Karnataka   

They prefer to police themselves

— Photo: R. Eswarraj

Helping themselves: A power line providing electricity to Nadi Kudru, near Mulki, which was installed with the help of the residents.

NADI KUDRU: The inhabitants of this island, near Mulki, surrounded by the waters of the Shambhavi river, are not cut off from the rest of the world. However, there is a marked difference in the manner in which the islanders resolve disputes. They follow the traditional system of village elders administering justice through the “panchayati katte” system of yore.

The residents of Nadi Kudru claim that they have never approached the police to settle disputes. People do recall the only instance of a case having been registered at the Padubidri police station, which was subsequently withdrawn. Disputes, if any, are settled by the Jarandaya Seva Samiti, a committee comprising elders of the island.

The island has 32 houses spread over 65 acres, and all residents are from the Billava community. It has a population of about 130. In 2004, the Government constructed a bridge connecting the island with Hejamadi Kodi. It can also be reached by boat from the Mulki side.

Sanjeeva Kotian (80), a resident of the island, claimed that he did not remember any dispute that needed police intervention.

However, Vamana Kotian, an elder and head of the island, said, “Two persons from the island had filed complaints against each other at the Padubidri police station following a land dispute. This was about five years ago. The committee intervened and ensured that the complaints were withdrawn.” When contacted, a police official said the police usually did not get complaints from the island.

The islanders are also united when it comes to issues of development. To cite on instance, the electricity pole in the middle of the Shambhavi supporting the power line to the island had corroded. When officials of the Mangalore Electricity Supply Company said that replacement would take time, the residents contributed Rs. 28,000 towards the cost four electricity poles. They even offered to install the poles. “They were installed two months ago,” said Mr. Kotian.

During elections, they do not allow any party to put up hoardings or display banners on the island. Political parties are, however, allowed to conduct a door-to-door campaign.

However, the residents have a demand. They want a bridge to be constructed connecting the island with Mulki-Kattadangadi. If that is done, there will be no need to cross the river by boat to reach Mulki town.

There are other islands close by, such as Chandrashanabhagara Kudru, Channayya Kudru, Swamila Kudru and Kokrani Kudru, which have people from different communities and religions. Nadi Kudru is the only one where people of only one community live, said Mr. Kotian.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Belgaum lodge owner picked up
CAT issues notices on BDA Chairman’s plea
Three of family murdered
Defective eggs spell doom for Kolar silk farmers
New agricultural policy sought
For better education
Newborn Goan babies to be screened for deformities
Peace formula may create problems for Kamat
Contractors blamed for delay in roadworks
Condemning terrorism
Release of water
‘Science has a role in tackling communalism’
New building for IT cooperative
ENGAGEMENTS
‘We will take the first train to Kashmir’
They prefer to police themselves
A VIP in town
Exhibition to promote floriculture
‘Congress is ready for elections in May’
‘HOPE 2008’ from today
CJ has some ‘modest’ advice for women
Captain comes calling

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu