Codava National Council Holds Human Chain at Madapur, Reiterates Call for Separate Code in Census

Madapur: Braving heavy rains, members of the Codava community gathered in large numbers at the Madapur bus stand on Saturday to participate in the Codava National Council’s (CNC) seventh peaceful human chain event. Organised by the CNC, the demonstration underscored the community’s long-standing demands for constitutional recognition, political representation, and preservation of their indigenous identity.

The event, led by CNC president N.U. Nachappa, was aimed at urging the Union government to provide a separate code and column for Codavas in the upcoming 2025–26 national population and caste census.

Nachappa stressed the importance of asserting Codava historical continuity and preserving their unique mono-ethnic identity. “Codavas are not a caste, but a distinct micro-community. It is vital we are recognised as such in national records,” he said, warning that anti-Codava forces may try to sabotage the movement.

Participants from regions including Badhigerinaad, Surlabbinaad, Gadinaad, and Paalerinaad stood in solidarity with the CNC’s apolitical cause. Their turnout, despite torrential weather, was hailed as a testament to the Codava community’s unity and resilience.

Alongside their census-related demands, the CNC also reiterated its call for geo-political autonomy and internal self-determination rights for Codavaland, referencing international conventions on indigenous peoples’ rights.

The key demands put forth by the CNC include granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Codava community, providing special political reservation and exclusive representation in the State Assembly and Parliament, and formally recognising the Codavas’ significant contributions to national security and cultural heritage.

The CNC drew parallels to Sikkim’s “Sangha” Assembly seat, seeking a similar exclusive representation during the upcoming 2026 delimitation exercise. Meanwhile, the 9th Human Chain will be held on August 10 at Sunticoppa.

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