Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi/Bengaluru (SP)

Udupi/Bengaluru, Feb 19: "The state government has nothing against the continuance of Kambala, a rural sport that is organized as per traditions. I have personally watched Kambalas. This is a sport that does not deserve to be banned. At the same time, the government is unable to intervene now in the issue as the matter is before the courts," Karnataka chief minister, Siddaramaiah, told a delegation of Kambala Samiti from undivided Dakshina Kannada district which met him recently at Bengaluru.

The delegation had met the CM to request him to contribute towards doing away with the tricky situation Kambala is facing currently. The CM told the delegation that the government's stand in this issue is clear.

"This is a sport in which farmers are engaged in. If Kambala is banned, even conducting agricultural activities may suffer in future. It would not be wise to ban Kambala in the guise of violence on animals," he said.

He also promised the delegation that if necessary, suitable laws would be framed to assist continuance of Kambala. He explained that report would be prepared by experts in the field and submitted to the court and the central government towards ensuring that this folk sport lives on.

The delegation also met law minister, T B Jayachandra, and discussed the issue with him. "Already district in-charge ministers of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, Vinay Kumar Sorake and B Ramanath Rai, have provided me with detailed picture about what is bothering Kambala now. Overlooking party affiliations, all the legislators from Karnataka coast have vehemently opposed the proposal to ban Kambala. We are with you. We will form committee of experts on the issue and get a report. If necessary, we are also prepared to hold discussions with Animal Welfare Board on this issue," he promised.

In addition to Ramanath Rai and Sorake, the delegation comprised of health minister, U T Khadar, minister of sports, Abhaychandra Jain, legislators, Vasant Bangera, Mohiuddin Bava, Kambala Samiti president, Bhaskar Kotian, several members of the committees and dignitaries.