Bengaluru: Come Tuesday, people in Bengaluru will witness a rare sight – that of thousands of shepherds, accompanied by their flocks, marching to the Vidhana Soudha.
The shepherds will assemble at Freedom Park, in the Garden City’s central business district, before striding to the steps of the state Assembly premises.
The aim of the shepherds is to demand immediate passage of the long-promised Shepherds Protection and Prevention of Atrocities Bill, The New Indian Express reported.
“This is not just a protest, this is a movement for survival,” said advocate and community leader Yellappa Hegde.
He elaborated that the agitation is about safeguarding the identity, livelihood and dignity of shepherds, who constitute India’s largest OBC community and make up nearly 8% of Karnataka’s population.
Sri Thinthini Mutt pontiff, who is backing the protest, stressed on the vulnerability of shepherds over several years.
“For generations, shepherds have been victims of crime and harassment as they travel in search of fodder. Without strong laws, they are easy prey for criminals. We demand immediate legal safeguards,” he said.
Those involved in sheep rearing from SC, ST, Muslim and other groups/communities have been invited to take part in the march, to make the protest inclusive.
The shepherds will draw the attention of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had pledged to enact legislation for the community during his Budget speech.
“We are here during the Assembly session to ensure that promise is not forgotten,” said Hegde.