Thousands protest in Karnataka against Kambala ban

MANGALURU: Clamour to hold buffalo race ‘Kambala’ in coastal Karnataka grew louder with thousands of students, actors from the Tulu film industry and public representatives forming a human chain to support the local sport, in the heart of Mangaluru on Friday.

The agitators demanded a ban on PETA alleging that the body has failed to understand the difference between Jallikattu held in Tamil Nadu and Kambala in coastal Karnataka.

Students, after boycotting their classes on Friday, had gathered in a big number to voice out their support to Kambala, which is held for several centuries in the coastal belt.


Addressing the protesters, Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, Dakshina Kannada, said, “Kambala is a traditional sport of Tulunadu and without understanding the difference between Jalikattu and Kambala, PETA had filed a petition to ban Kambala. They should know that there is no cruel treatment given to bovines during the sport. We all should join hands and intensify our Protest until the ban on Kambala lifted”.

The other organisation that took part in the protest included right-wing activists and student organisations.