<p>The chief minister of India&#39;s southern state Tamil Nadu will flag off Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, from Madurai district on Sunday (January 22).&nbsp;The protesters, who gathered at the Marina Beach, appeared to be in no mood to relent and demanded a permanent solution.<br />
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Ministers in O Panneerselvam&#39;s administration will inaugurate the sport across the state after the state governor approved an emergency ordinance to hold the bull-taming sport, succumbing to a widespread agitation across the state.</p>

<p>Chief minister O Panneerselvam&#39;s party, the ruling AIADMK, announced the news on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honourable CM Thiru O. Panneerselvam inaugurates Jallikattu at Alanganallur at 10 a.m., tomorrow.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822769757317275648">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu State Ministers will inaugurate Jallikattu in their respective districts tomorrow.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822769943292702720">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The chief minister has also appealed to the people of the state to participate in Jallikattu events across the state.&nbsp;He also thanked PM Narendra Modi-led federal government for its support to the emergency law on Jallikattu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Panneerselvam&nbsp;said Modi &quot;was responsible for the approval of several Central government departments and President Pranab Mukherjee in a single day,&quot; PTI reported.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honourable CM Thiru O Panneerselvam appeals to students, women and the public to take part in Jallikattu events tomororw in large numbers.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822772364609847296">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On behalf of Government and people of TN, thank you for your support in enabling Jallikattu to be held in Tamil Nadu once again - CM to PM.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822778086752034816">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The bill to replace the ordinance will be tabled in the state assembly on January 23 when the first Assembly session begins, the AIADMK announced.&nbsp;Panneerselvam clarified that since the ordinance was only applicable for six months, the new law would be formulated in the upcoming assembly session.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao approves Jallikattu ordinance - Honourable CM Thiru.O.Panneerselvam.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822774735175942144">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Since ordinance will last for 6mnths,in coming assembly session will formulate new law so <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> takes place without hindrance:TN CM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822780534254370816">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jallikattu was banned by India&#39;s Supreme Court and the federal government after the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) cited animal cruelty concerns. PETA had told the court the bulls were drugged and underwent violence during the annual harvest festival of Pongal in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>But the public at large was up in arms and launched a statewide agitation seeking overturning the ban. They said the Jallikattu ban was an assault on Tamil culture and pride and piled pressure on the local Tamil Nadu government to redress the problem and take action against PETA, an animal rights group.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu government since has gone on an overdrive to ensure that the ban is lifted and consequently appease a seething mass of agitators across the state.</p>

<p>The local government in India&#39;s southern state is looking to impose a ban on PETA following the Jallikattu fiasco in recent days.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu education minister K Pandiarajan also told CNN News18 that they exploring legal options to ban PETA as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;We will also work towards banning PETA. That&rsquo;s the other commitment we have made and we will work towards it. As our general secretary Chinamma (AIADMK chief VK Sasikala) has committed, it will happen,&rdquo; the minister said.</p>

<p><strong>How the Tamil Nadu govt obtained the go-ahead</strong></p>

<p>Panneerselvam said the Tamil Nadu Government issued an ordinance after obtaining the president&#39;s assent as envisaged under Article 213 of the Constitution. He added that President Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s approval to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 by Tamil Nadu was received last night.</p>

<p>&quot;The assent for the ordinance (amending the PCA Act) has been obtained from govenor also,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The federal government had notified &quot;bulls&quot; under section 22 of the PCA Act, 1960 which prohibited training and exhibiting bulls as performing animals. In 2014, India&#39;s highest court altogether banned the sport. The court had also struck down the 2009 Act of the Tamil Nadu government regulating jallikattu, stating that it was repugnant to the PCA Act 1960.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu had filed a review petition against the ban which was also dismissed by the top court in December 2016.</p>

<p>In 2015, AIADMK legislators urged the Indian parliament to allow an amendment by the federal government to allow Jallikattu. When these effors failed, former chief minister Jayalalithaa had urged the promulgation of an ordinance on December 22, 2015 to allow the sport.</p>

<p>Following these efforts, the federal government issued a notification in Janaury 2016 allowing Jallikattu which was subsequently stayed by the top court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After that, Tamil Nadu had batted for an ordinance on the matter to allow the sport.</p>

<p><strong>Tamil Nadu legislator meets President for &#39;permanent solution&#39;</strong></p>

<p>Anbumani Ramadoss, member of Parliament&#39;s Lower House, Lok Sabha, today met President Pranab Mukherjee for a &quot;permanent solution&quot; by way of a parliamentary amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960.</p>

<p>Ramadoss, who met the president in New Delhi, said the emergency ordinance was just a temporary solution and it could be quashed by the top court anytime.</p>

<p>&quot;We want an assurance from the central government that it would amend the PCA Act in the upcoming session of parliament if the supreme court quashes the ordinance sometime later,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said the ordinance would not solve the problem since the matter could still be challenged in the top court which could give an adverse decision on the matter.</p>

<p>&quot;This will not resolve the problem, there has to be a long term solution. This matter could still go to the SC, &amp; we could get an adverse decision from SC,for those who&#39;re agitation against decision,&quot; Khurshid told ANI.</p>

<p>The federal government cleared draft ordinance on Jallikattu yesterday (January 20) to allow Tamil Nadu government to promulgate it.</p>

<p><strong>Governor backs overturning of ban</strong></p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao today said he was satisfied that an ordinance was the most appropriate route to bring back Jallikattu in the wake of massive protests across the state seeking nod for holding the event.</p>

<p>Since the issue is resolved through ordinance, &quot;The Governor is confident that life would return to normalcy and all (protesters) would return to their homes with Jallikattu around the corner,&quot; Raj Bhavan said in an official release here.</p>

<p>The Governor&#39;s statement assumes significance amid the claims of protesters and Opposition parties that ordinance is not a &quot;permanent solution&quot; to hold the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>

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The bill to replace the ordinance will be tabled in the state assembly on January 23 when the first Assembly session begins

The chief minister of India's southern state Tamil Nadu will flag off Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, from Madurai district on Sunday (January 22). The protesters, who gathered at the Marina Beach, appeared to be in no mood to relent and demanded a permanent solution. Ministers in O Panneerselvam's administration will inaugurate the sport across the state after the state governor approved an emergency ordinance to hold the bull-taming sport, succumbing to a widespread agitation across the state. Chief minister O Panneerselvam's party, the ruling AIADMK, announced the news on Twitter. Honourable CM Thiru O. Panneerselvam inaugurates Jallikattu at Alanganallur at 10 a.m., tomorrow. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × Tamil Nadu State Ministers will inaugurate Jallikattu in their respective districts tomorrow. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × The chief minister has also appealed to the people of the state to participate in Jallikattu events across the state. He also thanked PM Narendra Modi-led federal government for its support to the emergency law on Jallikattu. Panneerselvam said Modi "was responsible for the approval of several Central government departments and President Pranab Mukherjee in a single day," PTI reported. Honourable CM Thiru O Panneerselvam appeals to students, women and the public to take part in Jallikattu events tomororw in large numbers. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × On behalf of Government and people of TN, thank you for your support in enabling Jallikattu to be held in Tamil Nadu once again - CM to PM. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × The bill to replace the ordinance will be tabled in the state assembly on January 23 when the first Assembly session begins, the AIADMK announced. Panneerselvam clarified that since the ordinance was only applicable for six months, the new law would be formulated in the upcoming assembly session. Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao approves Jallikattu ordinance - Honourable CM Thiru.O.Panneerselvam. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × Since ordinance will last for 6mnths,in coming assembly session will formulate new law so #Jallikattu takes place without hindrance:TN CM — ANI (@ANI_news) January 21, 2017 × Jallikattu was banned by India's Supreme Court and the federal government after the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) cited animal cruelty concerns. PETA had told the court the bulls were drugged and underwent violence during the annual harvest festival of Pongal in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. But the public at large was up in arms and launched a statewide agitation seeking overturning the ban. They said the Jallikattu ban was an assault on Tamil culture and pride and piled pressure on the local Tamil Nadu government to redress the problem and take action against PETA, an animal rights group. The Tamil Nadu government since has gone on an overdrive to ensure that the ban is lifted and consequently appease a seething mass of agitators across the state. The local government in India's southern state is looking to impose a ban on PETA following the Jallikattu fiasco in recent days. Tamil Nadu education minister K Pandiarajan also told CNN News18 that they exploring legal options to ban PETA as well. “We will also work towards banning PETA. That’s the other commitment we have made and we will work towards it. As our general secretary Chinamma (AIADMK chief VK Sasikala) has committed, it will happen,” the minister said. How the Tamil Nadu govt obtained the go-ahead Panneerselvam said the Tamil Nadu Government issued an ordinance after obtaining the president's assent as envisaged under Article 213 of the Constitution. He added that President Pranab Mukherjee's approval to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 by Tamil Nadu was received last night. "The assent for the ordinance (amending the PCA Act) has been obtained from govenor also," he said. The federal government had notified "bulls" under section 22 of the PCA Act, 1960 which prohibited training and exhibiting bulls as performing animals. In 2014, India's highest court altogether banned the sport. The court had also struck down the 2009 Act of the Tamil Nadu government regulating jallikattu, stating that it was repugnant to the PCA Act 1960. Tamil Nadu had filed a review petition against the ban which was also dismissed by the top court in December 2016. In 2015, AIADMK legislators urged the Indian parliament to allow an amendment by the federal government to allow Jallikattu. When these effors failed, former chief minister Jayalalithaa had urged the promulgation of an ordinance on December 22, 2015 to allow the sport. Following these efforts, the federal government issued a notification in Janaury 2016 allowing Jallikattu which was subsequently stayed by the top court. After that, Tamil Nadu had batted for an ordinance on the matter to allow the sport. Tamil Nadu legislator meets President for 'permanent solution' Anbumani Ramadoss, member of Parliament's Lower House, Lok Sabha, today met President Pranab Mukherjee for a "permanent solution" by way of a parliamentary amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960. Ramadoss, who met the president in New Delhi, said the emergency ordinance was just a temporary solution and it could be quashed by the top court anytime. "We want an assurance from the central government that it would amend the PCA Act in the upcoming session of parliament if the supreme court quashes the ordinance sometime later," he said. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said the ordinance would not solve the problem since the matter could still be challenged in the top court which could give an adverse decision on the matter. "This will not resolve the problem, there has to be a long term solution. This matter could still go to the SC, & we could get an adverse decision from SC,for those who're agitation against decision," Khurshid told ANI. The federal government cleared draft ordinance on Jallikattu yesterday (January 20) to allow Tamil Nadu government to promulgate it. Governor backs overturning of ban Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao today said he was satisfied that an ordinance was the most appropriate route to bring back Jallikattu in the wake of massive protests across the state seeking nod for holding the event. Since the issue is resolved through ordinance, "The Governor is confident that life would return to normalcy and all (protesters) would return to their homes with Jallikattu around the corner," Raj Bhavan said in an official release here. The Governor's statement assumes significance amid the claims of protesters and Opposition parties that ordinance is not a "permanent solution" to hold the bull-taming sport. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Jallikattu to be held across Tamil Nadu today after govt approves ordinance

