Koraga community demands elimination of Ajalu Practice

Koraga community demands elimination of Ajalu Practice

Mangalore Today News Network

Manipal, Jan 20, 2012 : The Federation of Koraga Development Association Karnataka - Kerala organized a protest meeting in front of the DC’s office against the district administration’s failure to curb the practice of Ajalu in the district.

The federation also submitted a memorandum to DC Dr. M. T. Reju yesterday.

President Susheela Nada alleged that the Ajalu practice clearly violates the Karnataka Koragas (Prohibition of Ajalu Practice ) Act of 2000. Referring to a recent incident in Inna, Karkala, she said that the people of the Koraga community performed Ajalu on January 16 – 17 at a nemotsava that was held in Bakimaru field.

Although the federation had urged the tahsildar to take action against it much before the incident, the tradition was practiced during the annual fair.

The tahsildar, however, said that he had issued a directive to the local police. Pointing the finger of blame at the local police, he said that they have chosen to ignore the issue.

Ms. Nada has urged the district administration to take stern action against violations of Karnataka Koragas (Prohibition of Ajalu Practice) Act 2000 and also to implement the law effectively. She also demanded that the sub inspector of the area must be suspended and action must be taken against the PDO of Inna Gram Panchayat.

She also warned that the federation will organize an indefinite hunger strike if the authorities fail to eliminate this practice.