The members of Codava National Council (CNC) under the leadership of their president N U Nachappa formed a human chain in Bittangala recently. Speaking on the occasion Nachappa said that indigenous Kodava tribal people have preserved and cultivated the green Kodava land until now. However, today, land mafias, large scale land conversion, and land acquisition mafias are destroying Kodava land and victimizing the Kodavas, he alleged.
He further alleged that there is a conspiracy to make Kodavas feel alienated in their homeland, supported by anti-Kodava elements. He expressed concern, stating that if townships are built in lush green coffee estates, the water streams feeding the Cauvery and its tributaries will dry up.
Nachappa also said that capitalists are purchasing Kodava land on a large scale. If the massive land conversion and acquisition happening across the district are not halted, there will be no future for the Kodavas, he added.
He emphasised the need for declaring Kodava land as a self-determined geo-political autonomy and granting the ST tag to Kodavas. For this purpose, widespread public awareness and peaceful human chain programs are being organized throughout the district.
CNC leaders Muddianda Leelavathi, Maletira Vimala, Nellamakada Yashodha, Ponnakachira Shaila, Malavanda Kavitha, Porkonda Daksha, Porkonda Nisha, Machettira Chotu Kaverappa, Kalengada Ramesh and ButtiandaSomannatook part among others.
