Will not interfere with traditional convention: Minister

Amidst pleas from animal protection groups against parading of elephants during the world famous Thrissur Pooram festivities, Kerala government today made it clear that it would not interfere with the age- old traditional convention.
"All conventions held during the Thrissur Pooram, including parading of elephants, will be observed, Kerala Forests minister, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, told PTI.
Asked about the complaints regarding torture of elephants during the festival, falling on April 29, he said 'if anyone has any complaints with regard to the upkeep of the animals during the festivities, they can bring it to the notice of the government and the government will look into it. But there is no question of any interfere with the convention of the pooram," he said.

The age-old traditional convention would be followed, he said.
The government has already issued various guidelines with regard to maintenance of captive elephants in the state.