'Identify Kodavas as minority tribal community'

Addressing a press meet, he said the State government should inform the status of Kodavas to the Commission of the Union government. “We have already asked Social Welfare Minister Narayanaswamy. We will not rest till our demands are met.”

The Kodavas should be given the right to possess arms. The government should initiate action against those who misuse arms, he said.

Reacting to a query on Naxal activities in Kodagu, he said those who have contact with Naxals should be externated from the district. There was rumour on Naxal activities in 2008 itself. They are active in Kutti, Devarakolli and Devarakadu. Kodavas should be cautious. They should inform the police as soon as they come to know the movement of Naxals in the region.

Demanding Kodava land, a vehicle jatha will be held on May 16.

The jatha will commence from Igguthappa temple and will pass through various parts of the district.