diocese Vicar General Monsignor Rocky Roby Kalathil; Munambam Land Protection Committee Patron Fr. Antony Tharayil CP; Committee Chairman Joseph Rocky; Vice Chairman Joseph Benny; Kottappuram Diocese KLSCA President Anil Kunnathur; CSS Kottappuram Diocese President Jismon Francis; KCYM Varapuzha Archdiocese President Rajeev Padick; and KLCA Varapuzha Archdiocese leaders Babu Antony and Sibi Joy.
The dharna followed a rally from the municipal office to the southern gate of the Collectorate. Despite torrential rain, hundreds turned out in solidarity, including lay leaders from the Varapuzha and Kottappuram dioceses, leaders of SNDP, Kudumbi, Vettuva, Dheevara and other communities, clergy, religious, and representatives of organisations such as KRLCC, KLCA, KCYM, CSS, KLCWA and KLM.
The protest was conducted peacefully, demanding the restoration of revenue rights for 610 families living along the Munambam coastline. These families, whose livelihoods depend on fishing and who have resided in the region for centuries, had purchased land 35 years ago from Farook College. They secured their property rights through proper registration under Kerala’s regulations after a 36-year legal struggle. However, in 2022, following a claim from the Waqf Board, the government denied these families their revenue rights.
The rally and dharna called on the government to intervene decisively to guarantee justice for Munambam’s coastal residents.
By Joseph Jude
KRLC Vice President
Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates:
Android: Click here to download
© 2025 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