<p>Amid rising protests in Tamil Nadu over ban on Jallikattu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said all efforts are being made to fulfil the cultural aspirations of Tamil people.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister wrote on Twitter, &quot;We are very proud of the rich culture of Tamil Nadu. All efforts are being made to fulfil the cultural aspirations of Tamil people.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Central Government is fully committed to the progress of Tamil Nadu and will always work to ensure the state scales new avenues of progress,&quot; Modi added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are very proud of the rich culture of Tamil Nadu. All efforts are being made to fulfil the cultural aspirations of Tamil people.</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/822630224445718529">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Central Government is fully committed to the progress of Tamil Nadu &amp; will always work to ensure the state scales new avenues of progress.</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/822630349083725826">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, the Centre cleared the ordinance by the state government to lift the ban on Jallikattu in an effort to end the protests that have paralysed the state for the last four days.</p>

<p>The protesters said&nbsp;they will not&nbsp;leave until&nbsp;the bull taming sport&nbsp;continues to be held.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leaders, Stalin and Kanimozhi are on a one day hunger strike in support of Jallikattu.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai: DMK leaders including M. K. Stalin and Kanimozhi start one day hunger protest in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/ru9MRjfPSZ">pic.twitter.com/ru9MRjfPSZ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822635609617530884">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>

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Tamil Nadu Cabinet is expected to meet Saturday morning to clear the ordinance and recommend it to Governor Vidyasagar Rao for promulgation

Amid rising protests in Tamil Nadu over ban on Jallikattu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said all efforts are being made to fulfil the cultural aspirations of Tamil people. The Prime Minister wrote on Twitter, "We are very proud of the rich culture of Tamil Nadu. All efforts are being made to fulfil the cultural aspirations of Tamil people." "Central Government is fully committed to the progress of Tamil Nadu and will always work to ensure the state scales new avenues of progress," Modi added. We are very proud of the rich culture of Tamil Nadu. All efforts are being made to fulfil the cultural aspirations of Tamil people. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2017 × Central Government is fully committed to the progress of Tamil Nadu & will always work to ensure the state scales new avenues of progress. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2017 × On Friday, the Centre cleared the ordinance by the state government to lift the ban on Jallikattu in an effort to end the protests that have paralysed the state for the last four days. The protesters said they will not leave until the bull taming sport continues to be held. Opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leaders, Stalin and Kanimozhi are on a one day hunger strike in support of Jallikattu. Chennai: DMK leaders including M. K. Stalin and Kanimozhi start one day hunger protest in support of #jallikattu pic.twitter.com/ru9MRjfPSZ — ANI (@ANI_news) January 21, 2017 × (WION with inputs from PTI)

Jallikattu: PM Modi assures people of Tamil Nadu, says cultural aspirations will be fulfilled

<p>The agitation against Jallikattu in south Indian state, Tamil Nadu, shows no signs of abating with many business establishments, schools and colleges in capital city Chennai declaring they will be shut tomorrow, media outlets reported. Music maestro AR Rahman, who hails from Tamil Nadu, also declared on Twitter that he would fast on Friday to express his solidarity with the pro-Jallikattu protesters.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I&#39;m fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of<br />
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<p>Hundred thousands of demonstrators protested across the state on Thursday against the Supreme Court&#39;s earlier order banning Jallikattu. State chief minister O Panneerselvam&#39;s assurances that his government had the support of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his federal government did not seem to cut any ice with them.</p>

<p>The Indian government&#39;s top legal adviser, attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, defended the government&#39;s stand allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu in the top court, stating that the federal government had no power to enact a law on the subject.</p>

<p>Rohatgi said the Tamil Nadu government had the power to enact a law on Jallikattu since sports as a subject fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the state government. He, however, asserted that animals should not be harmed or cruelly treated during such events.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam met PM Modi earlier in the day and pressed him for immediate steps for promulgation of an ordinance. He was told that the matter was sub judice, but the government would support any step taken by the state government, news agency, PTI, reported.</p>

<p>Forty-nine legislators of the AIADMK party that is in power in Tamil Nadu will meet Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh tomorrow, seeking his government&#39;s help to allow Jallikattu, PTI reported.</p>

<p>&quot;We will seek the central government&#39;s help to conduct jallikattu, this is an emotional issue for our people,&quot; an AIADMK leader told PTI.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Wave of protests across Tamil Nadu</strong></p>

<p>Businesses, theatres, schools and transporters have declared a day-long strike tomorrow supporting the &nbsp;demand for immediate permission to allow the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a> is a cultural symbol . Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point.tradition &amp; livelihood are .</p>
&mdash; Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) <a href="https://twitter.com/vishy64theking/status/821930810509033472">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu,&quot; Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living told WION.</p>

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<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the epicentre of the agitation, Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach, protesters staged protests by way of forming human chains, taking out motorcycle rallies, playing folk music, dancing, singing, and holding skits.</p>

<p>They rejected the statements of PM Modi and O Panneerselvam saying these were known excuses and disappointing, PTI reported.</p>

<p>In Madurai, where the sport has been held for centuries, agitators stopped trains pressing for their demand.</p>

<p>Protests continued to be held in other parts of the state as well, including Salem, Coimbatore, Karur, Tiruchirappalli and Erode, and neighbouring union territory, Puducherry.</p>

<p><strong>Protests to continue tomorrow</strong></p>

<p>The Madras High Courts Advocates Association has announced boycott of courts tomorrow.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu Traders&#39; Federation and unions of auto-rickshaw and taxis operators and cinema houses have announced a shutdown tomorrow.</p>

<p>Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, M K Stalin, urged the state government to call an all-party meeting immediately and convene a session of the Assembly to take steps to ensure Jallikattu.</p>

<p>Opposition party DMK has also called for rail blockade across the state tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played among certain land-owning communities of Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India&#39;s highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands.</p>

<p>The restriction on playing Jallikattu sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival, during which the sport is played.</p>

<p><strong>Top court refuses to hear plea</strong></p>

<p>The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India&#39;s highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India&#39;s news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


The pro-Jallikattu protesters got a shot in the arm with prominent Tamil personalities supporting them

The agitation against Jallikattu in south Indian state, Tamil Nadu, shows no signs of abating with many business establishments, schools and colleges in capital city Chennai declaring they will be shut tomorrow, media outlets reported. Music maestro AR Rahman, who hails from Tamil Nadu, also declared on Twitter that he would fast on Friday to express his solidarity with the pro-Jallikattu protesters. I'm fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of Tamilnadu! — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) January 19, 2017 × Hundred thousands of demonstrators protested across the state on Thursday against the Supreme Court's earlier order banning Jallikattu. State chief minister O Panneerselvam's assurances that his government had the support of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his federal government did not seem to cut any ice with them. The Indian government's top legal adviser, attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, defended the government's stand allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu in the top court, stating that the federal government had no power to enact a law on the subject. Rohatgi said the Tamil Nadu government had the power to enact a law on Jallikattu since sports as a subject fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the state government. He, however, asserted that animals should not be harmed or cruelly treated during such events. Panneerselvam met PM Modi earlier in the day and pressed him for immediate steps for promulgation of an ordinance. He was told that the matter was sub judice, but the government would support any step taken by the state government, news agency, PTI, reported. Forty-nine legislators of the AIADMK party that is in power in Tamil Nadu will meet Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh tomorrow, seeking his government's help to allow Jallikattu, PTI reported. "We will seek the central government's help to conduct jallikattu, this is an emotional issue for our people," an AIADMK leader told PTI. Wave of protests across Tamil Nadu Businesses, theatres, schools and transporters have declared a day-long strike tomorrow supporting the demand for immediate permission to allow the bull-taming sport. Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol. #jallikattu is a cultural symbol . Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point.tradition & livelihood are . — Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) January 19, 2017 × "Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living told WION. At the epicentre of the agitation, Chennai's Marina Beach, protesters staged protests by way of forming human chains, taking out motorcycle rallies, playing folk music, dancing, singing, and holding skits. They rejected the statements of PM Modi and O Panneerselvam saying these were known excuses and disappointing, PTI reported. In Madurai, where the sport has been held for centuries, agitators stopped trains pressing for their demand. Protests continued to be held in other parts of the state as well, including Salem, Coimbatore, Karur, Tiruchirappalli and Erode, and neighbouring union territory, Puducherry. Protests to continue tomorrow The Madras High Courts Advocates Association has announced boycott of courts tomorrow. The Tamil Nadu Traders' Federation and unions of auto-rickshaw and taxis operators and cinema houses have announced a shutdown tomorrow. Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, M K Stalin, urged the state government to call an all-party meeting immediately and convene a session of the Assembly to take steps to ensure Jallikattu. Opposition party DMK has also called for rail blockade across the state tomorrow. Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played among certain land-owning communities of Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India's highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands. The restriction on playing Jallikattu sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival, during which the sport is played. Top court refuses to hear plea The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India's highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India's news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport. Watch: (WION with inputs from agencies)

