Codava Council Holds Human Chain At Ponnampet, Seeks Census Code And Political Rights
- Kodagu Express Bureau
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Ponnampet: The Codava National Council (CNC), led by its Chairman N.U. Nachappa, held its sixth human chain protest at Ponnampet in Pathkettnaad on June 23, pressing for a separate code and column for the Codava community in the upcoming 2025–26 National Population Census and caste enumeration.
The event, part of a series of symbolic agitations, also demanded exclusive political representation for the Indigenous, animistic, mono-ethnic Codava community in the 2026 delimitation process of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies.
“This census isn’t just about data. It is about the survival, recognition, and rightful participation of Codavas in the democratic and constitutional framework of India,” said Nachappa. He stressed that the Codavas’ inclusion through a unique identity in census records would play a pivotal role in empowering the community and ensuring fair political representation.
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The CNC has outlined five core demands as part of its ongoing struggle for recognition and rights. First, it is seeking a separate Census code and column for Codavas in the 2025–26 national enumeration to ensure their distinct identity is acknowledged officially. Second, the organisation demands dedicated Codava constituencies in Parliament and State Assemblies, similar to the Sangha seat reserved for Buddhist monks in Sikkim.
Third, the CNC is calling for geo-political autonomy and self-rule in a designated region they refer to as “Codavaland,” emphasising the right to self-determination for the Indigenous community. The fourth demand is for constitutional recognition of Codavas as a Scheduled Ethnic Community, which would offer them statutory protections and entitlements.
Lastly, the council seeks UN recognition for the Codavas under international Indigenous rights conventions, along with the restitution of ancestral properties that were confiscated, leased, mortgaged, or sold to outsiders during colonial and post-colonial rule, especially under the British administration.
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Highlighting the importance of the caste census, Nachappa quoted Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, who recently described caste data as “an MRI of society” necessary for effective and accountable policy planning.
Participants took an oath in solidarity with CNC’s constitutional struggle, invoking the Sun, Moon, Guru-Karona, the Constitution, Cauvery River, and Mother Nature.
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