Senior Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil spoke to the media after affirming his solidarity with members of over 600 families facing the threat of displacement over the Waqf property issue in Munambam on November 9. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Syro-Malabar Church would support families facing the threat of displacement over the property Waqf issue in Munambam, Senior Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese Mar Raphael Thattil said on Saturday (November 9). He also urged the Center and state governments to intervene proactively to find a lasting solution to the problem.

“This is a humanitarian issue and must be addressed in a humane and democratic manner, in accordance with the Constitution,” he said. He reminded that the situation would not change overnight and cited how freedom fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi agitated peacefully for years to overthrow the British. He added that there were no temporary solutions to the problem, after visiting those on hunger strike seeking justice in Munambam on the same day.

Referring to comments allegedly made by V. Abdurahiman, Minister of Minority Welfare, Sports, Waqf and Haj Pilgrimage, expressing reservations about “anti-government and communal comments” made by church leaders and others supporting the families agitated in Munambam, Archbishop Thattil said he would not change his cassock or the ideals he defended based on the statements of a minister. He added that the church would be failing in its duty if it did not defend the affected families.

Referring to the life of coastal communities, the Archbishop said they share a deep bond with the sea and should not be displaced. “Democracy must not become a means to mistreat people,” he said, urging the government to take measures to ensure that people live in unity, regardless of their religious or political affiliation.