Tulunada Rakshana Vedike Condemns High Court’s Interim ban on Kambala in DK
Mangaluru: Addressing the media persons during a press meet, Yogesh Shetty Jeppu, the Founding president of Tulunada Rakshana Vedike (TRV) said, ” TRV strongly condemns the decision taken by the High Court for a stay order on holding the Kambala. The HCs ban will further dent the already declining agricultural practice in the state. Dates of 25 kambalas (slush track buffalo races) that were to be held in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kasargod districts were already fixed and preparations underway. The move by the HC has come as a great disappointment to all of them. The contention of PETA that bulls were not fit for running is based on their misconception”.
He further said, ” The interim ban on all Kambala races in the state until the disposal of PIL filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India has questioned the self-respect of people of Tulunadu. Kambala is very much part of the tradition of people of this part of the state with a chequered history of more than 800-years and banning the folk sport is wrong. If they decide to ban Kambala, they should also ban Horse Racing, where also beating of animals is done. They won’t ban horse racing, because the game is run and patronized by wealthy people”.
“It is also unfortunate that the court has classified jallikattu, kambala and bullock cart race under the same category. There is an element of cruelty in bullock cart race and people have lost their lives as well. If the PETA members are worried about whipping of bulls as animal cruelty, how about the worse cruelty perpetuated on camels, horses, elephants and other domesticated animals. Likewise, eating animals as food habit too is inflicting cruelty on them. Animals used for tilling the field are whipped at times. On the other hand, bulls used in kambala are treated with due care and as members of the family. They are kept in AC rooms and provided special diet. TRV will join hands with any efforts that the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Zilla Kambala Samiti takes to ensure continuity of the sport and in their legal battles.” added Yogesh.