Protests against bull-taming sport paralyse Tamil Nadu; Schools, colleges to shut in Chennai

<p>Speaking exclusively to WION, founder of the Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said the sentiments of the people should be respected. &ldquo;It is a very important festival for the people of Tamil Nadu. Their side of the story was represented well,&rdquo; said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
He said Sankranti and Pongal is bigger than Diwali for Tamils and this sentiment has to be respected. &ldquo;Bulls are decorated and well taken care off and if you ban them it is like saying that people should not visit sisters on bhai dooj festival,&rdquo; he said. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar argued that bull sport is not confined to Tamil Nadu only as it is prevalent in other states.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
On the question of cruelty against animals he said that specific cases can be looked into but to ban the whole festival is not correct. He insisted that stringent laws and rules should be implemented instead of banning the festival itself. He even argued that if bulls aren&rsquo;t used in the festival then they are sent to the slaughter houses.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;If cruelty against the animals has to be stopped then slaughter houses need to be closed down. Banning them would eventually diminish the stock of the native breed,&rdquo; he said. He argued that in Orissa 15 indigenous breed of bulls have been lost. &ldquo;People suspect it to be a conspiracy against indigenous breeds,&rdquo; he said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Jallikattu ban has evoked a sharp response in Tamil Nadu and has led to a large protest at the Marina Beach. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also said that he is not against progressive law making but said that ban doesn&rsquo;t make it progressive law making.&rdquo; We are missing the point. We have to look into the process of the festival. It has riled up the whole community and this needs to factored,&rdquo; he said. Though he refrained from commenting on the issue of judicial activism.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Though he admitted that witch hunt against PETA must end and added by saying that the misgivings of the organization must be addressed. On this very issue Tamil Nadu chief minister has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring in the amendment to override the Supreme Court&rsquo;s verdict.</p>


Speaking exclusively to WION, founder of the Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said the sentiments of the people should be respected

Speaking exclusively to WION, founder of the Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said the sentiments of the people should be respected. “It is a very important festival for the people of Tamil Nadu. Their side of the story was represented well,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He said Sankranti and Pongal is bigger than Diwali for Tamils and this sentiment has to be respected. “Bulls are decorated and well taken care off and if you ban them it is like saying that people should not visit sisters on bhai dooj festival,” he said. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar argued that bull sport is not confined to Tamil Nadu only as it is prevalent in other states. On the question of cruelty against animals he said that specific cases can be looked into but to ban the whole festival is not correct. He insisted that stringent laws and rules should be implemented instead of banning the festival itself. He even argued that if bulls aren’t used in the festival then they are sent to the slaughter houses. “If cruelty against the animals has to be stopped then slaughter houses need to be closed down. Banning them would eventually diminish the stock of the native breed,” he said. He argued that in Orissa 15 indigenous breed of bulls have been lost. “People suspect it to be a conspiracy against indigenous breeds,” he said. Jallikattu ban has evoked a sharp response in Tamil Nadu and has led to a large protest at the Marina Beach. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also said that he is not against progressive law making but said that ban doesn’t make it progressive law making.” We are missing the point. We have to look into the process of the festival. It has riled up the whole community and this needs to factored,” he said. Though he refrained from commenting on the issue of judicial activism. Though he admitted that witch hunt against PETA must end and added by saying that the misgivings of the organization must be addressed. On this very issue Tamil Nadu chief minister has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring in the amendment to override the Supreme Court’s verdict.

Pongal is bigger than Diwali for Tamils: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

<p>Protests demanding lifting of the ban on bull-taming sport &#39;jallikattu&#39; have spread to beyond India with the Tamil diaspora in Sri Lanka, Britain and Australia holding demonstrations.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of UK-based Indian Tamils have come together to organise a series of protests in favour of Jallikattu this week in London and across the UK.<br />
<br />
The protest group includes London Tamil Sangam, World Tamil Organisation and British South Indians. They held protests outside the Indian High Commission in London on Tuesday and yesterday. Protests are also planned in the city of Leeds in England and Dublin in Ireland.<br />
<br />
&quot;Hundreds have been turning out to highlight that Jallikattu is part of our tradition and identity. We are also working on a major hunger strike this weekend to raise awareness around the issue in the UK. We are expecting over 1,000 people to join that protest,&quot; a spokesperson for the protest group told PTI.<br />
<br />
The protesters have been carrying placards and chanting slogans in Tamil like, &#39;We need Jallikattu&#39; and &#39;Jallikattu is our identity&#39;.<br />
<br />
The group has also prepared a petition for the Indian High Commission, which reads, &quot;We, Indians living in the UK, have consistently shown our support to the conduct of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu. We are gathered here to morally support our brothers and sisters that are leading the peaceful protestations in Alanganallur, Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, protest was held in the Tamil minority dominated northern capital of Jaffna, yesterday.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of people held placards saying &#39;Why ban it when it is our culture&#39; and &#39;This is a valued tradition lets permit it&#39;.<br />
<br />
Australian Tamil community has also joined the ongoing protest against the ban on Jallikattu by holding peaceful demonstrations in Melbourne and Sydney.<br />
<br />
A demonstration is set to take place tomorrow in Sydney in a bid to support the traditional sport while another peaceful demonstration was held in Melbourne today.<br />
<br />
&quot;Jallikattu is an ancient and traditional Tamil sport. The (ancient) seals of the Indus Valley civilisation depict it, which is proof that this sport was in vogue more than five, six thousand years ago -- why ban it now? It is like taking away a part of our lifestyle,&quot; a protester Thiru Arumugam was quoted as saying by media reports in Sydney.<br />
<br />
Anu Shivhaani Palaniappan, who was associated with Senaapathy Kangayam Cattle Research Foundation in Tamil Nadu, was quoted as saying, &quot;there were hundreds of cattle breeds in India a century ago and now there are only 37.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;By banning Jallikattu, which is a practice to strengthen the bulls and bullocks, the multinationals can create a demand for cattle rearing,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
&quot;Then, they will introduce their own breed varieties. They want to make money by selling us western cattle -- bull semen, medicine, etc,&quot; she alleged.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Indian Tamils have gone on protests across the world to condemn the ban on the ancient bull-taming sport

Protests demanding lifting of the ban on bull-taming sport 'jallikattu' have spread to beyond India with the Tamil diaspora in Sri Lanka, Britain and Australia holding demonstrations. Hundreds of UK-based Indian Tamils have come together to organise a series of protests in favour of Jallikattu this week in London and across the UK. The protest group includes London Tamil Sangam, World Tamil Organisation and British South Indians. They held protests outside the Indian High Commission in London on Tuesday and yesterday. Protests are also planned in the city of Leeds in England and Dublin in Ireland. "Hundreds have been turning out to highlight that Jallikattu is part of our tradition and identity. We are also working on a major hunger strike this weekend to raise awareness around the issue in the UK. We are expecting over 1,000 people to join that protest," a spokesperson for the protest group told PTI. The protesters have been carrying placards and chanting slogans in Tamil like, 'We need Jallikattu' and 'Jallikattu is our identity'. The group has also prepared a petition for the Indian High Commission, which reads, "We, Indians living in the UK, have consistently shown our support to the conduct of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu. We are gathered here to morally support our brothers and sisters that are leading the peaceful protestations in Alanganallur, Madurai district of Tamil Nadu." Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, protest was held in the Tamil minority dominated northern capital of Jaffna, yesterday. Hundreds of people held placards saying 'Why ban it when it is our culture' and 'This is a valued tradition lets permit it'. Australian Tamil community has also joined the ongoing protest against the ban on Jallikattu by holding peaceful demonstrations in Melbourne and Sydney. A demonstration is set to take place tomorrow in Sydney in a bid to support the traditional sport while another peaceful demonstration was held in Melbourne today. "Jallikattu is an ancient and traditional Tamil sport. The (ancient) seals of the Indus Valley civilisation depict it, which is proof that this sport was in vogue more than five, six thousand years ago -- why ban it now? It is like taking away a part of our lifestyle," a protester Thiru Arumugam was quoted as saying by media reports in Sydney. Anu Shivhaani Palaniappan, who was associated with Senaapathy Kangayam Cattle Research Foundation in Tamil Nadu, was quoted as saying, "there were hundreds of cattle breeds in India a century ago and now there are only 37." "By banning Jallikattu, which is a practice to strengthen the bulls and bullocks, the multinationals can create a demand for cattle rearing," she said. "Then, they will introduce their own breed varieties. They want to make money by selling us western cattle -- bull semen, medicine, etc," she alleged. (PTI)

