24 tribal men face social boycott in Kerala for consuming beef
Idukki, Dec 11: Twenty-four tribal men in Kerala's Idukki district have been allegedly socially ostracised by the "oorukoottams" (council of tribals) for allegedly consuming beef, which is against their custom.
Police said the incidents were reported from Marayoor forest areas in this hill district and the authorities of the local self government and tribal department are trying to resolve the issue by talking to chiefs of tribal communities.
They said no case has been registered as no one has come forward to launch a formal complaint with the police on the matter.
Police said they have launched an investigation based on the information they received from various quarters on the issue of social boycott of tribal men.
A senior police officer told PTI that 24 men allegedly consumed beef after coming out of their hamlets in forest areas.
The oorukoottams, which came to know about it, assembled under the leadership of their chiefs and ordered social boycott of the men who allegedly violated the centuries old tradition and customs of the community, police said.
Police said the men facing social boycott could not be contacted as they have reportedly withdrawn deep inside the forests following the oorukoottams' decision.
Their family members including parents, siblings, wives and children have been allegedly prevented from meeting them, police said.
"If the family members meet the ousted men, they will also face similar problems. That is the situation prevailing there" police said.
Kerala Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes K Radhakrishnan told PTI that efforts were on to resolve the issue.
He said such customs and practices are still prevalent in tribal communities in the state and efforts were on to bring them to the mainstream.
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
