Farmers happy over Centre’s nod to bullock-cart races at Kila Raipur
Wednesday, 30/12/2015
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LUDHIANA: A day after environment minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre would allow cultural practices like bullock-cart racing to continue while ensuring animals were not subjected to cruelty; a meeting was conducted by sports officials and farmers at Kila Raipur on Tuesday.
Farmers are looking forward to the forthcoming championship.
A large number of farmers came to the meeting and expressed a positive response to Javedkar’s statement.
Farmer Jagtar Singh, who lives close to Kila Raipur, said he was very happy with the move. “I love playing the sport and so do other farmers. We are glad the Centre will allow the sport to be played again,” Singh said.
Balwinder Singh, general secretary of Grewal Sports Association, said, “The traditional sport of bullock-cart racing is very popular in Kila Raipur. If the government allows this game to continue, we can expect more spectators at the Kila Raipur games this year. After reading reports about environment minister’s statement, farmers are happy and are looking forward to maintaining their bulls for the coming championship.”
Animal Welfare Board of India member Sandeep Jain, who is president of People For Animals, Ludhiana, said, “This is a political move by the government as the apex court anyway banned it after analyaing all facts and evidences of cruelty meted out to animals. Animal cruelty is seen often during these competitions.”
Sports promoter Niku Grewal said, “This is a very encouraging move for farmers, who have indulged in this game for a very long time. When horse riding is allowed, bullock-cart racing should also be permitted. This move by the Centre will help promote sports at the grassroots level.”
