Archive · 31 Oct 2025
CNC Holds Human Chain for Codava Community's Recognition
A group called the CNC held a protest in Srimangala to ask the government to officially recognize their special community, the Codavas.
They want to be listed as a unique group of people in the next census, which happens every few years.
This recognition, they believe, will help protect their traditions, their land, and their way of life.
The CNC also expressed concerns about people moving into their area and wants rules to manage guest workers.
They feel that without this recognition, their community might be forgotten or assimilated into others.
The Codava National Council (CNC) conducted its 17th human chain in Srimangala, Kodagu district.
The primary demand is for constitutional recognition of the Codava community as a mono-ethnic Animistic group.
CNC seeks a dedicated code in the 2026-27 census to ensure the continuity of 'Tok-Gun' sacraments and enable delimitation reforms.
Key demands include 6th Schedule autonomy for Codavaland, Scheduled Tribe (ST) listing, and 'Sangha' representation.
The CNC chairman raised concerns about displacement due to settlement schemes and advocated for regulated guest worker permits.
- Who
- The Codava National Council (CNC) and its Chairman N U Nachappa Codava
- What
- Held a human chain to advocate for the Codava community's survival through constitutional recognition, seeking a dedicated code in the census for caste data, ST listing, and 6th Schedule autonomy.
- When
- Implied recent, ahead of the 2026-27 census
- Where
- Srimangala, Kodagu district
- Why
- To ensure the Codava community's survival by securing constitutional recognition, perpetual land rights, and the continuity of 'Tok-Gun' sacraments, which they believe are dependent on their unique identity being documented in the census.
Codava National Council (CNC) Stance
Implicit Counter-Arguments/Concerns
Census Documentation
Codava National Council (CNC) Stance
Demands a dedicated code/column for Codavas as a mono-ethnic Animistic group in the 2026-27 census for survival and continuity of traditions ('Tok-Gun').
Implicit Counter-Arguments/Concerns
Historically, Codavas were recognized as non-caste, but this status was lost to majoritarian assimilation after 1931; current census practices may not adequately capture their unique identity.
Autonomy and Rights
Codava National Council (CNC) Stance
Seeks 6th Schedule autonomy for Codavaland, ST listing, and 'Sangha' representation for constitutional trust and micro-community resilience.
Implicit Counter-Arguments/Concerns
Concerns about the potential for displacement of the local population due to proposed settlement schemes and land clearances, advocating for stricter controls on guest worker permits.
Community Identity
Codava National Council (CNC) Stance
Highlights Codava distinctiveness in honoring nature and ancestral sites, with unique wedding rituals and offerings, free from religious/caste affiliations.
Implicit Counter-Arguments/Concerns
Perceived threat of 'majoritarian assimilation' and loss of distinct identity due to lack of specific census categorization and external population movements.
- Organization
- Codava National Council (CNC)
- Event
- 17th Human Chain
- Location
- Srimangala, Kodagu district
- Date
- Implied recent
- Main Demand
- Constitutional recognition of Codavas as a mono-ethnic Animistic group