Jallikattu stir spreads to Sri Lanka, UK and Australia

<p>Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday night assured everyone in the state that all possible legal means would be taken to ensure justice in the Jallikattu issue even as he said it should not be construed that the Centre was &quot;ignoring&quot; the state on the matter. Meanwhile, several media reports said that schools and colleges in the state would remain shut.</p>

<p>&quot;We should not construe that the Centre is ignoring Tamil Nadu on this issue,&quot; he said when asked if the Union government was &quot;ignoring&quot; the state on the issue despite repeated pleas for an ordinance.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam was speaking to reporters at the airport prior to his departure to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for an ordinance for the conduct of the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>&quot;The state&nbsp;government is walking the path of Amma (Jayalalithaa). We will take all legal measures till we get justice in the Jallikattu issue,&quot; he said. He added that he had earlier held talks with protestors who are agitating&nbsp;demanding conduct of Jallikattu and they were &quot;satisfied&quot; with his explanation.</p>

<p>They discussed with him their demands of holding the sport in the state, the chief minister said, adding he would apprise Modi of the &quot;sentiments and aspirations&quot; of people of the state during their meeting.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a joint meeting of various Tamil outfits has called for a dawn to dusk strike in support of jallikattu in Pondicherry on January 20. A spokesman of the pro-jallikattu outfits comprising of representatives of various Tamil organisations including Tamilar Desiya Iyakkam and Naam Tamizhar katchi told newsmen that the strike&nbsp;is also aimed at&nbsp;demanding ban on&nbsp;PETA.</p>

<p>The outfits have formed an &#39;action committee&#39; which includes various students organisations and non-political units extending support to jallikattu to spearhead various agitations in the Union Territory. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress has announced its support to the dawn to dusk&nbsp;strike&nbsp;called by various Tamil and students outfits in Pondicherry.</p>

<p>Puducherry PCC leader and PWD minister A Namassivayam attacked the NDA government saying the Centre was turning a deaf ear to all the agitations now under way in Tamil Nadu seeking lifting of the ban.</p>

<p>&quot;An abnormal situation is prevailing in Tamil Nadu and the Centre has not taken this into consideration and has failed to bring in an ordinance to lift the ban on the traditional sport of Tamils,&quot; he said and announced support for the strike&nbsp;called by the student outfits.</p>

<p>Secretary of the Puducherry state committee of CPI, I R Viswanathan also announced his party&#39;s support for the&nbsp;strike. He said that the Centre should ban the PETA<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with PTI inputs)</p>


Congress, CPI and several student outfits have called for a strike to force the government to lift the ban on the bull-taming sport

Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday night assured everyone in the state that all possible legal means would be taken to ensure justice in the Jallikattu issue even as he said it should not be construed that the Centre was "ignoring" the state on the matter. Meanwhile, several media reports said that schools and colleges in the state would remain shut. "We should not construe that the Centre is ignoring Tamil Nadu on this issue," he said when asked if the Union government was "ignoring" the state on the issue despite repeated pleas for an ordinance. Panneerselvam was speaking to reporters at the airport prior to his departure to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for an ordinance for the conduct of the bull-taming sport. "The state government is walking the path of Amma (Jayalalithaa). We will take all legal measures till we get justice in the Jallikattu issue," he said. He added that he had earlier held talks with protestors who are agitating demanding conduct of Jallikattu and they were "satisfied" with his explanation. They discussed with him their demands of holding the sport in the state, the chief minister said, adding he would apprise Modi of the "sentiments and aspirations" of people of the state during their meeting. Meanwhile, a joint meeting of various Tamil outfits has called for a dawn to dusk strike in support of jallikattu in Pondicherry on January 20. A spokesman of the pro-jallikattu outfits comprising of representatives of various Tamil organisations including Tamilar Desiya Iyakkam and Naam Tamizhar katchi told newsmen that the strike is also aimed at demanding ban on PETA. The outfits have formed an 'action committee' which includes various students organisations and non-political units extending support to jallikattu to spearhead various agitations in the Union Territory. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress has announced its support to the dawn to dusk strike called by various Tamil and students outfits in Pondicherry. Puducherry PCC leader and PWD minister A Namassivayam attacked the NDA government saying the Centre was turning a deaf ear to all the agitations now under way in Tamil Nadu seeking lifting of the ban. "An abnormal situation is prevailing in Tamil Nadu and the Centre has not taken this into consideration and has failed to bring in an ordinance to lift the ban on the traditional sport of Tamils," he said and announced support for the strike called by the student outfits. Secretary of the Puducherry state committee of CPI, I R Viswanathan also announced his party's support for the strike. He said that the Centre should ban the PETA (WION with PTI inputs)

Jallikattu protests continue, Tamil Nadu CM to meet PM Modi

<p>Head of India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Delhi today to press for an ordinance on&nbsp;Jallikattu. The chief minister while briefing reporters said the Prime Minister respects the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>&quot;I have asked the Prime Minister for an ordinance to be passed on Jallikattu,&quot; he said, adding the central government has assured support to the Tamil Nadu government. The chief minister also said AIADMK leader Sasikala&nbsp;has also written to Prime Minister Modi on the matter.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister&#39;s Office in a statement said while appreciating the cultural significance of Jallikattu, Prime Minister Modi observed that the matter is presently sub-judice in court. Meanwhile, protesters have blocked highways in Chennai, according to media reports.</p>

<p>Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played across Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India&#39;s highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands.</p>

<p>The restriction on playing Jallikattu, which is considered to be an intrinsic part of the region&#39;s cultural identity, sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival during which the sport is played.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss sitting in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> outside PM residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, has been detained by Police. <a href="https://t.co/yf3Kio4pDd">pic.twitter.com/yf3Kio4pDd</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821994952414502912">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India&#39;s highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu&nbsp;row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India&#39;s news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam arrives in PM Modi&#39;s residence at 7, Race Course Road to apprise the Indian prime minister of the &quot;sentiments and aspirations&quot; of the people and push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport .&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Pannerselvam meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge ordinance on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a>. <a href="https://t.co/KnTgV9YKhR">pic.twitter.com/KnTgV9YKhR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821953366188142596">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>WION Exclusive: &quot;Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu,&quot; Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living.</p>

<p>Jallikatu not a progressive law:&nbsp;Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.</p>

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<p>In an exclusive discussion with WION&#39;s Kartikeya Sharma, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar talks about the demonstration at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach in support of Jallikattu and much more. (WION)</p>
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<p>Police beat&nbsp;protesters in Alanganallur in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>People throng&nbsp;Chennai&#39;s Marina beach in support of Jalikattu. (Source: ANI)</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People thronging Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalikattu?src=hash">#Jalikattu</a>, actor Raghava Lawrence also seen in attendance. <a href="https://t.co/9VKbuZiIjn">pic.twitter.com/9VKbuZiIjn</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821945408230277120">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;People thronging Chennai's Marina Beach in support of &lt;a  data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalikattu?src=hash href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalikattu?src=hash&gt;#Jalikattu&lt;/a&gt;, actor Raghava Lawrence also seen in attendance. &lt;a  data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/9VKbuZiIjn href=https://t.co/9VKbuZiIjn&gt;pic.twitter.com/9VKbuZiIjn&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;? ANI (@ANI_news) &lt;a  data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821945408230277120 href=https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821945408230277120&gt;January 19, 2017&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
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<p>Tamils protest outside Jantar Mantar in Delhi.</p>

<p>Pro-Jallikattu&nbsp;student protests continue overnight in Marina beach, Chennai.</p>

<p>Schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu to remain shut, according to local media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statewide protests against the Jallikattu ban have received support from several quarters, including the country&#39;s de facto leading opposition party.</p>

<p><strong>Support pours in from all quarters</strong></p>

<p>Congress leader RS Surjewala said his party &quot;respects&quot; the culture and wants the government to &quot;protect&quot; the rich traditions of the sport.</p>

<p>Renowned musician AR Rahman also backed the protests, tweeting: &quot;I&#39;m fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of Tamilnadu (sic).&quot;</p>

<p>Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol.<br />
<br />
&quot;#jallikattu is a cultural symbol. Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point. tradition &amp; livelihood are (sic),&quot; the chess legend wrote in his official micro-blogging site Twitter.</p>

<p>Movie stars had voiced their support with the agitators on Thursday (January 18).</p>

<p>Popular movie star Vijay sent a video message, condemning the arrests of those detained on Monday night and &quot;bowing down (in respect) to each and every one of them (agitators)&quot; for trying to &quot;protect&quot; Jallikattu, which is &quot;every Tamilian&#39;s identity&quot;. Tamil actor&nbsp;Vishal wrote to PM Narendra Modi, seeking an ordinance facilitating the conduct of jallikattu.</p>

<p>Suriya, another popular cinestar in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu -- where the protest is being staged, excoriated PETA for its protracted campaign against Jallikattu.</p>

<p>The actors&#39; body, the South Indian Artistes&#39; Association, has announced a hunger strike on January 20.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


India's PM Modi earlier said he was all for overturning the Jallikattu ban but cannot do much as the matter is sub judice

