Madikeri: The Kodavas have been exempted from the Indian Arms Act, right from the time it was introduced by the British in 1834. However, pressing that this exemption should not be taken away from the Kodavas at any cost, senior advocate S Subbaiah has said that the Kodavas should be allowed to carry the arms out of the district as well.
Addressing the ‘Puthari Oororme’ programme at Kodava Samaj hall on Sunday, he said that there is a need for the special Arms rights for the Kodavas to continue and if the Kodavas have to march on path of progress, they need to stand united.
Presiding over the programme, Kodava Samaja President K S Devaiah said that there are lot of Kodavas who are economically backward and if the Kodavas are included in the Scheduled Tribe category, it will help the next generation.
“There are many who are opposing this demand. But, the fact is that the Kodavas are suffering because there is no representation and reservation for the Kodavas in any field,” he said.
Kodava Samaja office-bearers among others were present.
