Mangaluru: Support for Kambala seems to be intensifying with the student community too taking to the streets today in Mangaluru and other parts of Karnataka calling for lifting the ban on the annual buffalo racing sport.
Students affiliated to different colleges in the region led by All-College Students’ Association, members of Tulunada Rakshana Vedike, cine artists and politicians participated in the rally that commenced from Wenlock hospital, Hampankatta and culminated at Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The students were even seen holding placards demanding a ban on PETA. The protest rally saw participation of Devdas Kapikad, Naveen D Padil, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, director-producer Vijay Kumar Kodailbail, MLA Mohiuddin Bava, Jagadish Shenava, Sharan Pumpwell, Satyajit Surathkal, Chethan Rai who sought immediate government intervention to ensure continuation of Kambala.
Speaking at the rally Canara college student Preethi stated “ It is harsh that Kambala been banned which is known to be the culture and tradition of Tulnadu, we need to unite until justice is provided, we will never give up our tradition. Kambala is being followed from ancestral time and being carried from generation to generation with respect.”
Addressing the gathering Kapikad in his comical manner decried the difference in justice to Jallikattu and Kambala.
After the massive protests in Chennai gained success with the revocation of ban on ‘Jallikattu’, leaders across political parties in the district have voiced their dissent against the Kambala ban.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had recently pitched for the traditional annual buffalo race, saying that the government will bring ordinance to lift the ban if necessary. Karnataka state BJP president B. S. Yeddyurappa too has advocated for the cause of Kambala saying that the government must give its consent.
Meanwhile the District Kambala Samiti, Sampradaya Kambala Samiti, Kambala Academy and Moodbidri Koti-Chennaya Jodukare Kambala Samiti have planned a protest rally on January 28 in Moodbidri. Besides supporters around 200 pairs of buffaloes will be seen in the rally that will start from Swaraj Maidan and end at Kadalakere Nisargadhama Kambala Track.
