Protests against Jallikattu continue in Tamil Nadu

Protests and rallies by supporters and organisers of Jallikattu were held for the third day on Thursday in several parts of Tamil Nadu, seeking a nod for the conductuing the bull-taming sport. The People’s Welfare Front (PWF), coordinated by MDMK leader Vaiko, announced that it would observe a fast on January 17 over the issue.

Protests were held in many places such as Chennai, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli. All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi cadres staged a demonstration in Chennai.

In Madurai, rallies were taken out seeking permission to hold the sport and protests were also staged. 

Sporting black headbands and holding black flags, participants in rallies held placards seeking a nod for continuing the age-old traditional sport.

Many youngsters tonsured their heads as a mark of protest against the ban. Youngsters and supporters of the sport also observed a fast.

Political parties demanded action from the state and the Central governments to facilitate the sport. “A hunger strike will be held in Madurai on January 17 against the state and the Central governments, which failed to take proper steps to vacate the stay on conducting Jallikattu,” Vaiko said.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief EVKS Elangovan blamed both the state and central governments for the present ban on holding Jallikattu.