Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 2: The MLA conducted a foundation stone ceremony on a total of 13 acres of land by allegedly encroaching on farmers’ and forest department land, beyond the 6.30 acres allotted by the district administration for Kambala, said Vinay Kumar Sorake.
State president of the KPCC Campaign Committee and former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake alleged serious irregularities and misuse of authority in connection with land reserved for Kambala buffaloes and related activities in the district during a press conference held on March 2 at the Udupi Press Club. Vinay Kumar Sorake stated that the district administration had originally reserved 6.30 acres of land for Kambala, buffaloes and their treatment. However, he alleged that not only this extent but nearly 13 acres were encroached upon. According to reports, several individuals were engaged in agricultural activities on the surrounding lands.
Vinay Kumar Sorake claimed that the land was suddenly encroached upon and that a portion of it was declared as reserve forest. Activities were allegedly carried out forcibly on the site. Subsequently, the forest department registered cases against those involved.
Vinay Kumar Sorake further alleged that no official Kambala meeting was convened by the district administration, nor was any land formally sanctioned by it for the Kambala committee. He described the situation as an act of high-handedness and questioned under what authority an MLA could intervene in matters related to Kambala.
Referring to his tenure as minister, Vinay Kumar Sorake said that when there were attempts to stop Kambala events, he had led efforts to ensure their continuation, as Kambala is a traditional folk sport of the region. “Kambala originated in Puttur and is part of our cultural heritage,” he said.
Vinay Kumar Sorake added that the deputy commissioner had initially permitted the commencement of work but later imposed legal sections that restricted activities. While the district in-charge minister reportedly took a decision to hold the foundation-laying ceremony on March 4, the forest department filed a case on February 24.
Vinay Kumar Sorake demanded documentary proof that the land in question had been officially handed over to the Kambala committee. He maintained that if Kambala is to be held in Udupi, it should be conducted under the authority of the district administration. “We are not opposed to organizing Kambala, but the local residents must receive appropriate compensation,” he said.
Vinay Kumar Sorake also alleged that the district administration had transferred the land to the youth services and sports department and not to any Kambala committee. Accusing the local MLA of adopting an authoritarian approach and committing encroachment, Vinay Kumar Sorake questioned the fairness of placing blame on others under the guise of voluntary action. He also questioned why one who uses God’s name had brought a stay order for the construction of the Nagari Gopura at Perdoor Temple.
Vinay Kumar Sorake further noted that the foundation ceremony scheduled for the 4th was later cancelled after all details came to light.
The press conference was attended by Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, president of Udupi District Congress; Harish Kini, president of the Udupi District Campaign Committee; Congress leaders Santhosh Kulal, Santhosh Kumar Bairampalli and Ismail.