Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jul 4: "After the long legal tussle, we finally won the battle. The President of India has approved the promulgation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Ordinance. Now, all hurdle to the Kambala the traditional buffalo race has been removed. It is the time to rejoice. It the victory of people of Dakshina Kannada," said Shantharam Shetty Barkur, president District Kambala Committee, addressing the media persons at Hotel Janata Deluxe here on Tuesday, July 4.

He further said, "The victory was achieved through collective efforts. The state and union government supported us equally in this legal process. The Siddaramaiah-led state government passed the ordinance to make Kambala legal, and the bill was sent to the President for approval. The office of President approved this ordinance with a minor correction. Our representatives from all political parties helped in various stages of this battle. We are thankful to them ."

Ashok Kumar Rai, secretary, legal wing, District Kambala Committee said, "Through the state government ordinance, Tamil Nadu succeeded to get permission for Jallikattu the traditional bullfight. We too moved in the same way and requested the state government and central government to lift the ban on Kambala. The state government passed the ordinance unanimously, and central government backed us on further proceedings. Now, finally, we have received the order from the central government about the ban on Kambala being lifted. We will submit a copy of the approved ordinance to the High Court. After sending the copy, the judge will throw away the case filed by PETA."

After the press meet, the office bearers and locals celebrated the victory with crackers at Ballal Bhag.

Bhaskar S Kotian, honorary president District Kambala Committee, committee members Vijaya Kumar Kangina Mane, and P R Shetty Kulur were present on the occasion.