Kambala to be held on Jan 28 defying ban: Organisers

Amid the raging protests over Jallikattu in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, organisers of 'Kambala' (buffalo race) in Karnataka today decided to hold the traditional sport in Mangaluru on January 28 in violation of court orders restraining the same.
The decision was taken at a meeting held by the members of the Kambala Committee in Mangaluru, the committee's president Ashok Rai said.
The Karnataka High Court had passed an interim order last year November, staying Kambala on a petition filed by PETA and the next hearing was on January 30, he told PTI.
"We have decided to conduct Kambala races on January 28 before the matter comes up for hearing in the court," he said.

The traditional buffalo race will be held from 11.30 AM till evening, he added.
"We have been motivated by the success of Jallikattu movement in Tamil Nadu. We are also planning a massive protest in Mangaluru (January 28) in which 50,000 persons including politicians and those from the film industry are expected to attend," Rai said.

The rally would be held before the commencement of Kambala and 200 pairs of buffaloes would be paraded, he said.
Kambala is a traditional annual buffalo race conducted in marshy fields in coastal districts.
Meanwhile, RSS Media Coordinator in Karnataka said the outfit favours Kambala just as Jallikattu and these should be held with no violence.

"Kambala and Jallikattu are part of our agro-based traditions and is one of the indigenous way for conservation of native cattle breeds. We are in favour of it. Both Kambala and Jallikattu should continue with no violence," he said.
Meanwhile, Tulunad Rakshana Vedike is planning to hold a protest in Mangaluru on January 24 against the ban on Kambala.