Jallikattu ban: Solution in sight, but Tamil Nadu continues to be on edge

Chennai/New Delhi: Tamil Nadu was brought to a standstill by a shutdown on the fifth day of the protest by students, youths and other sections demanding immediate staging of the traditional bull-taming sport in Alanganallur, epicentre of the of Jallikattu, and other places.

As the peaceful and disciplined gathering at Marina bonded together with their zeal to preserve Tamil identity crossed two lakh persons, the arterial roads and commercial hubs in Chennai wore a deserted look.

In parts of the city where large groups of people were seen, it was only to protest against jallikattu ban and uphold Tamil pride.

The youth said they welcome the efforts to promulgate an ordinance for allowing the sport but they would not withdraw the agitation until the event is held.

A draft ordinance prepared by the Tamil Nadu government was vetted by the home ministry. It was late in the night approved by the ministries of law and environment for President’s assent.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, who stayed back in the national capital on Thursday after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced to the public in the morning that the state government would issue an ordinance in a day or two to allow Jallikattu.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Friday agreed to defer by a week the pronouncement of its judgment on the validity of Centre’s notification allowing Jallikattu with certain conditions, after the Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi made an request to that effect.

Rajini, Ajith join protests
The Tamil film industry expressed solidarity with Jallikattu supporters, with top actors and actresses joining a silent protest. Film shootings were suspended for the day.

Superstar Rajinikanth, actors Ajit Kumar, Surya, Siva Karthikeyan besides actress Trisha, who had faced flak from the pro-Jallikattu groups for her perceived opposition to the sport by reportedly being associated with PETA, joined the silent protest.