Journalism of Courage
Assuring a permanent lift on Jallikattu ban, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Sunday insisted that the state government will bring the draft of a permanent law on the traditional bull-taming sport in the Tamil Nadu assembly soon. The Chief Minister added that enough security arrangements have been put in place for Jallikattu and that it is being organised well across the state. Amid widespread protests, Panneerselvam would return to Chennai from Madurai without inaugurating Jallikattu event in Alanganallur.
Tamil Nadu government also filed a caveat in the Supreme Court over Jallikattu issue, seeking one more hearing before final order in the wake of massive protests. The state has urged the apex court that it should be heard while anticipating challenge to its ordinance allowing the bull-taming sport in the state.
The agitated protesters blocked roads leading to Madurai’s Alanganallur village while vehicles carrying bulls for government’s Jallikattu events have been stopped. However, the Chief Minister held talks with the Chief Secretary, suggesting her to invite protesters for a final talk.
Protests against the ban on Jallikattu showed no signs of weakening on the sixth day across Tamil Nadu, despite promulgation of an ordinance which paved the way for the traditional bull-taming sport to be held in Madurai and other parts of the state on Sunday. On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao promulgated the ordinance but failed to resolve the standoff as protesters stuck to their demand for an amendment in the Central law.
Read: Ordinance cleared, stage set for Jallikattu today, but protests on
O Panneerselvam said that the ordinance, which makes a Tamil Nadu-specific exception in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, a Central law, had been brought in after obtaining the President’s approval. The Chief Minister said the government would introduce a Bill to replace the Ordinance on Monday, the first day of the Assembly session. On Saturday, crowds of protesters in different parts of the state swelled further – Marina Beach alone held over 2.5 lakh people.
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