CNC Stages Human Chain at Kakkabe, Demands Separate Census Code and Political Representation

Kakkabe: The Codava National Council (CNC), under the leadership of President N.U. Nachappa Codava, organised a large-scale human chain demonstration at Kakkabe Junction in Paadinaad, Kodagu, to press for key constitutional, political, and cultural demands of the Codava community.

The protest focused on two primary demands: a separate Census code and column for the indigenous Codava community in the upcoming National Population Census 2025–26, and exclusive reserved Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies on the lines of the “Sangha” constituency for the Buddhist monastic community in Sikkim.

Highlighting historical precedence, CNC pointed out that Codavas were scientifically recognised as a distinct, animistic, warrior clan in Census records between 1871 and 1931. A separate classification today, they argue, would ensure accurate representation, protect their unique identity, and allow targeted policies for their social and economic advancement.

The CNC also reiterated its demand for geo-political autonomy for Codavaland. A writ petition in this regard has been filed in the Karnataka High Court by senior leader Dr. Subramanian Swamy. Additional demands include Scheduled Tribe (ST) status UN recognition as an indigenous group and restitution of hereditary land rights and political reservation in their ancestral homeland.

Participants of the human chain pledged allegiance to the CNC’s cause, invoking traditional deities, the Constitution of India, and the River Cauvery. The event concluded with the singing of the national anthem.

The next human chain protest is scheduled to be held at T. Shettigeri in Thaaleri Naad on May 26, 2025.