Head of India's southern state of Tamil Nadu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Delhi today to press for an ordinance on Jallikattu. The chief minister while briefing reporters said the Prime Minister respects the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu. "I have asked the Prime Minister for an ordinance to be passed on Jallikattu," he said, adding the central government has assured support to the Tamil Nadu government. The chief minister also said AIADMK leader Sasikala has also written to Prime Minister Modi on the matter. The Prime Minister's Office in a statement said while appreciating the cultural significance of Jallikattu, Prime Minister Modi observed that the matter is presently sub-judice in court. Meanwhile, protesters have blocked highways in Chennai, according to media reports. Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played across Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India's highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands. The restriction on playing Jallikattu, which is considered to be an intrinsic part of the region's cultural identity, sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival during which the sport is played. PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss sitting in support of #Jallikattu outside PM residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, has been detained by Police. pic.twitter.com/yf3Kio4pDd — ANI (@ANI_news) January 19, 2017 × The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India's highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India's news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport. Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam arrives in PM Modi's residence at 7, Race Course Road to apprise the Indian prime minister of the "sentiments and aspirations" of the people and push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport . Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Pannerselvam meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge ordinance on #Jallikattu. pic.twitter.com/KnTgV9YKhR — ANI (@ANI_news) January 19, 2017 × WION Exclusive: "Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living. Jallikatu not a progressive law: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. In an exclusive discussion with WION's Kartikeya Sharma, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar talks about the demonstration at Chennai's Marina Beach in support of Jallikattu and much more. (WION) × Police beat protesters in Alanganallur in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. People throng Chennai's Marina beach in support of Jalikattu. (Source: ANI) People thronging Chennai's Marina Beach in support of #Jalikattu, actor Raghava Lawrence also seen in attendance. pic.twitter.com/9VKbuZiIjn — ANI (@ANI_news) January 19, 2017 × Tamils protest outside Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Pro-Jallikattu student protests continue overnight in Marina beach, Chennai. Schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu to remain shut, according to local media reports. The statewide protests against the Jallikattu ban have received support from several quarters, including the country's de facto leading opposition party. Support pours in from all quarters Congress leader RS Surjewala said his party "respects" the culture and wants the government to "protect" the rich traditions of the sport. Renowned musician AR Rahman also backed the protests, tweeting: "I'm fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of Tamilnadu (sic)." Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol. "#jallikattu is a cultural symbol. Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point. tradition & livelihood are (sic)," the chess legend wrote in his official micro-blogging site Twitter. Movie stars had voiced their support with the agitators on Thursday (January 18). Popular movie star Vijay sent a video message, condemning the arrests of those detained on Monday night and "bowing down (in respect) to each and every one of them (agitators)" for trying to "protect" Jallikattu, which is "every Tamilian's identity". Tamil actor Vishal wrote to PM Narendra Modi, seeking an ordinance facilitating the conduct of jallikattu. Suriya, another popular cinestar in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu -- where the protest is being staged, excoriated PETA for its protracted campaign against Jallikattu. The actors' body, the South Indian Artistes' Association, has announced a hunger strike on January 20. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Bull-taming sport ban protests continue as Indian govt faces heat

<p>As pro-Jallikattu protests across India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu continued to gain steam with a group of youngsters continuing their agitation here through the night, the state government on Wednesday held talks with agitators and assured its commitment to hold the bull taming sport in the state. The government also told the youths that it would even approach the President seeking an ordinance on the matter.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu government has been urging the Centre repeatedly to issue an ordinance to conduct Jallikattu, the bull-taming festival held during the Tamil harvest festival Pongal in mid-January. More than 200 youth were taken into custody on Monday night after they held protests at Alanganallur village demanding lifting of the ban on Jallikattu.</p>

<p>State fisheries minister D Jayakumar, along with his cabinet colleague K Pandiarajan held talks with representatives of the agitators early morning on Monday to defuse the agitation. The minister said 50 AIADMK Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will &quot;exert required pressure on the Centre&quot; to conduct Jallikattu in the state. &quot;Not just that, this government will also take steps to meet the President to seek an ordinance,&quot; Jayakumar said.</p>

<p>Responding to the protestors&#39;&nbsp;demands for an assurance from chief minister O Panneerselvam for conducting Jallikattu, school education minister Pandiarajan said the government cannot give any oral assurance and indicated that the chief minister could issue a statement later in the day on the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chandramohan, one of the representatives who held talks with the ministers on behalf of the protestors, insisted that the chief minister support the bull-taming sport. &quot;The government should understand the sentiments of the people and exert pressure on the Centre. The ministers have assured us that they will find a solution,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the protestors at Marina, who converged on Tuesday following an agitation at Alanganallur in Madurai, were unrelenting in their demand to conduct Jallikattu and sat through the night. The agitators claimed that more volunteers had either joined them or were on their way to join the protests. Some reports said over 3,000 people, mostly students had joined the protests demanding permission to host the bull-taming festival in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The state government held talks with agitators and assured its commitment to hold the bull-taming sport in the state

As pro-Jallikattu protests across India's southern state of Tamil Nadu continued to gain steam with a group of youngsters continuing their agitation here through the night, the state government on Wednesday held talks with agitators and assured its commitment to hold the bull taming sport in the state. The government also told the youths that it would even approach the President seeking an ordinance on the matter. The Tamil Nadu government has been urging the Centre repeatedly to issue an ordinance to conduct Jallikattu, the bull-taming festival held during the Tamil harvest festival Pongal in mid-January. More than 200 youth were taken into custody on Monday night after they held protests at Alanganallur village demanding lifting of the ban on Jallikattu. State fisheries minister D Jayakumar, along with his cabinet colleague K Pandiarajan held talks with representatives of the agitators early morning on Monday to defuse the agitation. The minister said 50 AIADMK Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will "exert required pressure on the Centre" to conduct Jallikattu in the state. "Not just that, this government will also take steps to meet the President to seek an ordinance," Jayakumar said. Responding to the protestors' demands for an assurance from chief minister O Panneerselvam for conducting Jallikattu, school education minister Pandiarajan said the government cannot give any oral assurance and indicated that the chief minister could issue a statement later in the day on the matter. Chandramohan, one of the representatives who held talks with the ministers on behalf of the protestors, insisted that the chief minister support the bull-taming sport. "The government should understand the sentiments of the people and exert pressure on the Centre. The ministers have assured us that they will find a solution," he said. Meanwhile, the protestors at Marina, who converged on Tuesday following an agitation at Alanganallur in Madurai, were unrelenting in their demand to conduct Jallikattu and sat through the night. The agitators claimed that more volunteers had either joined them or were on their way to join the protests. Some reports said over 3,000 people, mostly students had joined the protests demanding permission to host the bull-taming festival in Tamil Nadu. (PTI)

Pro-Jallikattu protests continue in Tamil Nadu, 200 agitators arrested

<p>The head of India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu has pledged to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow (January&nbsp;19) to urge him to overturn the ban on the traditional bull-taming sport called Jallikattu, as protests against the current embargo&nbsp;intensified in the last 48 hours.</p>

<p>O Panneerselvam, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, assured the agitators that the state government &quot;is on the same page&quot; with the people while he appealed to all to stop the demonstrations that have rocked the region.</p>

<p>&quot;Tomorrow morning I will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urge him to promulgate an ordinance to conduct Jallikattu. Hence, I appeal to all protesters to give up their agitations,&quot; Panneerselvam said.</p>

<p>&quot;The democratic protests by students and people to uphold our rights and guard our culture are expressive of our feelings (on Jallikattu),&quot; he said. However, to conduct Jallikattu, the Supreme Court should give a favourable verdict, he said.</p>

<p>Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played across Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India&#39;s highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands.</p>

<p>The restriction on playing Jallikattu, which is considered to be an intrinsic part of the region&#39;s cultural identity, sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival during which the sport is played.</p>

<p>But protests gathered steam when a bunch of 50 people, mostly students, thronged the Marina Beach on Tuesday (January 17) after more than 200 supporters of the sport were detained in a Tamil Nadu district named Madurai. Though the protest at the beach started off slowly, the demonstration soon snowballed into a large mass movement of about 5,000 people demanding the ban to be lifted and action to be taken against PETA India.</p>

<p><strong>Thousands protest at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach</strong></p>

<p>Police have been deployed across Chennai as the protests continued unabated.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Tamil Nadu: Police deployment in Chennai as protests in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> continue <a href="https://t.co/0xNcf8jsSm">pic.twitter.com/0xNcf8jsSm</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821713399931277312">January 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Crowds continued to swell at Alanganallur and Tamukkam grounds in Madurai as well. The two grounds are the traditional base for the sport.</p>

<p>Protests and rallies were also&nbsp;taken out across the rest of Tamil Nadu including the districts of Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Salem and Kanyakumari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Protesters, including students and IT employees, blocked roads in various locations, chanting slogans like &quot;We want jallikattu&quot; and &quot;Ban anti-Tamil PETA&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Farmers Joint Action Council President Deivasigamani threatened to organise a state-wide agitation on January 20 if the federal government did not announce its decision on &#39;Jallikattu&#39; within 48 hours.</p>

<p>More than 20 traders organisations in Madurai and its neighbouring regions also announced closure of shops on January 20 if the ban on the sport was not lifted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: People gather in huge numbers at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/hKvBVI2kEr">pic.twitter.com/hKvBVI2kEr</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821641451876384768">January 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Overwhelming support</strong></p>

