Belagavi: If terrorists are unleashing external violence, some pontiffs are spreading internal terror by propagating superstitious beliefs, said activist Siddanagouda Patil.

If skin diseases could be cured by rolling on leftover food at Kukke Subrahmanya, there would have been no need of skin specialists. Those supporting the ritual are supporting terror. There is a need to protect people from such superstitions in all religions, he said, addressing a programme to create awareness against superstitious practices, at the Vaikunth Dham crematorium grounds here on Saturday.

The programme, organised by Excise and District in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi to mark the 58th Dr Ambedkar Mahaparinirvana Day, was attended by more than 10,000 people from across the State, including students.

Jarkiholi said superstitions had been around for thousands of years and only recently efforts were being made to create awareness against them. Laws alone cannot end such practices, but awareness could bring about some change, he said.

He called upon the gathering to join the awareness movement so that the poor, who fall easy prey to superstitious beliefs, did not remain backward.

Dr Shivamurthy Murugha Swami from Chitradurga said following the ideals of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar would help rid superstitious practices. Jay Mrityunjaya Swami from Kudalasangam, Dr Basavalinga Swami, Hajarat Sayyad Mustafa Khadri, Nijagunanand Swami and progressive thinker Hulikar Nataraj were present.