Date:02/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/02/stories/2008110255300700.htm

National

Codavas seek autonomous region

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Codava National Council members observed a peaceful “satyagraha” at Jantar Mantar here on Saturday on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava Day to demand establishment of a Codava Autonomous Region.

The protesters are demanding that the Codava land comprising 45 ancient Codava “naads” be granted full-fledged autonomy on par with the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.

‘Distinct minority’

“Codavas should be recognised as a significantly infinitesimal distinct minority. We want the 45 ‘naads’ to be recognised as traditional and indivisible homeland and Codavas be given the right to decide their own political destiny,” said Codava National Council president N.U. Nachappa Codava.

Outlining other demands of the Council, Mr. Codava said his community must be given ethno-linguistic tribal status under Articles 340 and 342 of the Constitution and reservation in the field of education and employment on the lines of other tribals in the country.

‘Ancient language’

Describing the Codava language as a rich, ancient and living spoken language, the Council president said it must be included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

“It should be implemented as an administrative language at par with Konkani language of the State,” he added.