Kodava Organization Condemns Vandalism at Devatiparamb
Inputs from Bariyanda Somanna
and Ballimada Mohan Devaiah
Bengaluru: Kodavaame, an organization of Kodavas based in Bengaluru, has issued a media release condemning the vandalism on a monument put up by the Codava National Council (CNC) in Devatiparamb in Kodagu.
Devatiparamb, located on banks of river Cauvery, has emotional and historical connect with Kodava community. On the unfortunate day of December 13, 1785 Tippu massacred thousands of Kodavas in Devatiparamb on the pretext of negotiation and putting an end to the decade-long war with them.
As a mark of respect to the memory of thousands of Kodava families who lost lives in the massacre, the CNC had urged the government of India, the state government and the district administration to construct a national monument.
On its part, the CNC had also laid the foundation stone at Devatiparamb. However, a few days ago, some anti-Kodava and anti-social elements had smashed the monument constructed by CNC.
Kodavaame strongly feels that this is an attempt made by certain people in Kodagu to create a rift between two communities. A constant effort is made by these people to create communal tension in the district and capitalize on the vote bank.
Therefore, Kodavaame urges the government of India, the state government and the district administration to conduct a detailed enquiry on the memorial destruction and punish the anti-social elements involved.
It has also urged the government to speed up the process and turn the historical place to national monument on par with Jalianwala Bagh. Any failure to do so would invite unpleasant consequences, it has cautioned.
THE devatiparamb monument constructed by the Codava National Council lies in the Aiyangeri reserve forest area on the way to Bhaghamandala and was smashed by miscreants.
When Manoj of Cherambane lodged a complaint, police rushed to the spot and inspected the place along with forest officials. A case has been registered at the Bhaghamandala police station.