From Our Special Correspondent

Madikeri, Jan 28: Tuluvere Janapada Koota held protests on January 27 in the city condemning the ban on Kambala sport and urging for permission for it. The leaders of the Koota in the protests held in front of the office of the deputy commissioner urged the state government to take necessary steps to preserve and develop the Janapada sport.

“The sport which has a history between 800 to 900 years has been performed for generations and is a symbol of coastal culture. However, banning it with the excuse that it amounts to animal abuse is not correct,” they opined. P M Ravi, chief secretary of the Koota urged the government to remove the ban. He justified that buffaloes are being used only once or twice a year and it is not violence against animals.

Shekar Bhandary, district president of the Koota said that farmers use cows and buffaloes in agricultural activities in a very respectable manner. “There is respect for Tulunadu culture, Kambala and the government should take initiative to preserve coastal art,” he urged.

The protesters handed over a memorandum to deputy commissioner in charge, Sathish Kumar.

District vice president Narayana Rai, Madikeri taluk president Prabhu Rai, Somavarpete taluk president Dinesh Kulal, advisor N D Nanayya, Anandaraghu, Aithappa Rai, Balakrishna Rai, Sathish Kunder, Santhosh Rai, Suresh Kulal, Anusooya, B S Ananda, Ashok Acharya and other leaders participated in the protests.