Codava activists protest vandal act at Devati Parambu

Want government to conduct a survey and protect the place

 The members of the Codava National Council staged a protest at General K S Thimmaiah Circle on here Friday, condemning vandalising of stone slab inscription at Devati Parambu

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The protesters urged the administration to arrest the culprits soon and confiscate earthmovers used for the act. They said the police could lay their hands on the men behind the dastardly act if they arrest the drivers of earthmovers used for the vandal act. They said that a comprehensive survey of Devati Parambu should be conducted and steps should be taken to protect the place after clearing encroachments. They warned of staging a protest in front of the forest office if the survey was not conducted in three months. The protesters wanted Devati Parambu to be declared a heritage site.

Tipu Sultan had invited Kodava people and killed them at this very place in 1785, they said. A stone slab was erected at the site in memory of the martyrs and the place was being worshipped all these years. “But, some people are conspiring to put an end to this custom” the CNC activists said, demanding that a monument be constructed at the place.
CNC president N U Nachappa said that the act had deeply hurt the feelings of Kodava people. “Large-scale deforestation, smuggling of precious stones and illegal hunting of animals are rampant here. The place had become a hideout for thieves and poachers. The entry of CNC has now become a hurdle these people,” Nachappa said.

The protesters later submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Meer Anees Ahmmed and Kodagu Circle Conservator of Forests Manoj Kumar.

Kodava Samaja Vice President Mandepanda Ratan Kuttaiah, Cheyyandane Kodava Samaja president Chenanda Suresh Nanaiah, theatre artiste Addanda Cariappa and writer Balyamiderira Subramani were present.