‘Every condition is being followed’
We are happy that our chief minister has now taken up this issue with the Centre for lifting the ban on Jallikattu. But we must be grateful to ‘Makkal CM’ Jayalalithaa who had strongly argued that this sport of valour of the Tamils must be preserved and practised. We will take it as the Pongal gift from her.
We have been following every rule and all the conditions imposed by the state government and the Centre for protecting the animals and the veerargal (brave bull-tamers).
For instance, we get veterinarians to examine the bulls to ensure they are not fed alcohol or infuriated by application of chilly powder. Only the bulls registered before the deadline and cleared by authorised veterinarians will be allowed to take part in the competition. Medical doctors examine the veerargal before the start of the contest to check whether they are drunk and if they are healthy enough.
There are ambulances and medical teams kept ready; in fact, we set up a mini hospital at the venues. We have insured 1200 veerargal against any injury. Strong barricades are put up to protect the spectators. Not a single participant died since 2008 when Jallikattu first came under court supervision.
(As told to S. Thirunavukarasu)
‘It is threat to human, animal life’
Every species has a right to life and security, subject to the law of the land. It is assured under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which safeguards the life and right of humans and other living beings. But jallikattu is a threat to life and several people and bulls have died in the past. It took more than 10 years for animal activists and the animal welfare board of India (AWBI) to curtail this cruelty against bulls and the AWBI finally got justice from the top court of the country, the Supreme Court, last year. The political parties across the country are now raking up the issue only for the sake of vote bank politics.
The law of the land is above everything/everyone else and jallikattu is a clear violation of both animal and human rights. This cruel sport is against the fundamentals of the Indian constitution and that’s the reason the apex court has banned the barbaric practice of subjecting bulls to pain.
If jallikattu is allowed again, it will be a violation of Supreme Court ruling last May and it is a clear violation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001. We will file a contempt petition against the district collectors and police if jallikattu is allowed. We need the Supreme Court order to be implemented in letter and spirit.
(As told to C.S. Kotteswaran)
