SEPARATE STATEHOOD MOVEMENT REVOKED

Madikeri Feb.5 A separate statehood movement which was first introduced by the then organization Liberation of warriors in Kodagu (LIWAK) headed by its’ sole leader N.U.Nachappa had turned its’s view later and converted the goal for Codava community benefits with the changed name of Codava national council (CNC).Nachappa had then argued that Kodagu people have got all the constitutional right to get the separate statehood. Before the merger with Karnataka Kodagu enjoyed C state provisions with a separate Parliament seat and its’ own 24 assembly seats. After the merger Kodagu was neglected by Karnataka rulers and the Kodagu should be separated from Karnataka –had urged Nachappa. The agenda was completely changed by Nachappa and he restricted the fight for Codavas only and had completely skipped away the separate statehood movement. The movement was then opposed by Prajavedike organization headed by Deviprasad of Sampaje ,which is a border area between Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada . The opponent’s criticized the movement alleging that it is purely going to establish a separate state for Kodavas and the non Kodavas would be cornered. Sensing the future clash Nachappa had dropped the movement and converted the cause to achieve minority status to Kodava community under the banner CNC.

The then minister M.C.Nananaiah, B.A.Jeevijaya and the then . M.L.C A,K Subbaiah were dead against the separate statehood agitation. Many leaders have indirectly tried to pull back the agitation by Nachappa through various means. Surprisingly all these leaders who recently joined to fight against the Coalition Govt’s faulty order against the privileged Jamma holdings in Kodagu have jointly announced the commencement of separate statehood movement in Kodagu if Govt. continues its’ lethargic attitude to solve the district. problems. In an adverse move, Nachappa who had started separate statehood movement is now oppose this voice. He criticizes the political leaders who have then opposed the movement are now using the statehood agendas for their selfish gain he alleges.

Today, the separate statehood voice is again raised by another organization Kavery Sene. While speaking in a function at Somwarpet.The Kaveri Sene convener Ravi Chengappa announced the organizations interest towards agitation to achieve separate statehood for Kodagu. kaveri Sene is in the field since two years and succeeded in stopping some of the hydal project in Kodagu using the main source of drinking water in several places. Sene is still agitating against the High tension power project in South Kodagu. Convener Ravi Chengappa had criticized the voice raised by M.C.Nanaiah and A,K,Subbaiah favouring separate statehood movement. He said these leaders who have earlier objected the cause have changed their attitude for political gains. However kaveri sene is pressurized by many civilians in the district to take up Separate statehood movement in Kodagu –he clarified.. When contacted by Times Ravi Chengappa told that an important and ultimate decision would be taken at Padi temple, on 10th Feb. On the day of reconsecration of padi Igguthappa Linga.The movement will be carried only with the help of all the local residents irrespective of caste and creed. The agitation would be more powerful if it is backed by the inhabitants. –Ravi Chengappa confirmed.

PHOTO :RAVI CHENGAPPA OF KAVERY SENE SPEAKING AT SOMWATRPET