Originally Published in The Times of India (Online), November 4, 2015.
LUDHIANA: In a blatant violation of Supreme Court orders, Sarabha village in Ludhiana is all set to host a bullock cart race on Wednesday at a mela commemorating the death anniversary of Ghadar martyr Kartar Singh Sarabha.
Originally Published in The Times of India (Online), November 4, 2015.
LUDHIANA: In a blatant violation of Supreme Court orders, Sarabha village in Ludhiana is all set to host a bullock cart race on Wednesday at a mela commemorating the death anniversary of Ghadar martyr Kartar Singh Sarabha.
The mela is being organized in Sarabha village from six decades. However, while the apex court imposed a ban on bullock carts last year in May, it failed to deter organizers of the mela. The bullock cart was a major attraction last year and is set to draw crowds this year too.
However, sources say that a similar race was cancelled at the last minute in Ropar last month. Sources said that PFA had written to the Animal Welfare Board of India informing it about the two bullock cart races to be held in Punjab. On October 28, ministry of environment and forest had issued a letter (a copy of which is with TOI) to the chief secretary Punjab government, director general of police, Ludhiana deputy commissioner and DIG Ludhiana to prevent the conduct of bullock cart race in Sarabha village. Sources said similar instructions were issued the same day to stop the bullock cart race to be held at village Dhyanpura near Kurali in district Ropar too. The race scheduled for October 29 was prevented by Ropar district administration.
When contacted, DC Rajat Agarwal said, "So far, we have not received any complaint regarding this. However, I will instruct the deputy director of animal husbandry department to check the matter. We will make sure rules are followed."
Meanwhile, preparations are in the final stages at Sarabha. Former sarpanch Paramjeet Singh said, "This is the 68th martyrdom mela of Kartar Singh Sarabha and we are commemorating his 100th death anniversary . We organize bullock cart race, dog race, football tournament, hockey tournament and kabaddi tournament at the week-long mela every year." He said that this year they would organize the bullock cart race on November, dog race on November 8 and football, hockey and kabaddi tournaments from November 10 to 15.
When asked about the ban on bullock cart race, he said, "We have only verbally heard about it, but have not received any official letter. That is why we organize bullock cart race every year." He, however, said they make sure no stick is used in the race by the racer to prompt the bulls to move faster.