Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Jun 14: A long-standing land dispute involving Dalit families facing eviction at Pariyathukavu near Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam district has been resolved following intervention by the Kerala government, with the affected families set to receive five cents of land each and a new house at the same location.
The breakthrough came after a crucial meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister Roji M John on Saturday night. Representatives of the affected families, landowners, government officials and local public representatives participated in the discussions that led to a consensus formula acceptable to both sides.
Following the agreement, the agitation committee representing the families announced the withdrawal of its protest.
The dispute involved several Dalit families who had been residing on the land for decades, while private parties claimed ownership of the property. A court order directing their eviction had triggered demands for rehabilitation and sparked political debate in the state.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Roji John said the settlement was reached after considering the interests of both the landowners and the affected families in light of the court verdict.
Under the agreement, each family will be allotted five cents of land at the same property along with access road facilities. The state government will construct houses for the beneficiaries within one year.
The minister further stated that the families would be allowed to continue residing in their current homes until the new houses are completed.
According to the agreement, both parties will sign the settlement document within two days. The agreement will then be submitted before the Kerala High Court through the Advocate General on June 16.
Officials, including the Muvattupuzha Revenue Divisional Officer and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, have been entrusted with ensuring the smooth implementation of the settlement until the housing project is completed.
Representatives of the agitation committee welcomed the resolution, stating that the landowners had agreed to allow the families to remain on the property and provide them with land and housing, bringing an end to years of uncertainty.
They also said that more than 15 cases registered in connection with the protests and related incidents would be withdrawn as part of the settlement.
The meeting was attended by V P Sajeendran, District Collector G Priyanka, Ernakulam Rural SP Sundarshan, Additional District Magistrate K Manoj and other officials and public representatives.
The Kerala government had recently assured that the seven Dalit families facing eviction would not be rendered homeless and would be provided land and housing assistance.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had entrusted Roji John, who is in charge of Ernakulam district affairs, with facilitating talks between the stakeholders to arrive at a lasting solution to the issue.