MANGALURU -- The Tulunada Rakshana Vedike today organised a protest meet here to condemn the ban on Kambala, the traditional sport of coastal districts in the state.
Kambala had been an inseparable part of culture of the Tulunadu and the ban on the sport had deeply pained the people of the land, founder President of the Vedike, Yogish Shetty Jeppu said at the meet held in front of the Mini Vidhana Saudha here.
The fate of over 25 Kambala events in the district were suspended due to the stay.
The Tamil Nadu people had shown their determination by getting permission to conduct Jallikattu, he said and urged the elected representatives to take steps to lift the ban on Kambala.
Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, Veerendra Heggade said he would join hands with the people of Tulunadu for the cause of Kambala, and added that a ban on a tradition would pave for destruction of culture.
He noted that traditional sports involving animals were practiced in all parts of the world and Kambala has faced the ban probably owing to the neglect of the traditional touch and considering the sport as mere entertainment without paying heed to the custom.
Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel called upon all people of the district to join hands and participate in the Hakkottaya protest to be held at Moodbidri on January 28 to condemn the ban on Kambala which had a history of nearly 1000 years.
Kateel also welcomed the statement of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in support of Kambala.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said an ordinance can be brought, if necessary, to allow the conduct of "Kambala" in the coastal areas after seeking legal opinion.
The clamour for Kambala has been spurred by the success of the stir in Tamil Nadu over jallikattu.
Kambala Committees have decided to hold a massive protest on January 28 in Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada district.
Symbolic Kambala, a buffalo race in the marshy fields, is also likely to be held as a mark of protest.
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