Madikeri: The Codava National Council (CNC) in a release, asked the Kodava nationals not to deposit their firearms with the police during election period, claiming that they are exempted to do so under Special Privileges of Indian Arms Act 1959.

The release signed by the CNC President N U Nachappa stated that the officialdom should advise ignorant Kodavas on the issue and not force deposition of the arms as it amounts to abuse of law and breach of trust.

Quoting the special privileges enjoyed by the Kodavas since 1861 during the British Era and subsequently adopted by the Indian government under Indian Arms Act of 1959 sections 3 & 4, the release said Kodavas are exempted from deposition of arms. Even highly respected Chief Electoral Officer (CEC) T N Seshan , who brought in major electoral reforms in the country during his period also ratified that Kodava tribal race need not deposit their fire arms with the police station during election period, the release said.

Finally, the release urged Kodavas not to surrender the firearms to the government during elections under any circumstance by keeping abreast with the statutory rights and special privileges enjoyed by the Kodava community.