BALANGIR TRIBALS INSIST ON SULIA ANIMAL SACRIFICE
Sunday, 05 January 2014 |
SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar
In view of
stiff opposition to animal slaughter by various rationalist organisations and
ban of the practice by the Odisha High Court, the district administration has
geared up to stop the animal sacrifice at the Sulia Jatra this year. However,
it is apprehended the authorities may not fully check the inhuman act as the
tribals stay adamant on continuing the age-old ritual.
The annual tribal
festival is going to be held at Khairguda village of Kultapada panchayat under
Tusura police station on January 7. Every year, on the second Tuesday of Pausha
month, the Jatra is held where hundreds of animals are killed to propitiate the
presiding deity.
On Saturday, a meeting
was held in this connection which was presided over by district Collector M
Muthukumar and attended by SP Ravi Prakas and representatives of tribals, PRI
members and media. Tribal leaders Satya Bhoi, Maya Pradhani and Biranchi Kaunar
spoke in favour of observing the ritual killing of animals.
They argued that since it
is a long continuing tradition and involves the religious faith of the tribals,
the administration should not meddle in the affair and rather let it continue.
However, district Collector
M Muthukumar strictly said no to the practice and instructed the officials to
be vigilant so that no animal is killed during the Jatra.
He sought cooperation
from the tribals, media and others in this endeavour. Interestingly, Sulia
Sanskar Manch, an outfit opposing the killing of animals, remained absent in
the meeting.
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