Jallikattu agitators in Tamil Nadu want action, say lip-service will not do
MADURAI : While the State government is taking steps to pass an emergency ordinance to conduct Jallikattu, the protesters in Alanganallur said that they will not give up the agitation until a special ordinance (permanent) is passed.
In fact, the government’s move has intensified the protest rather than calming it down, as the Jallikattu heartland has witnessed a surge in the number of the protesters.
Speaking to the media persons, A P Saravanan (30), a leader of the protest said “the idea of bringing the emergency ordinance is welcome, but even if the bull-hugging sport is conducted, we want it to be stay permanently. We do not want any disruption ever and we definitely don’t want a situation which brings us to the streets in protest again.”
Pon Kumar, another leader, was querying the crowd about what they desired, the crowd in chorus said that only a permanent solution would suffice.
The organisers put up a LED giant screen to keep the participants updated and documentary films was the most appealing. The films talked about the significance of Jallikattu and how the bulls here were treated fairly when compared to many other parts of the world. Many were allowed to express their views, so those who addressed the protestors helped to keep the fire burning.
A woman thanked the central government, PETA and the Supreme Court for banning the sport because without which, this Pongal would not have witnessed such a revolution to protect Tamil culture.
Like Marina in Chennai, a police official expressed his support for the protest.