Kochi, A long-standing land dispute involving Dalit families facing eviction at Pariyathukavu near Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam district has been resolved following talks led by the Kerala government.
The affected families will receive five cents of land each and a house at the same location.
The breakthrough came after a crucial meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister Roji M John and attended by representatives of the affected families, landowners, officials, and local people's representatives on Saturday night.
Both sides accepted a consensus formula evolved during the discussions, and the agitation committee called off its protest.
The dispute relates to several Dalit families who have been residing for decades on land claimed by private parties.
A court had ordered their eviction based on ownership claims, triggering demands for rehabilitation and sparking political controversy.
Under the settlement, the residents will be allotted five cents of land each at the same property along with access road facilities.
The government will construct houses for them within a year, and the families will be allowed to continue staying in their existing houses until the new homes are completed.
Both sides have agreed to sign the settlement agreement within two days.
