Formation of Codava Autonomous Region demanded

Bangalore, Aug 14 (UNI) Codava National Council Secretary General N U Nachappa today demanded formation of Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) on the lines of Ghurkhas of Darjeeling through an amendment of the 6th schedule of the Constitution.

Talking to newsmen here, he said that the CAR may comprise of 45 Codava traditional Naads of ancient times.

He said despite peaceful agitations and Seminars on the need to uplift people belonging to the Codava community who have been living hand to mouth since last 15 years, the demands were yet to be met by the Karnataka government.

Mr Nachappa clarified that ''we are not demanding separate State of Codavas as propogated against us by politicians and intellectuals, but we want only autonomous status through amendment of the Constitution''.

He said that it was the duty of the Government to provide protection to all religion under the Constitution. Personal law, traditions, language, customs heritage, economical and political freedom should be provided under the Artical 371 and 8th schedule of the Constitution but it was not happening in case of people belonging to Codava community.

''The political party in power, whenever voice raised, try to snub it by making someone as MLC or Minister. Actual upliftment of Codavas, who are living below poverty line were most neglected part in the society'', he alleged.

Mr Nachappa said that a day long Sathyagraha would be held near Gandhi statue here on August 18 to mark the 'World Indigenous Peoples Day' and memorandums with the above demand, would be submitted to the Chief Minister, Minister for Social Welfare and to the Chief Secretary.

UNI MSP VK LL DS1403