Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Nov 29: Thousands of farmers and general public, led by the district Kambala committee of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasargod, marched through the streets of the city here on Saturday November 29 strongly exressing their objection to the Supreme Court's order to ban the traditional sport on cruelty grounds, and urging its restoration.
The rally began from Shanti Nilaya ground at Balmatta and culminated at DC's office, where the protest meet was held.
Along with protestors, nearly 190 pairs of buffaloes, specially decorated for the occasion, were also part of the rally.
Addressing the protest, president of one of the Kambala committes Bhaskar S Kotian spoke on the importance and significance of Kambala as a traditional rural sport of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. He alleged that the depart of animal husbandry and veterinary sciences had misinformed the Supreme Court about the sport.
"Contrary to the animal husbandry department's claims, the buffaloes are taken care of very well. The owners treat them with affection and care, and there is no cruelty involved. Some of the ownes even have facilities like air-conditioned sheds and special ponds for the buffaloes," he said.
He also warned that the protests would be intensified if the ban order was not revoked.
"Farmers are nurturing and feeding the buffaloes like than their own children. There is misconception that buffaloes are beaten and tortured in the Kambala race. The members of the Animal Welfare Board should check the reality. Government should restore Kambala. Kambala is a traditional folk sport of this Tulunadu. If Kambala is violent then what about cattle slaughter?"
He also said that Kambala is completely different form Jallikattu. "The buffaloes which are used for Kambala are completely different from ordinary buffaloes," he added.
He also urged the state government as well as elected representatives and ministers from the coastal districts to urge the union government to intervene in the matter.
Dr Jeevandar Ballal said, "Kambala is not a commercial event. There is no violence in slush race. If Kambala is violent, let the government also ban boxing."
The farmers also pointed out that the while the rich have their entertainment in clubs, pubs, resorts and tours, for the poor rural population, Kambala is the only means of entertainment. They also said that the buffaloes running the Kambala races are looked after like their own children and there is no question of cruelty at all.
Kambala committee member Deviprasad Shetty from Udupi said that rural sports would be vastly affected if Kambala is stopped. "Annually, around 52 Kambalas are held in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The officials of animal husbandary department should personnally experience Kambala to know the truth," he added.
Rajeev Shetty Eddthere, K Gunapal Kadamba also spoke on this occasion.
MLC Ivan D'Souza, mayor Mahabala Maarla, former mayor Shashidhar Hegde, Congress members Mithun Rai, Praveenchandra Alva and others were present.