Vellore District Kattukollai Village’s Waqf Property Issue: Land Ownership Dispute
Kattukollai village, located in the Anaiyakkattu taluk of Vellore district, is home to over 150 families who have been living there for more than five generations. These families have been living off agriculture and have established their homes on the land for several decades. However, the residents were recently shocked when they received a notice in February stating that the land they occupy belongs to a Waqf property, and they would have to pay a specified amount to continue living there, or else vacate the land. This article details the issue and the response of the villagers.
History of Kattukollai Village
Kattukollai village is spread across six acres of land, with around 150 families living there. The residents have been living in this village for over five generations, engaging in agriculture, livestock farming, and other traditional activities. Over the years, they have constructed homes, developed infrastructure, and sustained their livelihoods from the land. The village has been a stable, agrarian community for many years, and the residents have considered the land their home.
The Waqf Property Notice
The situation took a turn in February when the villagers received a notice in the name of Sayyad Ali Sultan Shah. The notice claimed that the land on which the villagers have been living is part of a Waqf property, and it instructed them to either pay a specified amount to continue living on the land or vacate it immediately. This development shocked the residents, as they were unaware that the land they had been living on for generations was considered Waqf property.
The notice caused confusion and distress among the villagers, as they had never been informed about the property being categorized under Waqf. The idea of having to pay for the land or leave after years of farming and constructing homes was unsettling for them.
The Villagers’ Response
Upon receiving the notice, the villagers were deeply concerned and turned to local leaders for support. Mahesh, a member of the Hindu Munnetra Kazhagam (HMK), took the lead in helping the villagers address the issue. Under his guidance, a group of villagers visited the office of the Vellore District Collector to present their case. They submitted the documents showing that they had lived and farmed on the land for many years, requesting the authorities to review the issue and grant them justice.
During the meeting with the Collector, the villagers were assured that an investigation would be conducted, and appropriate action would be taken to resolve the matter. The Collector acknowledged the concerns raised by the villagers and promised to look into the legal and property aspects before taking any further steps.
Claims of Ownership
The villagers claimed that they had purchased the land many years ago by paying a wage for manual labor and had used the land to build their homes, establish electricity connections, and develop the necessary infrastructure. They argue that they had followed the due process by paying for the land and receiving the required approvals, which should have been sufficient for them to maintain their rights to the land.
Given this context, the residents questioned why they should now have to pay again to live on land that they had already purchased. They were confused as to why they were being treated as tenants or illegal occupants when they had invested both money and effort in developing the land.
Local Leader’s Intervention
Manikandan, the ward member of Kattukollai, expressed his discontent with the idea of the villagers being forced to pay money to the Waqf board or vacate the land. He stated that the notice demanding the payment and threatening eviction was unjust, especially considering that the villagers had been living there for many generations. Manikandan further emphasized that the villagers were ready to fight for their rights, and if the issue was not resolved promptly, the community would consider boycotting future elections.
The Call for Government Action
The villagers have called on the Tamil Nadu state government to step in and resolve the matter. They have expressed their desire to continue living on the land they have inhabited for generations and to have their property rights protected. The issue at hand is not just about land ownership but about the livelihood and security of families who have made this village their home for years.
They have requested that the government conduct a thorough review of the Waqf property status and provide a solution that does not harm their way of life. The villagers feel that their long-standing connection to the land should be acknowledged and respected, and they seek a fair resolution that allows them to continue living there without fear of eviction or financial burden.
The Broader Impact
This issue highlights a larger concern regarding land ownership and property rights in regions where historical land use patterns often conflict with modern property classifications. The Kattukollai villagers’ case is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of broader challenges faced by many communities across the country, particularly in rural areas, where land disputes are common. The outcome of this case could have implications for similar villages where residents might be unaware of the legal complexities surrounding their land.
Conclusion
The Kattukollai village dispute is a critical issue that requires swift and fair resolution. The villagers, who have lived on this land for multiple generations, are simply seeking the right to continue their lives without being displaced or burdened with additional costs. As they await a solution from the government, the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of clear property rights and the need for authorities to carefully consider the historical context of land use in resolving such disputes. The villagers hope that their struggle will bring attention to the need for proper land management policies that protect the rights of long-time residents while respecting legal frameworks like Waqf property laws.
