Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)
Kasargod, Dec 15: In the face of objections filed by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the police department has placed certain restrictions on the 'Anna - Thamma' Kambala being held at Paivalike, Manjeshwar, in the district today.
P R Shetty, president of Undivided Dakshina Kannada District Kambala Samiti, said that the Kambala will go ahead as planned, and all steps have been taken to see that no legal problems are faced.
PETA had argued with the police that the bill passed by Karnataka legislature about holding Kambala is not valid in Kerala. Therefore, the holding of the Kambala was in limbo till Friday night. After discussions were held with Kerala ministers, district administration and police d department, holding of the Kambala today was confirmed on Friday night.
PETA argued that Kerala high court had banned Kambala in 2014 along with Jallikattu. The Supreme Court also had banned Kambala because it promotes violence against animals. Therefore it argued that it would be wrong to allow Kambala, which is banned by both the courts, to be held. The Karnataka act too mentions holding of Kambalal in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in addition to Shivamogga district. There is no mention about Kerala state or Kasargod district in the act.
After receiving PETA notice, district superintendent of police, Srinivas had served notice to Kambala committee not to organize Kambala, duly warning that in case of violation, the concerned will face legal steps. on Friday night however, the police orally agreed for the Kambala.
The organizers have already spent about ten lac rupees in organizing three-day programme from December 13 onward during which Kabaddi, tug-of-war etc were held. The police had earlier given permission for the same.
In the meantime, Moodbidri MLA, Umanath Kotian, demanded in the assembly to include Kambalal under sports department as it is not getting any grants from Kannada and culture department, under which it is placed now. Home minister, Dr G Parameshwar, promised to look into the matter.