Bolangir: Several rounds of discussion and attempts to create awareness failed to yield any results as bloodbath once again marked the famous Sulia Yatra of Bolangir with tribals going ahead with their annual ritual of animal sacrifice to propitiate the gods. Hundreds of domestic animals were lined up at Badakhala in Sulia Pitha of Bolangir to be sacrificed as a part of the age-old tradition.
The sacrifices were conducted in the presence of district administration and police personnel, who did not make any attempt to stop it. The Supreme Court, it may be noted, had ruled in September last year that the judiciary cannot interfere in the religious practices of the tribals.
"We are very happy with the Supreme Court order as we have been fighting for the past 10 years. All the tribals are very happy that the apex court have recognized our tradition and gave a ruling in our favour," said a supporter of the animal sacrifice tradition.
According to sources, around 3 platoons of force have been deployed to maintain law and order and traffic management during the yatra.
Notably, the district administration’s efforts to persuade tribals of the area to stop animal sacrifice during the annual Sulia Yatra failed yesterday.
After the talks with the district administration failed yesterday, the tribals announced their decision to go ahead with their age-old ritual which they believe would save them from the wrath of the Nature.