The Association of Christian Trusts and Services (ACTS) has called on the United Democratic Front (UDF) leadership to seek the removal of Kerala Waqf Board chairman M.C. Mayin Haji, arguing that his position on the Munambam land dispute could deepen communal tensions.

ACTS general secretary George Sebastian said Mayin Haji’s continued claim that the disputed land in Munambam belonged to the Waqf Board had upset residents of the coastal region. He called on Chief Minister and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leadership to publicly clarify their positions on the matter.

Sebastian alleged that some moderate IUML leaders had expressed concerns about Mayin Haji’s appointment, citing his perceived hardline views. According to him, these leaders had privately conveyed their reservations, raising questions about the intentions behind the selection and its potential implications for Kerala’s secular image.

He also referred to an interim order issued by the Kerala High Court in response to his public interest litigation seeking the dissolution of the Waqf Board formed by the previous government. The petition alleges that the board was constituted in violation of established rules and calls for a fresh body to be formed in accordance with the prescribed norms.

Sebastian said he had approached the court because the Waqf Board’s position had hindered efforts to settle the Munambam dispute. He maintained that the situation had become more difficult despite attempts to find a resolution.

ACTS has warned that it would step up its campaign if Mayin Haji continued to maintain his current position. The organisation also plans to demand the appointment of two non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board and approach the relevant authorities seeking action against the chairman over allegations levelled against him.

Sebastian cautioned that the organisation would launch a major public agitation if the state government failed to deliver a lasting settlement. He added that ACTS would continue pursuing the legal proceedings related to the dispute before the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court.

He urged the state government to take a measured approach and work towards a sustainable resolution of the Munambam issue.

The demand comes against the backdrop of dissatisfaction among sections of the Muslim community over the recent reconstitution of the Waqf Board.