DNA STUDY TO SEARCH THE ORIGIN OF KODAVAS;

Madikeri February 3, 2006

Kodau Natural Sciences Research Society has engaged a loaboratory in Chennai to conduct DNA study of Kodavas and findout the origin.

Dr.M.M.Chengappa from Virajpet said that the research would be conducted by testing DNA samples available from all over the world. Stating that the research will cost rupees twelve lakh, he has appealed to all the Kodavas to take membership of the society and bear the cost of research. He has requested them to contact the honourable secretary Col. (Rtd) Kongettira C.Ponnappa

If by DNA test it is proved that the Kodavas do not belong to Indian origin, it will give an opportunity to claim for national minority Status, he has said.

The association KNSRS is formed by senior retired army officers of Kodagu to find the origin of Kodavas. It is led by Gen B.C.Nanda as its president. Though Kodavas and others write several books about the possible origins of Kodavas, it is so far not established authentically.

WATER AND ROADS TO GET PRIORITY IN ZP;

MLA K.G.Bopaiah has said that water and roads will get priority in Zilla Panchayath.

Talking to this correspondent, Bopaiah said that roads in the district are in a dilapidated state and they will be attended to at the earliest. Since the Zilla Panchayath is ruled by BJP and JDs partnership here, Boapaih said that they shall carry out schemes and projects with ease. Agreeing that the drinking water problem at madikeri remains untapped, he assured that the Vanachalu project would be flagged off to solve it.

PROTEST AGAINST SAT;

The nagarika Horata samity at Virajpet yesterday staged a protest against the Town panchayth and accused that Tax amount is on the higher side.

The members of the samithy distracted the meeting of the panchayath and squatted outside in protest. They alleged that the Self-Assessment Tax levied by the TP is on higher side, parrellel to other cities.

President Farook Rahim assured the protestors that their demands would be settled within a month. Protest was called off after the presidents assurance.