The Munambam Land Protection Board on Saturday rejected Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s request to end its indefinite agitation, although he said concerns over the government’s decision to appoint a judicial commission to look into the matter controversial had been calmed after his assurance that it would be resolved within three months.

“The indefinite agitation will continue until the Kerala Waqf Board relinquishes its claim on land owned by residents. However, our fears that the appointment of a judicial commission could further delay efforts to find a permanent solution to the problem have been allayed after the assurance given by the Chief Minister,” said Joseph Benny, chairman and convener of the Council protection of Munambam lands.

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Mr. Vijayan, who held an online meeting with the council representatives, stressed that the government’s intention is to resolve the issue without causing hardship to residents. The government will not evict the actual residents of these lands. The government has also asked the Waqf Board not to issue any more notices to the occupants, according to an official communication issued by the Chief Minister’s office.

The Chief Minister assured the people that they would be given an opportunity to present their concerns before the commission. The government remains firm in its determination to protect the rights of occupants. He will argue in their favor in the cases pending before the Kerala High Court. The government will also take steps to lift the stay on property tax payment and present residents’ concerns in court, he said.