As the world observes Human Rights Day on December 10, the Kanjirathinal family in Wayanad continues their indefinite sit-in protest, now in its tenth year, in front of the Wayanad Collectorate. Their struggle continues despite a 2023 directive from the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) asking the Chief Secretary to explore ways to restore their farmland and ensure justice.

The dispute concerns 12 acres of Janmam land in Kanjiramgadu village, Mananthavady taluk, purchased in 1967 by brothers Jose and George. The land was later claimed by the Forest Department, which argued that it had been vested with the government in 1976. The family contested the decision, arguing that the land was acquired before the law came into effect, and in 1978, won the case before the Kozhikode Forest Tribunal. However, in 1985, the Forest Department secured a favourable verdict, allegedly by fabricating evidence, according to the family.

The protest is now led by K K James, son-in-law of the late George, who began the agitation on August 15, 2015, after the State Government failed to act despite a High Court verdict supporting the family’s claim. James took over the struggle following George’s death in 2012.

In its order dated July 31, 2023, the KSHRC observed that prolonged delays and lapses by Forest Department officials had resulted in “inexplicable injustice” to the family. It recommended examining whether the tribunal's 1985 verdict could be cancelled and directed the Chief Secretary to initiate action. However, apart from official correspondence between the Chief Secretary’s office and the Wayanad District Collectorate, no progress has been made.

Speaking to Onmanorama, James said their fight continues because the system failed them. “Even two years after the Commission’s direction, nothing has happened. We began this protest because influential officials were being protected. After ten long years in this thatched hut outside the Collectorate, we still hope the government and judiciary will deliver justice,” he said, adding that officers of the Revenue and Forest Departments are extending moral support.

The Human Rights Commission also cited a report by Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) Superintendent of Police T Sreeshukan, which recommended departmental action against Forest Department officials for fabricating evidence. The report stated that the land notified as vested forest was entirely different from the land purchased by the family.

Following the VACB report, the V S Achuthanandan Government formed a high-power committee headed by the Chief Secretary in 2009. However, significant action only came in January 2016, when an inquiry committee led by then Wayanad Sub Collector Seeram Sambasiva Rao was appointed. The committee submitted its report in the same year, recommending urgent steps to either restore the land or provide adequate compensation.

The prolonged conflict devastated the family. Harassed and displaced, farmer George died in an orphanage in 2012. His wife, Elikkutti, mentally traumatised, died on the streets. Today, elder daughter Treesa, her husband James, and their two children continue the struggle, while the younger daughter remains unmarried and the family’s only son lives elsewhere.