Mangaluru: As the government of Karnataka has allowed the conduction of Kambala by fixing some guidelines, the Dakshina Kannada District Kambala Committee is now planning to sensitise the buffalo owners by convening a meeting at Swarna Mandir in Moodbidri on September 23 at around 2 PM.

District Kambala Committee General Secretary M Rajeev Shetty Edthuru told reporters here on Friday, September 21, “We abide by the guidelines framed by the government and speak to buffalo owners before organising Kambala. Our intention is not to harm the buffaloes, but to safeguard our folk game,” he said.

Pointing at the objections by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to Kambala Rajeev said, “We have been informed that PETA is trying to ban Kambala once again and that they have approached the court again. Those who are demanding a ban on Kambala are unaware of the tradition of Tulunadu and their allegation of violence in Kambala is also completely wrong”, he said.

Rajeev asked all buffalo owners to participate in the meeting and give valid suggestions to ensure that there are no violations of guidelines during Kambala. “Union Minister for Statistics D V Sadananda Gowda, Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, former minister K Abhayachandra Jain among others will participate in the meeting. All those who are directly and indirectly participating in Kambala should attend the meeting in order to give suggestions,” he said.

DK district Kambala Committee Treasurer Suresh K Poojary, Secretary Thrishal K Poojary, former secretary Seetharam Shetty, Kambala referee Valerian D’Sa among others were present.