Bengaluru, Jan 22 (PTI): Taking a leaf out of the pro-jallikattu protests in Tamil Nadu, organisers of Kambala (buffalo race) today decided to hold a massive demonstration in Mangaluru next week, demanding lifting of the ban on the traditional sport.

President of the Kambala Committee Ashok Rai said they have decided to hold the demonstration next week in which about 50,000 persons, including politicians and those from the film industry, were expected to participate.

Kambala is a traditional annual buffalo race conducted in marshy fields in coastal districts.
"We have been motivated by the success of jallikattu movement in Tamil Nadu. We are planning a massive protest in Mangaluru in which 50,000 persons including politicians and those from the film industry are expected to participate," he said.

"Most probably, the demonstration will be held on January 26," Rai told PTI.

As many as 75,000 persons participated in the protest demanding lifting of the ban on the sport last year in Mangaluru, he said.

The committee also plans to parade as many as 200 buffaloes during the demonstration, Rai said.

"We are inviting all MPs, MLAs and political leaders of the region to participate in the demonstration to make it as successful as jallikattu protests in Tamil Nadu," he said.

Rai said the demonstration will be held for three to four hours following which a memorandum would be handed over to the Deputy Commissioner demanding lifting of ban on Kambala, he said.

He said Karnataka High Court had passed an interim order staying Kambala races in November last year on a case filed by PETA and the next hearing is on January 30.

Meanwhile, Tulunad Rakshana Vedike is planning to hold a protest against the ban on Kambala at Deputy Commissioner's office here on January 24.