New Delhi, Apr 4 (PTI) Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian on Friday demanded that the land claimed by the Waqf Board in Kerala's Munambam be returned to its rightful owners.

During a discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha, Kurian said the Waqf Board has to show the deed to prove its ownership.

Also Read | Delhi Fire: Over 400 Seized Vehicles Gutted As Blaze Erupts at Police Yard in Nehru Place (Watch Videos).

"The rightful ownership of the land should be fully restored to the people of Munambam. Any provision of law that contradicts the principle of the Indian Constitution must be amended. The right of a religious minority as guaranteed by the Constitution should be safeguarded," Kurian said.

In Cherai and Munambam villages in Ernakulam district of Kerala, residents have alleged that the Waqf Board is illegally asserting ownership over their lands and properties, despite having registered deeds and land tax payment receipts.

Also Read | Mohammad Kasim Ansari Resigns: JDU Leader Quits Party in Protest Over Waqf Amendment Bill 2025.

The minister said that Muslims in Kerala are very gentle and pious.

Kurian alleged that opposition leaders want to mislead them.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)