KOZHIKODE: The state government is planning to take up measures to facilitate the conduct of Kaalapoottu in Malabar.
The move follows the strong demands raised by fans of the sport in Malappuram, Palakkad and Kozhikode districts. Minister for Local Self Government K T Jaleel told Express on Sunday his government would take steps in favour of the Kaalapoottu lovers.
A ban was imposed on the traditional sport following an order of the Supreme Court on May 7, 2014. The court order followed the notification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2011 banning the use of bulls as performing animals.
Despite the ban, K T Jaleel had attended Kaalapoottu events held at various parts of Malappuram district last year. In June last year, a delegation of Kaalapoottu lovers had approached Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking support to revive the sport.
Kaalapoottu lovers welcomed the move saying it will help agrarian culture retain its glory in Malabar. “The move lends us immense pleasure,” said Malabar Mekhala Karshika Vinoda Committee general secretary Kolakkadan Abdul Nasar.