'Stop discrimination of planters'

Codava National Council President N U Nachappa has alleged that the power of attorney holders have been deceiving the planters in the region over sale of rosewood.

Addressing a news conference on Friday, Nachappa said that since rosewood falls within the bracket of nationalised tree, cutting of these trees are subjected to several rules and regulations. Hence the Forest Department receives power of attorney from the planters and then the timber is sold through auction at the depots by the forest department.

There are auction centres at Thithimathi, Aanekaadu, Sampaje and Kushalnagar, where rosewood is sold at much higher price. However the planters are given lesser amount, he added.

Nachappa requested Forest Department to stop the injustice meted out at the planters over rates of rosewood and instead help the planters.

Nachappa said that the Council will demand the District Administration to install permanent name plaque for Appachu Kavi road, at both the ends of the road.

Further, Nachappa said that the Council will hold a torch light protest march at Napoklu on May 28, pressing for their longstanding demand for autonomous ‘Kodava Land’.

During the protest march the Council will also demand minority group status for Kodavas.