We will fight for restoration of our cultural sport, says Jallikattu Peravai president
Participants trying to tame a bull during Jallikattu festival, organised as part of the Pongal festival, at Palamedu near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday. -PTI
Chennai: With Pongal and Assembly polls round the corner, jallikattu is back on the agenda of Tamil Nadu politicians. In round one, all parties have started sending petitions to the Centre to get the sport back on track.
PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Tuesday demanded the Centre to bring in necessary amendments to the Performing Animals Act in the winter session of Parliament so that the annual bull taming sport endemic to Southern states is revived during Pongal next year.
In a statement, Ramadoss cautioned the state government that only two months were left for Pongal. The state should expedite its legal avenues and at the same time reach out to Supreme Court and the Centre, so that the apex court order banning Jallikattu can be revoked at the earliest.
When contacted, a senior state official said the state’s review petition was pending before the apex court. The State had also submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking revocation of ban. “With AIADMK MPs, TN BJP office-bearers have also started petitioning the Union ministry of environment and forests seeking amendment to the law and we are waiting for a policy change from the Centre”, the informed official said.
“We are basically tired of approaching the Centre and the state seeking restoration of jallikattu. The Centre has been evading the issue, said P. Rajasekhar, state president, Jallikattu Peravai. “We have learnt that even in the present winter session, the Centre will not bring the issue of jallikattu in business for discussion. However, we will fight for the restoration of our cultural sport”, he added.
Animal welfare officer F.M. Jerold of Animal welfare board of India said any attempt to revive cruelty against bulls would be thwarted. “If a situation arises, AWBI, would again approach Supreme Court to ensure that the court order is implemented in letter and spirit”, he added.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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