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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CNC demands indigenous status for the community
Madikeri: The Codava National Council (CNC) organised a peaceful satyagraha in front of the DC office in Madikeri, demanding indigenous status for the Kodava tribe. The silent protest was organised as part of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, observed annually on Aug 9. Adorning traditional attire, CNC members gathered in front of the DC office to demand various rights for the Kodava community. Speaking after the protest, CNC president NU Nachappa said, "The peaceful satyagraha is being organised continuously to draw the govt's attention to attain indigenous status for the Kodava tribe, who are deprived of their constitutional rights. Kodavas belong to the indigenous tribal community, the original inhabitants of this sacred Kodava land. Our historical continuity in this soil should be legally recognised. The Kodava habitat, Kodavaland, ancestral ancient lands, political-cultural rights, folk identity, sacred groves, and the sacred pilgrimage site of the Talacauvery should be constitutionally protected by the World Organisation under the rights of indigenous peoples as per international law." He demanded various rights for the community, including protection of Kodava land and ancestral sites, exemptions from Arms Act, inclusion of Kodava language under the 8th schedule of the Constitution, introduction of the Kodava language in the curriculum and administration, inclusion of Kodava folk culture in the Unesco list of intangible cultural heritage, and SC tag for the community. Several other resolutions, including war memorials at Nalknad Palace and Madikeri Fort, were taken at the event. A memorandum addressed to the secretary general of the Unesco was handed over to the district administration. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CNC advises Kodavas to obtain ethnic certificate for gun exemption
M adikeri: The Codava National Council has advised Kodavas to obtain a Kodava ethnic certificate to secure a gun exemption certificate instead of relying on Jamma certificates. In a press statement, CNC president NU Nachappa suggested that an ethnic certificate will help protect the rights of the Kodava community. He said that a Kodava ethnic certificate will be helpful in safeguarding the rights of the Kodava community. An ethnic certificate will protect the gun exemption rights of the community as a religious ritual under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. "A Kodava ethnic certificate is needed to maintain the integrity of the traditions and rights of the Kodava community. The ethnic certificate will strengthen the right to gun exemption without relying on the certificates of Jamma holders," he said. He stated that non-Kodavas must be prevented from using the gun exemption facility that can be claimed by purchasing Jamma land. He explained that the Kodava community's legal system and indigenous mono-ethnic identity should be strengthened. It should be ensured that eligible members of the Kodava community are receiving gun exemption certificates, he stated. He alleged that some individuals from outside the Kodava community purchased Jamma land in Bhagamandala and obtained gun license exemption certificates on the pretext of Jamma land exclusive ownership.
Hans India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Codava National Council to Host Seminar on Geo-Political Autonomy and Tribal Rights in Kodagu
Madikeri: In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar this week highlighting its 35-year-long peaceful movement for the political, cultural, and territorial rights of the Codava people. Speaking to Hand India President of the CNC NU Nachappa, the seminar will address CNC's core demands, including the creation of a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution — akin to the autonomous councils in the Northeast and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The organisation is also seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Codavas, whom it identifies as a distinct animistic, mono-ethnic indigenous community. The keynote speaker for the event is Vikram Hegde, a constitutional lawyer practising in the Supreme Court, who has previously represented the CNC in the landmark Codava Gun Rights case. His lecture will delve into constitutional provisions for regional autonomy, linguistic rights, and the protection of customary practices — subjects he also teaches as a visiting faculty at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. Among the other issues to be discussed at the seminar are: Restoration of hereditary land rights lost during the rule of the Keladhi dynasty and British colonial administration. Inclusion of Codava Thakk in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution to preserve the community's language. Continuation of exemptions under the Indian Arms Act, which currently allow Codavas to carry traditional firearms as part of their religious and cultural identity — similar to the Kirpan exemption for Sikhs. Protection of Codava cultural and historical sites, customary laws, and their ecological lifelines, particularly the Cauvery river basin. Political representation, including demands for reserved seats in legislative bodies, modelled after the unique 'Sangha' constituency for Buddhist monks in Sikkim. 'The CNC's movement has always been peaceful, rooted in constitutional advocacy,' said CNC founder and president N.U. Nachappa Codava. 'Our goal is to secure the rightful identity, autonomy, and dignity of the Codava people — not only within India's democratic framework but also under international conventions on indigenous rights.' The CNC is currently pursuing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks legal recognition of Codavaland's claim for geo-political autonomy, arguing that their demands are both constitutionally viable and historically justified. Joining Hegde at the seminar will be his wife, Hima Lawrance also a Supreme Court lawyer, qualified to practice in both India and New York. The event is expected to draw academics, legal experts, regional leaders, and community stakeholders from across Karnataka, as discussions around regional autonomy and tribal classification continue to gain traction in India's federal structure