<p>Movie stars in the region also voiced their support with the agitators.</p>

<p>Popular movie star Vijay sent a video message, condemning the arrests of those detained on Monday night and &quot;bowing down (in respect) to each and every one of them (agitators)&quot; for trying to &quot;protect&quot; Jallikattu, which is &quot;every Tamilian&#39;s identity&quot;. Tamil actor&nbsp;Vishal wrote to PM Narendra Modi, seeking an ordinance facilitating the conduct of jallikattu.</p>

<p>Suriya, another popular cinestar in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu -- where the protest is being staged, excoriated PETA for its protracted campaign against Jallikattu.</p>

<p>The actors&#39; body, the South Indian Artistes&#39; Association, has announced a hunger strike on January 20.</p>

<p>General secretary of Tamil Nadu&#39;s ruling party AIADMK V K Sasikala said her party will move and adopt a resolution in the ensuing assembly session of the lower house of the state for removal of ban on the festival.<br />
<br />
AIADMK organisational secretary C Ponnaiyan blamed the federal government on the matter. &quot;The Centre (federal government) is inordinately delaying or avoiding issuance of an ordinance which is well within their hands,&quot; he told PTI.<br />
<br />
<strong>Judiciary opts to stay away</strong></p>

<p>The judiciary, meanwhile,&nbsp;said Wednesday it will not &quot;interfere&quot; on the issue of protests in Chennai since India&#39;s top court was already seized of the matter, PTI reported.</p>

<p>The court made this observation after an advocate made a mention of the protests at Marina Beach before the court.</p>

<p>The first bench, comprising Chief Justice S K Kaul and Justice M Sundar, declined to &quot;interfere in the matter at this stage.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;First of all, the apex court is seized of the matter. When it is so, even the High Court and Tamil Nadu government cannot do anything and moreover, Marina Road is not a place for any demonstrations. The court does not want to interfere at this stage,&quot; the bench said.</p>

<p>India&#39;s highest court had banned the sport in 2014 and two years later, the federal government followed suit.</p>

<p>Animal rights activists cite animal cruelty because the bulls&nbsp;are deliberately placed in a terrifying situation and young men use their strength to tame them.</p>

<p>But people of Tamil Nadu say the sport is an intrinsic part of their cultural identity as it has been played for more than an estimated 2,000 years.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Tamil Nadu chief minister has vowed protesters that he would urge the prime minister to lift the ban against the ancient bull-taming sport

The head of India's southern state of Tamil Nadu has pledged to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow (January 19) to urge him to overturn the ban on the traditional bull-taming sport called Jallikattu, as protests against the current embargo intensified in the last 48 hours. O Panneerselvam, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, assured the agitators that the state government "is on the same page" with the people while he appealed to all to stop the demonstrations that have rocked the region. "Tomorrow morning I will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urge him to promulgate an ordinance to conduct Jallikattu. Hence, I appeal to all protesters to give up their agitations," Panneerselvam said. "The democratic protests by students and people to uphold our rights and guard our culture are expressive of our feelings (on Jallikattu)," he said. However, to conduct Jallikattu, the Supreme Court should give a favourable verdict, he said. Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played across Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India's highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands. The restriction on playing Jallikattu, which is considered to be an intrinsic part of the region's cultural identity, sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival during which the sport is played. But protests gathered steam when a bunch of 50 people, mostly students, thronged the Marina Beach on Tuesday (January 17) after more than 200 supporters of the sport were detained in a Tamil Nadu district named Madurai. Though the protest at the beach started off slowly, the demonstration soon snowballed into a large mass movement of about 5,000 people demanding the ban to be lifted and action to be taken against PETA India. Thousands protest at Chennai's Marina Beach Police have been deployed across Chennai as the protests continued unabated. Tamil Nadu: Police deployment in Chennai as protests in support of #Jallikattu continue pic.twitter.com/0xNcf8jsSm — ANI (@ANI_news) January 18, 2017 × Crowds continued to swell at Alanganallur and Tamukkam grounds in Madurai as well. The two grounds are the traditional base for the sport. Protests and rallies were also taken out across the rest of Tamil Nadu including the districts of Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Salem and Kanyakumari. Protesters, including students and IT employees, blocked roads in various locations, chanting slogans like "We want jallikattu" and "Ban anti-Tamil PETA". Farmers Joint Action Council President Deivasigamani threatened to organise a state-wide agitation on January 20 if the federal government did not announce its decision on 'Jallikattu' within 48 hours. More than 20 traders organisations in Madurai and its neighbouring regions also announced closure of shops on January 20 if the ban on the sport was not lifted. #WATCH: People gather in huge numbers at Chennai's Marina Beach in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/hKvBVI2kEr — ANI (@ANI_news) January 18, 2017 × Overwhelming support Movie stars in the region also voiced their support with the agitators. Popular movie star Vijay sent a video message, condemning the arrests of those detained on Monday night and "bowing down (in respect) to each and every one of them (agitators)" for trying to "protect" Jallikattu, which is "every Tamilian's identity". Tamil actor Vishal wrote to PM Narendra Modi, seeking an ordinance facilitating the conduct of jallikattu. Suriya, another popular cinestar in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu -- where the protest is being staged, excoriated PETA for its protracted campaign against Jallikattu. The actors' body, the South Indian Artistes' Association, has announced a hunger strike on January 20. General secretary of Tamil Nadu's ruling party AIADMK V K Sasikala said her party will move and adopt a resolution in the ensuing assembly session of the lower house of the state for removal of ban on the festival. AIADMK organisational secretary C Ponnaiyan blamed the federal government on the matter. "The Centre (federal government) is inordinately delaying or avoiding issuance of an ordinance which is well within their hands," he told PTI. Judiciary opts to stay away The judiciary, meanwhile, said Wednesday it will not "interfere" on the issue of protests in Chennai since India's top court was already seized of the matter, PTI reported. The court made this observation after an advocate made a mention of the protests at Marina Beach before the court. The first bench, comprising Chief Justice S K Kaul and Justice M Sundar, declined to "interfere in the matter at this stage." "First of all, the apex court is seized of the matter. When it is so, even the High Court and Tamil Nadu government cannot do anything and moreover, Marina Road is not a place for any demonstrations. The court does not want to interfere at this stage," the bench said. India's highest court had banned the sport in 2014 and two years later, the federal government followed suit. Animal rights activists cite animal cruelty because the bulls are deliberately placed in a terrifying situation and young men use their strength to tame them. But people of Tamil Nadu say the sport is an intrinsic part of their cultural identity as it has been played for more than an estimated 2,000 years. (WION)

Head of southern India state urges calm as Jallikattu protests intensify

<p><br />
The opposition party in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, DMK, today, dubbed animal rights advocacy group PETA as &quot;anti-national&quot; and said it&#39;s working against Tamil culture.</p>

<p>It sought a ban on the NGO which has been stridently opposing the bull-taming festival Jallikattu.</p>

<p>&quot;Centre should immediately ban the international NGO PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is against our culture and is anti-national,&quot; DMK working president and Tamil Nadu opposition leader MK Stalin said.</p>

<p>He also urged the central&nbsp;government to &#39;disband&#39; the incumbent Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and replace it with a body which has more representation for Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>He said the centre&nbsp;and the state government should realise the &quot;negative impact&quot; of having &quot;failed to protect the heritage identity of the Tamil culture&quot;.</p>

<p>Stalin strongly argued in favour of replacing AWBI with a body with &quot;adequate representation for Tamil Nadu as that alone would prove&quot; sports like Jallikattu do not involve any cruelty to the animals.</p>

<p>Jallikattu was a system to rear the native cattle breed, he said.</p>

<p>Targeting PETA, which has been in the forefront of anti-Jallikattu protests, Stalin said such &quot;international NGOs did not realise the diversity of India and aspects of its heritage.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He charged them with working with &quot;ulterior motives&quot;.</p>

<p>The centre should not allow PETA to function any more, he demanded.</p>

<p>He also urged the centre to come out with court-approved mechanism for the conduct of the bull-taming sport in future.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Stalin, working president of the opposition party DMK, urged the central government to 'disband' the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

The opposition party in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, DMK, today, dubbed animal rights advocacy group PETA as "anti-national" and said it's working against Tamil culture. It sought a ban on the NGO which has been stridently opposing the bull-taming festival Jallikattu. "Centre should immediately ban the international NGO PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is against our culture and is anti-national," DMK working president and Tamil Nadu opposition leader MK Stalin said. He also urged the central government to 'disband' the incumbent Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and replace it with a body which has more representation for Tamil Nadu. He said the centre and the state government should realise the "negative impact" of having "failed to protect the heritage identity of the Tamil culture". Stalin strongly argued in favour of replacing AWBI with a body with "adequate representation for Tamil Nadu as that alone would prove" sports like Jallikattu do not involve any cruelty to the animals. Jallikattu was a system to rear the native cattle breed, he said. Targeting PETA, which has been in the forefront of anti-Jallikattu protests, Stalin said such "international NGOs did not realise the diversity of India and aspects of its heritage." He charged them with working with "ulterior motives". The centre should not allow PETA to function any more, he demanded. He also urged the centre to come out with court-approved mechanism for the conduct of the bull-taming sport in future. (PTI)

Politician from southern India's Tamil Nadu state calls PETA 'anti-national' for opposing bull-taming festival

<p>Amid protests against the ban on Jallikattu, police today detained several people at various places in some southern districts for attempting to organise the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>Police said youths were detained at Mudakathan, Alanganallur, Palamedu and Vilangudi in Madurai district, at Nallampatti in Dindigul district and Pottuchavadi in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu for trying to hold the sport defying the apex court ban.</p>

