Bhubaneswar,Jan 15(Odisha.in) Orissa has deployed adequate security forces in order to stop mass animal sacrifice during a local festival in the poverty stricken Balangiri district on Tuesday.
Keeping in view of mass slaughtering of animals during Sulia Yatra, district administration has stepped up security measures in the entire district and asked the people not to visit a village temple for sacrifice of animals.
The district administration has made all steps to prevent mass killing in several parts of the district including in Khairguda, Kumuria, Mirdhapali, Chantipadar, Harilimal, Kharlikani, Chandrapur and Thairaguda villages in the district, where local people want to continue the age-old practice of animal sacrifice during Sulia Yatra or the annual killing festival.
“We have deployed more than more than 10 platoons of security forces to prevent mass killing of animals and birds during Sulia Puja. The district administration organised several awareness shows asking people not to join in mass killing,” Balangiri Superintendent of Police Himansu Lal said. He further said that killing of animals came down this year.
The Orissa High Court had earlier ordered all District Collectors to educate the people and create awareness to stop animal sacrifice in the name of religious rites. “It was very unfortunate and prompt action should be taken against those violating the laws,” Wildlife Society of Orissa secretary Biswajit Mohanty said.
The festival also celebrated in a small way in other villages located near the forest in the district. As part of their custom, tribesmen first bathe the animals to be sacrificed and anoint them with turmeric. The animals are then hacked in the presence of hundreds, including women and children. The sacrifices continue throughout the daylong festival.
Odisha.in