Land Encroachment rampant in Mallapuram by Islamists and Christians

Malappuram: It has been reported that religious organizations are fast encroaching government land at a rapid pace, the latest being intrusion of land belonging to the state irrigation department by Islamic groups. The land, situated in Palathingal, Parappanangadi is now being used for constructing a mosque. Another instance is that of church authorities having grabbed around one kilometer land from the main road in Munduparambu, Malappuram.

Standing in the forefront of this unbridled phenomenon are Islamic organizations that have the clout to swing the district’s election results in their favour. They are said to have affluent political connections, because of which authorities are reluctant to proceed legally against them. This occurrence regarding land is said to gain momentum during the time of elections, as political parties are bound to shield perpetrators.

Some of the instances are as follows: a private factory has encroached and taken over land belonging to PWD. The land where the famed Mamangam took place was entrusted to the state government for safekeeping. That, however now lies in the hands of Islamists. (This is a case where the central government has initiated probe into). Government land has been illegally transferred to church authorities for construction of a graveyard. The Kerala Aarthala Estate, which is government property, was given on lease. It continues to be in their hands.

Christian families have encroached into the ancestral land belonging to Nilambur Kovilakam. Inspite of numerous petitions, no government authority has stepped forward to sort the matter out. Nilambur lies in the of Wayanad LS Constituency, where a large number of Christians are under the patronage of Mananthavadi Diocese. Influential and formidable, they are the people who have indulged in impinging into government property. It is said that they are ones who have usurped the land set aside for Thirunavaya railway over bridge. And the clout they wield have left the ruling parties and oppositions conveniently muted.