<p>People hoisted black flags at Palamedu village for not allowing them to hold Jallikattu in connection with Pongal festivities and local temple functions, they said. Shops at several localities remained closed and black flags were also hoisted at Alanganallur.</p>

<p>Both Palamedu and Alanganallur are famous for Jallikattu in Madurai district.</p>

<p>A police officer said they were maintaining strict vigil in such localities. Police stations have been alerted to prevent any attempt to hold Jallikattu, the officer added.</p>

<p>The die-hard supporters of the sport along with major political parties in the state have been demanding an ordinance for conducting Jallikattu after the Supreme Court imposed a ban on it. Yesterday, 149 persons were detained in Madurai district for staging protests against the ban.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court on Thursday had said it could not give its verdict on Jallikattu before Pongal.</p>

<p>DMK Working President MK Stalin had led a protest in Chennai on Friday in this regard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, &quot;Mattu Pongal&quot;, the&nbsp;third day of Pongal festivities where people offer prayers to the bulls, cows and other farm animals, was celebrated with fervour and special poojas were performed to some temple bulls at Palamedu.</p>

<p>After offering to the local deity, pongal (sweet rice made of jaggery with rice and milk, in a traditional mud pot) was fed to the bulls, some of which take part in the bull taming sport, by Jallikattu supporters.</p>

<p>Police had been posted in large numbers in Palamedu village to prevent untoward incidents. There was a flutter as some bulls were released on the road and some youths raised slogans hailing Jallikattu.</p>

<p>Police said releasing bulls on the road was a common practice followed during the Mattu Pongal celebrations. Police refuted claims by some youths that the sport had been held defying the apex court ban. They said attempts to conduct the sport were foiled and some persons detained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(PTI)&nbsp;</p>


Police said youths were detained in several districts for trying to hold the bull-taming sport, in defiance of the Supreme Court ban

Amid protests against the ban on Jallikattu, police today detained several people at various places in some southern districts for attempting to organise the bull-taming sport. Police said youths were detained at Mudakathan, Alanganallur, Palamedu and Vilangudi in Madurai district, at Nallampatti in Dindigul district and Pottuchavadi in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu for trying to hold the sport defying the apex court ban. People hoisted black flags at Palamedu village for not allowing them to hold Jallikattu in connection with Pongal festivities and local temple functions, they said. Shops at several localities remained closed and black flags were also hoisted at Alanganallur. Both Palamedu and Alanganallur are famous for Jallikattu in Madurai district. A police officer said they were maintaining strict vigil in such localities. Police stations have been alerted to prevent any attempt to hold Jallikattu, the officer added. The die-hard supporters of the sport along with major political parties in the state have been demanding an ordinance for conducting Jallikattu after the Supreme Court imposed a ban on it. Yesterday, 149 persons were detained in Madurai district for staging protests against the ban. The Supreme Court on Thursday had said it could not give its verdict on Jallikattu before Pongal. DMK Working President MK Stalin had led a protest in Chennai on Friday in this regard. Meanwhile, "Mattu Pongal", the third day of Pongal festivities where people offer prayers to the bulls, cows and other farm animals, was celebrated with fervour and special poojas were performed to some temple bulls at Palamedu. After offering to the local deity, pongal (sweet rice made of jaggery with rice and milk, in a traditional mud pot) was fed to the bulls, some of which take part in the bull taming sport, by Jallikattu supporters. Police had been posted in large numbers in Palamedu village to prevent untoward incidents. There was a flutter as some bulls were released on the road and some youths raised slogans hailing Jallikattu. Police said releasing bulls on the road was a common practice followed during the Mattu Pongal celebrations. Police refuted claims by some youths that the sport had been held defying the apex court ban. They said attempts to conduct the sport were foiled and some persons detained. (PTI)

India: Jallikattu supporters continue protests in Tamil Nadu, several detained

<p>The political play around Jallikattu, instead of pointing towards conflicting cultural values as assumed, points more towards a society which is increasingly becoming politically conservative aided and abetted by a political class which shows no commitment towards progressive law making. The political class, which should be responsible for progressive legislations, has become hostage to a conservative social component which neither respects reasoned judgements of the courts nor is supportive of progressive agenda pursued by minority interest groups.<br />
<br />
The reasons are many but the political class cannot abdicate its responsibility when it comes to cases like Jallikattu. Be it the Cauvery issue or Jallikattu, regional parties at state level have started to come together to challenge the order of the highest court of the land. The politicians, fearing the wrath of popular sentiment in both cases, allowed the public to take the law in its own hands to prove the point that courts have failed to gauge public sentiment.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
I wonder what would have happened if our founding fathers would have welted under popular sentiment when they decided to work on the Hindu Remarriage Act. It never happened and because of the commitment towards building an equal and progressive India, a lot of changes could be introduced in the Hindu code bills. Unfortunately, similar steps were not initiated for Muslims in India but it does point to the fact that taking unpopular decisions and persuading people to adopt them is also part of a politician&rsquo;s portfolio.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Both Jallikattu and Cauvery also became an issue of identity instead of cruelty towards animals in the former and sharing of water in the latter case. The former also waded into the choppy waters of North vs South divide and cultural relativism.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Both positions are misplaced. No tradition or cultural practice is eternal when it comes to human evolution and what is defined as core to a culture continues to shift and change through time. Jallikattu is neither a language (which too is not monolithic) nor central to the Tamil identity. It is a cultural practice confined to rural communities which through centuries have treated the bull sport as a cultural-business exercise around which several interest groups survived. To say that to ban Jallikattu is to impinge on Tamil identity is to argue that bursting of fire crackers is essential to the tradition of Diwali. In modern societies, the concept of cruelty and violence extends towards animals and does not restrict itself to humans. Even if one is to argue that violence is in-built into certain cultural practices, it does not make them divine or correct. The beauty of man lies in correction and compassion and not in continuation of a practice.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Many would also argue that such practices are like initiation rituals proving primacy of culture over nature like in the case of bull fights in Spain. The former has been debated in the court and latter remains a political and social controversy where judicial verdict has not been pronounced.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Even in the case of triple talaq, the government in its affidavit says that it is not an essential part or practice of religion. The reform is being resisted tooth and nail by vested groups. Similar is the case of BCCI where political parties cutting across political parties refused to reform the sporting body and the Supreme Court had to intervene in the matter. The BCCI President himself continued to stall the reforms till the end till the court read the riot act.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
All the above examples point to one thing, that despite being an old democracy with liberal laws (barring some like 377) the conservative political mood is on the rise whereby liberal opinion is treated as being disrespecting towards the idea of faith and identity. This was earlier reserved for certain sections of the political class which now is being extended towards judiciary at the peril of our federal structure. In Jallikattu, both DMK and ADMK not only pushed the central government to bring an ordinance but also defied the order of the court. Rather than taking a progressive position on society and culture, both the parties have chosen to fan identity-based ethnic sentiments. What is dangerous in this process is that progressive legislative agenda is slipping out of the hand of the politicians and falling into the domain of the courts.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
A classic example in this case is when former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi went against the court order when it came to the Shah Bano judgement. A decision which should have come from the Parliament came as a judicial pronouncement but got annulled by the Parliament in end. It is imperative that the political brass should not use judgements to mobilise people on streets. It is not to say that the majesty of the courts will be compromised by challenging a judgement but once it has been pronounced then it has to be tackled judicially or else the very disregard of it would threaten the federal structure of the country which depends on balance of power between the executive, legislature and courts.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
India as an old and mature democracy must work on strengthening the federal structure within the rubric of the Constitution rather than fueling a sense of persecution between states or centre and state. If this is to continue then every decision would become open to a political contest. There are decisions which need to be contested and there are some which need to be rested and Jallikattu falls in latter case.<br />
<br />
(WION)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


To say that to ban Jallikattu is to impinge on Tamil identity is to argue that bursting of fire crackers is essential to the tradition of Diwali

