ENARADA, Mysore, October 12, 2013:
’Nada Habba’ (State Festival) Dasara celebrations which started from October 5, had created a positive atmosphere. But today Dasara celebrations took an ugly turn with a snap strike.
The Mahouts and Kavadis with their family members today held a snap strike protesting against police harassment.
Tension prevailed this morning as the care taking staff including mahouts and kavadis were not ready to work as they were not allowed to enter the palace premises last night by the police citing the security reasons.
Both Mahouts and police had a heated arguments today. However, after forest official’s intervention they were allowed inside the palace.
Following the police actions, the elephant caretakers staged one hour strike and were not ready to mount the elephants for rehearsal.
They withdrew strike after intervention of Veterinarian Dr. Nagaraj, Palace ACP Channiah and other police officials who assured them of better treatment until their stay in the palace premises.
