Kochi

The 414-day relay hunger strike by families in Munambam over land claimed by the Waqf Board ended on Sunday, even as a section of protestors launched a fresh agitation demanding full restoration of land rights.

The protest, organised by the Munambam Land Protection Council at Velankanni Matha Church, concluded in the presence of Revenue Minister K Rajan and Law Minister P Rajeev. Council convenor Joseph Benny said more than 600 families had been denied revenue rights over the past four years and that the movement gained national attention following the Waqf Amendment Bill debate.

The ministers assured residents that the state would protect their legal rights and complete land mutation processes. Rajeev said court-linked complexities led the government to appoint a judicial commission. Rajan added that there were no legal barriers to proceeding with land mutation and stressed that the government had consistently stood with Munambam residents.

The decision to end the strike came after a Kerala High Court directive allowing the state to accept land tax from residents until the case is resolved. However, a rival faction has begun a new protest outside the church, arguing that accepting land tax does not restore full revenue rights.

They demanded removal of Munambam land from the Waqf registry and completion of mutation, enabling families to access bank loans or sell their land.

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The dispute centres on 404 acres recently claimed as Waqf property, leading the government to stop accepting land tax from long-term occupants.