Madikeri: On the solemn occasion of the 238th anniversary of the Devaattparamb Kodava tragedy, the Codava National Council (CNC) gathered to pay heartfelt tributes to the Kodava souls who lost their lives in the tragic events of December 12, 1785. The commemoration took place at the Devaattparamb Codava Genocide Memorial Monument Cenotaph at 6:30 AM on Tuesday.
Under the leadership of CNC supremo N U Nachappa, CNC volunteers offered floral tributes and reverential prayers to honor the memory of the Codava Race's sacrifices. The CNC emphasized the significance of this specific day in history and recalled the tragic events that unfolded 238 years ago.
“In 1785, Hyder Ali and Tipu, once friends of Keladhi Raja Parivaara, became enemies, leading to a drastic shift in alliances. Kodava Race, originally treated as Samaritans during their friendly cooperation, found themselves used as mercenaries when conflicts arose. The Codava Tribal warriors, skilled guerrilla fighters, played a crucial role in thwarting the aggression of Tipu, Hyders, and the French, at the cost of many Kodava lives,” Mr Nachappa explained.
“The brutal exploitation of Kodava warriors continued for 201 years, marked by political assassinations at Nalknad Aramane and Madikeri Fort. The wounds inflicted during the Devaattparamb tragedy and subsequent political assassinations remain an unforgettable and traumatic chapter in Codava Race's history,” he added.
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The CNC, on this solemn occasion, reiterated several following resolutions aimed at seeking justice and recognition for the Kodava Race:
Geopolitical Autonomy: The CNC reiterated its demand for Codavaland Geo-Political Autonomy with Internal Political Self-Determination Rights, as envisioned by Article 244 R/w 6th & 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
International Codava Genocide Memorial: A plea was made for the establishment of an International Codava Genocide Memorial Monument at Devaattparamb Cenotaph.
Condemnation and Recognition: The CNC called for a joint condemnation by the UNO and the Government of India, urging the Indian Parliament to pass a resolution recognizing the Devaattparamb tragedy and political assassinations of Codava Tribal Race.
Inclusion in Holocaust Remembrance List: The CNC demanded the inclusion of both tragedies in the International Holocaust remembrance list of the UNO.
Apology and Contribution: The CNC called on the present French government and the custodians of Keladhi Royals, Hyder, and Tipu to ask forgiveness from the Codava Tribal Race. Additionally, they requested contributions towards the establishment of the International Codava Genocide Memorial Monument.
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War Memorials and Constitutional Safeguards: The CNC demanded the construction of War Memorials at Mullusoge and constitutional safeguards for the age-old Codava customary practice of "Sacrament Gun."
Scheduled Tribe Status: A call was made to assign Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the holistic empowerment of the Codava Race to compensate for the tremendous human loss in both tragedies, protecting them from the brink of extinction.
“As the CNC reaffirms its commitment to justice and remembrance, the echoes of the Devaattparamb Kodava tragedy continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of the Codava generality,” CNC stated in the release.
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