Kerala   

Police move against cockfight faces opposition

KASARAGOD: To its supporters, cockfight, an ancient sport involving a fight between specially reared fowls held at the temples precincts in northern parts of Kasaragod, is not a blood sport but a feature of the rich cultural heritage of Tulunadu and an ancient ritual associated with the ‘daivasthanams’ (temples) here.

But the State police, which have initiated stringent action against the sport, point out that apart from the aspect of cruelty to the bird involved in the cockfight, in which the fowls are often grievously injured or killed, another issue that necessitates police intervention is the gambling in the name of cockfights and the threat posed by gamblers to law and order.

The initiative of the police has met with stiff resistance from believers. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) district committee, in a resolution, demands that the police stop interfering in the cockfight as it is a part of the temple rituals here. The resolution warns that the party will resist any such attempt.

Cockfights, known as ‘kozhi kettu,’ is held at the temples in rural areas of Kasaragod and Manjeswaram, which were once part of erstwhile Tulunadu. Specially bred fowls which have sharp blades attached to its body fight it out at the temple grounds. The fight may often end when one of the fowls falls seriously injured or dead.

Police officers say that the cockfight often involves betting rackets, which include those who conduct it and the spectators. The betting often involves several lakhs of rupees and the losers often indulge in violence forcing the police to interfere. Action is being taken on the basis of the Kerala games Act. The police say they would not interfere if the cockfight is a low-key affair held as a part of temple rituals.

But BJP leaders say that the issue of gambling is not a valid reason to ban cockfight. The police should take steps to bring to book those involved in gambling and the BJP is not against it. But the police had been unable to do it. Will the government ban cricket just because some people indulge in betting on cricket matches, they ask.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

TDB told to ensure continuous supply of ‘aravana’
Arrangements reviewed for Makaravilakku
MLA seeks CBI probe into estate deal
Centre to consider NHs’ development
Mirror to social issues
Cultural integration
Splendid debut
Success of a travelogue
Praying for a prey
Spreading a civic message
For the festival
Schools arts festival schedule
Today at Sabarimala
Police move against cockfight faces opposition
Promoting talent
Publicity point
PKM Higher Secondary School on top
Show of strength
‘Tourism policy must benefit people’

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu