The Hindu : Karnataka News : CNC to observe World Indigenous Day tomorrow

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Friday, Aug 17, 2007
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Karnataka

CNC to observe World Indigenous Day tomorrow

Staff Correspondent

To stage ‘satyagraha’ in Bangalore

Government urged to give recognition to the Kodava language
Political leaders accused of misled the people

Madikeri: The Codava National Council (CNC), demanding autonomous region status to Kodagu, will observe “satyagraha” in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue near Cubbon Park in Bangalore on Saturday to press for its demands.

The “satyagraha” will coincide with the World Indigenous Peoples’ Day, secretary general of the CNC N.U. Nachappa said. Speaking to presspersons here, Mr. Nachappa said the CNC would continue to organise its struggle peacefully to further its demands such as creation of a Kodava autonomous region by bringing together the 45 ancient “nads” (nad is a cluster of villages) in Kodagu. Kodavas should be treated as “primitive ethno linguistic minority” under Article 340 and 342 of the Constitution, he said.

Mr. Nachappa urged the Government to give due recognition to the Kodava language as one of the administrative languages and include it in the school curriculum.

The Constitution Review Commission had recommended creation of a Development Board for Kodagu under Article 371. It must be implemented, Mr. Nachappa said.

Criticised

Mr. Nachappa criticised his detractors on the issue of “bane” land, “Jamma” issue and other problems in Kodagu, saying a permanent solution could be sought from the Centre under Article 370 and 371 of the Constitution.

He alleged that the political leaders had misled the people of the district since last 50 years.

Circulars on “bane” lands once withdrawn under one Government could always come back in some other form. Permanent solution through a Central legislation was the only answer, he said.

“Kodava Parliament” members, Pullera Kalappa, Chembanda Janat Kumar and Kaliyanda Prakash, were present.

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