Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi

Udupi, Mar 25: The members of the district unit of Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike staged a protest seeking removal of the ban order on animal sacrifice at Kaup Maripuja, near Clock Tower, Udupi, on Tuesday March 24.

Addressing the gathering, Yogish Shetty Jeppu, founder president, said that the ban order had hurt the feelings of the people of Tulunadu and their rich cultural heritage. “Kaup Marigudi has years of history and this ritual has been followed from decades. Lacs of devotees from various places, have true faith in sacrificing hens or goats during this Maripuja. No one is forcing anyone to take part in the practice,” he added.

Jeppu further said that it was a well-planned conspiracy of a few strong communal groups. “All devotees come to seek blessings without any discrimination of caste or religion,” he said.

He alleged that certain people would like to create communal violence among the public. “As India is a multi-culture country, we the people, have complete rights to follow our culture. As Kaup is a communally sensitive area, such orders will increase the chance of conflicts,” he stressed.

Mohandas Rai, state president of the Vedike, and Aikala Bava Chittaranjandas Shetty, district president, were present.