Mangalore, Oct 27: Dalit activists have urged the organisers of the Vishwa Tuluvere Parba to be held in Mangalore not to showcase the folk or tribal dances performed by the scheduled caste and scheduled tribes as it would amount to insult to the community.
This issue was raised at the SC/ST monthly grievance meeting chaired by Mangalore City Police Commissioner at his office here.
Dalit activist Narayana Punchame said teams from Venoor and Belthangady who allegedly show Dalits in poor light have been contracted to perform at a three-day international Tulu festival to be held at a private college in Adyar from December 12.
œThe plays use terms that are insults towards Dalits, while the costumes and portrayal of Dalits are objectionable, said Mr. Punchame.
Mr Punchame said that showcasing folk dances that were unique to scheduled tribes at a Tulu festival would amount to insult to the community, and hence the performances should not be allowed to take place.
In reply, police commissioner R Hithendra said that since the dances to be showcased left room for different interpretations, he could not prohibit showcasing of the performance.
However, he said that he would direct Assistant commissioner of police (South) to issue a notice to the organisers of the event not to conduct any performance that would cause insult to the Dalit community or violate any legal act.
DCP (Law & Order) K V Jagadish and DCP (Crime & Traffic) Vishnuvardhan were present.
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