New Delhi. Cherai, located in the Munambam suburb, away from the hustle and bustle of Kochi city in Kerala, is a quiet and beautiful fishermen village. Today this village situated near the sea coast has many beach resorts, which are very popular among tourists. However, amidst this natural beauty, the people of the village are facing a serious problem. About 610 families here are living in fear and uncertainty due to the claim made on the land by the Waqf Board. The people of the village say that the Waqf Board has claimed their land and properties since 2022, due to which they can neither take any loan on their land nor can they sell it. This legal dispute has made the lives of the people of the village difficult. Prominent Christian organizations like the Syro-Malabar Church and the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council have also intervened in the matter and demanded reforms under the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. He has written a letter to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and sent his suggestions for amendment in the Waqf Act 1995.
Ordeal of victim families
When a news channel team reached Cherai village, they met the victim families there. Got an opportunity to meet Gauri and her disabled daughter Cinta in a small house built on the sea shore. Sinta told that he had suffered a stroke a few years ago, due to which his physical condition deteriorated. Despite this, she is still earning her living by selling lottery tickets. “We cannot leave this house,” he said emotionally. This is ours. Everything was normal till 2022, then suddenly we were told that the land on which we have been living for years is no longer ours.” The story of Sinta’s neighbor Seena is also similar. Her husband is a fisherman and has built this house with years of hard work. He said, “We have nothing else except this house. If this house is lost from our hands, nothing will be left. The government should amend the Waqf Board Act and find a solution to our problems.”
Pradeep and Sridevi’s struggle
At a short distance we also met Pradeep and his wife Sridevi, who were standing with documents related to their house and land in their hands. Pradeep said, “I bought this land in 1991 and I have all the proof that this land is mine. Now I am not feeling well, so I am unable to work, but I will ensure that my son does not face any problems regarding this house in future.” After saying this, Pradeep could not complete his words and became emotional.
Villagers demand amendment in Waqf Act
This is the story of every house in the village. Villagers say that this dispute of Waqf Board has put their lives in danger. Their demand is that the government should make necessary changes in the Waqf Act so that their rights over their house and land remain intact.
