Hindutva pressure: Historic 'cattle-fair' reduces to 'go-pooja'

Mangalore, November 3: There is an intense clash of opinions with regard to the decision of Subrahmanya gram panchayat not to conduct the ancient and traditional cattle fair held annually at Kulkunda near Kukke Subrahmanya before the temple's annual festival begins.

Three kilometres away from the temple, a cattle fair was held every year in Kulkunda by a committee formed by Subrahmanya gram panchayat, where farmers from many regions across the state convened to trade in cattle.

It could be recalled here that right-wing groups such as Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Hindu Jagran Vedike had disrupted the fair last year in November and created a ruckus alleging that most of the cattle ended up in slaughter houses in Kerala.

Few cattle buyers were not allowed to leave the fair with their animals, till the right-wing groups held a meeting with the organisers.

Few farmers who had brought their animals to the fair had to return without having sold them. While having been unable to sell their cattle, they were further distressed as the cattle had to be taken back at additional expenses.

The Bajrang Dal has also alleged that since farming activities had decreased in the state, the fair in recent times was being taken advantage by few people who transport cattle to slaughter houses in Kerala. Giving into pressure from Hindutva organisations, the Panchayat has hence decided to organise a 'go-pooja' (cow worship) this November instead of the traditional fair.

This decision has invited opposition by few Panchayat members affiliated to the Congress. Claiming that the cattle were not taken from the fair to slaughter houses, a former Panchayat member has raised objections on the Bajrang Dal's right to interfere in the proceedings of a historic fair.

He rubbished the allegations of Dal stating that the Panchayat took precautions and certified that the buyers were genuine farmers. Another Panchayat member termed the right-wing activists' interference as vote-bank politics.

Meanwhile, the Subrahmanya Gram Panchayat has decided to convene a meeting of farmers in Kulkunda and Subrahmanya on November 8 to decide the course of the fair.