Codava National Council Leads Peaceful Human Chain Protests across Kodagu

The volunteers had already commenced their protest by offering reverential prayers at Tala Cauvery and the Lord Sree Iggthappa Shrine at Paadi on May 23.

Madikeri: Codava National Council (CNC) volunteers, led by N U Nachappa, the Supremo of the CNC, have initiated peaceful human chain programs across various locations in Kodagu district. The protests began on June 3, to raise concerns over the alleged conversion of 2400 acres of BBTC Coffee Gardens of Siddapur Cauvery catchment area in an Eco-Sensitive Zone and ongoing large-scale land conversions in the district.

The volunteers had already commenced their protest by offering reverential prayers at Tala Cauvery and the Lord Sree Iggthappa Shrine at Paadi on May 23. “We have sought divine blessings for the well-being of the Codava race and pledged to preserve its identity and existence by achieving Codava Land Geo-Political Autonomy within the Suzerainty of Karnataka, ST Tag for Minuscule Micro Indigenous Codava Tribe, and other rights,” Mr Nachappa told The Kodagu Express.

The CNC alleges that economic offenders, corporate entities, resort owners, and others are illegally acquiring and encroaching upon lands under the guise of the Karnataka Land Reforms Amendment Act. They claim that this is leading to the destruction of the region's pristine landscape and water sources.

“The CNC is advocating for the statutory protection and guarantee of Codava homeland, its communal-clanish lands, and cultural heritage. We emphasize the need to protect their traditional practices, ecological balance, and biodiversity,” Mr Nachappa added. 

As part of CNC campaign, peaceful human chain programs are being conducted at various locations in this months, including Birunani, Madikeri, Suntikoppa, Madapur, Chettalli, Cherambane, Murnad, Kakkabe, Napoklu, Virajpet, Siddapur, Gonikoppa, Thithimathi, Balele, Ponnampet, Hudikeri, Kutta, Srimangala, and T Shettigeri.

“The CNC aims to raise awareness among tourists and the local population about Codava aspirations, urging them to support their cause. We call for a shift in mindset among Codavas to free themselves from feudal loyalties and to work towards a future that aligns with their cultural and environmental values,” Mr Nachappa said. 

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