Madikeri: The Codava National Council (CNC) has decided to observe a two-hour Sathyagraha on Republic Day for implementation of its demands which includes a separate Codava land and according Union territory status to it.
The CNC volunteers will be seeking autonomy and constitutional guarantee during the protest at the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises on January 26 between 10.30 am and 12.30 am. CNC is of the opinion that the celebrations associated with Republic Day would have no meaning until and unless their demands were met.
Their demands include:
1. Permanent political package for Codavas with union territory recognition.
2. Recognition of autonomous Codava land under 6th schedule of constitution.
3. Incorporation of martial Codava tribes under articles 340 and 342 of Indian constitution.
4. Inclusion of Codava language in the 8th schedule of constitution.
5. Applicability of the inner line permit for Kodagu region, like in North eastern states under the provisions of Article 371 of the Constitution.
6. Reservation/Nomination for Codavas in National and state legislature bodies by bringng them on par with Anglo Indian community.
7. Permission under Indian Arms Act to possess and carry fire arms with no hindrance to Codavas including Jamma land holders.
8. Formation of Codava Development Board, similar to Hyderabad – Karnataka Development Board.
9. Memorial in honour of Codavas at Devatt Paramb, who died fighting Tipu Sultan’s army.
10. Global recognition for Codvas on par with Jews, Parsis, Yezidis, Baluchs, Kurdis and Pashtun tribes.
11. Inclusion of “Micro minority ethno cultural Codava tribal race” in the intangible cultural heritage list of UNESCO.
12. Permanent deployment of National Investigation Agency (NIA) and RAW agency personnel in the district.
CNC President N U Nachappa addressed the press conference. He also warned on the occasion that if the administration failed to take Diddalli issue seriously there would be an increase in illegal activities in the district. CNC leaders Pullera Kalappa, Kaliyanda Prakash and Mandapanda Manoj Mandanna were also present.