The political play around Jallikattu, instead of pointing towards conflicting cultural values as assumed, points more towards a society which is increasingly becoming politically conservative aided and abetted by a political class which shows no commitment towards progressive law making. The political class, which should be responsible for progressive legislations, has become hostage to a conservative social component which neither respects reasoned judgements of the courts nor is supportive of progressive agenda pursued by minority interest groups. The reasons are many but the political class cannot abdicate its responsibility when it comes to cases like Jallikattu. Be it the Cauvery issue or Jallikattu, regional parties at state level have started to come together to challenge the order of the highest court of the land. The politicians, fearing the wrath of popular sentiment in both cases, allowed the public to take the law in its own hands to prove the point that courts have failed to gauge public sentiment. I wonder what would have happened if our founding fathers would have welted under popular sentiment when they decided to work on the Hindu Remarriage Act. It never happened and because of the commitment towards building an equal and progressive India, a lot of changes could be introduced in the Hindu code bills. Unfortunately, similar steps were not initiated for Muslims in India but it does point to the fact that taking unpopular decisions and persuading people to adopt them is also part of a politician’s portfolio. Both Jallikattu and Cauvery also became an issue of identity instead of cruelty towards animals in the former and sharing of water in the latter case. The former also waded into the choppy waters of North vs South divide and cultural relativism. Both positions are misplaced. No tradition or cultural practice is eternal when it comes to human evolution and what is defined as core to a culture continues to shift and change through time. Jallikattu is neither a language (which too is not monolithic) nor central to the Tamil identity. It is a cultural practice confined to rural communities which through centuries have treated the bull sport as a cultural-business exercise around which several interest groups survived. To say that to ban Jallikattu is to impinge on Tamil identity is to argue that bursting of fire crackers is essential to the tradition of Diwali. In modern societies, the concept of cruelty and violence extends towards animals and does not restrict itself to humans. Even if one is to argue that violence is in-built into certain cultural practices, it does not make them divine or correct. The beauty of man lies in correction and compassion and not in continuation of a practice. Many would also argue that such practices are like initiation rituals proving primacy of culture over nature like in the case of bull fights in Spain. The former has been debated in the court and latter remains a political and social controversy where judicial verdict has not been pronounced. Even in the case of triple talaq, the government in its affidavit says that it is not an essential part or practice of religion. The reform is being resisted tooth and nail by vested groups. Similar is the case of BCCI where political parties cutting across political parties refused to reform the sporting body and the Supreme Court had to intervene in the matter. The BCCI President himself continued to stall the reforms till the end till the court read the riot act. All the above examples point to one thing, that despite being an old democracy with liberal laws (barring some like 377) the conservative political mood is on the rise whereby liberal opinion is treated as being disrespecting towards the idea of faith and identity. This was earlier reserved for certain sections of the political class which now is being extended towards judiciary at the peril of our federal structure. In Jallikattu, both DMK and ADMK not only pushed the central government to bring an ordinance but also defied the order of the court. Rather than taking a progressive position on society and culture, both the parties have chosen to fan identity-based ethnic sentiments. What is dangerous in this process is that progressive legislative agenda is slipping out of the hand of the politicians and falling into the domain of the courts. A classic example in this case is when former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi went against the court order when it came to the Shah Bano judgement. A decision which should have come from the Parliament came as a judicial pronouncement but got annulled by the Parliament in end. It is imperative that the political brass should not use judgements to mobilise people on streets. It is not to say that the majesty of the courts will be compromised by challenging a judgement but once it has been pronounced then it has to be tackled judicially or else the very disregard of it would threaten the federal structure of the country which depends on balance of power between the executive, legislature and courts. India as an old and mature democracy must work on strengthening the federal structure within the rubric of the Constitution rather than fueling a sense of persecution between states or centre and state. If this is to continue then every decision would become open to a political contest. There are decisions which need to be contested and there are some which need to be rested and Jallikattu falls in latter case. (WION)

Regional pride, sport and state of the nation

<p>People in India&#39;s southern Tamil Nadu state detained at least 30 supporters of Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport that was outlawed by the country&#39;s highest court in 2014 over animal cruelty concerns.</p>

<p>A heavy security apparatus has been deployed in three districts of Madurai --&nbsp;Avaniapuram, Palamedu and Alanganallur -- to prevent further spiralling of events.</p>

<p>Indian news agency ANI reported that police had to resort to baton-charge to disperse the supporters of the banned sport in late Saturday morning.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Tamil Nadu: Police lathi charge protesters in Avanivapuram(Madurai). 30 people detained <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/wtPgXNM1NM">pic.twitter.com/wtPgXNM1NM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/820165099549691904">January 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The supporters have been resolute in their decision to host the sport, which is played during the annual harvest festival of Pongal in South India, despite the ban imposed three years back.</p>

<p>The agitation took place two days after the Supreme Court refused to lift the ban on the sport amid wide demonstrations conducted by political parties in Tamil Nadu. On Wednesday, the court said it was not possible for them to revoke the restrictions on the sport&nbsp;before&nbsp;Saturday, when Pongal starts.</p>

<p>On Friday, villagers of&nbsp;Karisalkulam near Madurai unleashed five bulls into the ground for a few minutes in a symbolic protest against both the Supreme Court and the government of India.</p>

<p><strong>Beef over Jallikattu</strong></p>

<p>The federal government had also prohibited use of bulls during Pongal festival, a restriction that was again upheld by the country&#39;s highest court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Animal rights activists cite animal cruelty because the bulls&nbsp;are deliberately placed in a terrifying situation and the villagers use their strength to tame them.</p>

<p>Advocates of the sport say the sport is an intrinsic part of their cultural identity. In this sport, young men get into the ring with bulls with an aim to subdue them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, some 20,000 people in Chennai -- Tamil Nadu&#39;s capital city -- took to the streets to protest the ban on Jallikattu.</p>

<p>The political parties have also stridently slammed the federal government for doing little to subdue the negative swirl around the sport. Senior Tamil political leader M K Stalin had led a protest in Chennai yesterday in this regard as he targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly not giving time to lawmakers to discuss the issue.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Heavy security apparatus has been deployed in Madurai district as calls to overturn the ban on the bull-taming sport grows louder

People in India's southern Tamil Nadu state detained at least 30 supporters of Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport that was outlawed by the country's highest court in 2014 over animal cruelty concerns. A heavy security apparatus has been deployed in three districts of Madurai -- Avaniapuram, Palamedu and Alanganallur -- to prevent further spiralling of events. Indian news agency ANI reported that police had to resort to baton-charge to disperse the supporters of the banned sport in late Saturday morning. Tamil Nadu: Police lathi charge protesters in Avanivapuram(Madurai). 30 people detained #jallikattu pic.twitter.com/wtPgXNM1NM — ANI (@ANI_news) January 14, 2017 × The supporters have been resolute in their decision to host the sport, which is played during the annual harvest festival of Pongal in South India, despite the ban imposed three years back. The agitation took place two days after the Supreme Court refused to lift the ban on the sport amid wide demonstrations conducted by political parties in Tamil Nadu. On Wednesday, the court said it was not possible for them to revoke the restrictions on the sport before Saturday, when Pongal starts. On Friday, villagers of Karisalkulam near Madurai unleashed five bulls into the ground for a few minutes in a symbolic protest against both the Supreme Court and the government of India. Beef over Jallikattu The federal government had also prohibited use of bulls during Pongal festival, a restriction that was again upheld by the country's highest court. Animal rights activists cite animal cruelty because the bulls are deliberately placed in a terrifying situation and the villagers use their strength to tame them. Advocates of the sport say the sport is an intrinsic part of their cultural identity. In this sport, young men get into the ring with bulls with an aim to subdue them. Earlier this week, some 20,000 people in Chennai -- Tamil Nadu's capital city -- took to the streets to protest the ban on Jallikattu. The political parties have also stridently slammed the federal government for doing little to subdue the negative swirl around the sport. Senior Tamil political leader M K Stalin had led a protest in Chennai yesterday in this regard as he targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly not giving time to lawmakers to discuss the issue. (WION with inputs from PTI)

At least 30 Jallikattu supporters detained in India's Tamil Nadu state

<p>The Supreme Court today rejected a plea urging it to pass judgement on bull taming sport Jallikattu before the harvest festival of Pongal on Saturday.<br />
<br />
A bench comprising justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi told a group of lawyers, who requested for the verdict, that it is unfair to ask the bench to pass an order.<br />
<br />
The apex court, however, said that the draft of judgement has been prepared but it was not possible to deliver it before Saturday when Jallikattu is to be organised.<br />
<br />
The court had reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the federal government&#39;s notification allowing the sport.<br />
<br />
The court had earlier questioned the federal government for its January 2016 notification allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu, saying that its 2014 verdict banning the use of the animals cannot be &quot;negated&quot;.<br />
<br />
Supporting the tradition, the Centre has said that it could ensure that bulls are not tortured or subjected to alcohol before the sport.<br />
<br />
Earlier, the apex court had observed that the country cannot &quot;import Roman gladiator-type sport&quot; as it is against the culture of compassion towards animals.<br />
<br />
The court in its 2014 judgement had said that bulls could not be used as performing animals, either for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country, and had banned their use across the country.<br />
<br />
The apex court had also dismissed the review petition against its 2014 verdict.<br />
<br />
The apex court had also earlier declared Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009 as constitutionally void, being violative or Article 254(1) of the Constitution.<br />
<br />
On January 8, last year the Centre had issued a notification lifting ban on Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu with certain restrictions, which was challenged in the apex court by Animal Welfare Board of India, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, a Bangalore-based NGO and others.<br />
<br />
On July 26, last year the apex court had said that just because the bull-taming sport of Jallikattu was a centuries-old tradition, it could not be justified.<br />
<br />
It had said if the parties were able to convince the court that its earlier judgement was wrong, it might refer the matter to a larger bench.<br />
<br />
The Supreme Court had on January 21, last year refused to re-examine its 2014 judgement banning use of bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country.<br />
<br />
The apex court had also stayed the January 8 notification of Centre.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The court said it wasn't possible to decide the fate of Jallikattu before Saturday, the day when the harvest festival starts in South India

The Supreme Court today rejected a plea urging it to pass judgement on bull taming sport Jallikattu before the harvest festival of Pongal on Saturday. A bench comprising justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi told a group of lawyers, who requested for the verdict, that it is unfair to ask the bench to pass an order. The apex court, however, said that the draft of judgement has been prepared but it was not possible to deliver it before Saturday when Jallikattu is to be organised. The court had reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the federal government's notification allowing the sport. The court had earlier questioned the federal government for its January 2016 notification allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu, saying that its 2014 verdict banning the use of the animals cannot be "negated". Supporting the tradition, the Centre has said that it could ensure that bulls are not tortured or subjected to alcohol before the sport. Earlier, the apex court had observed that the country cannot "import Roman gladiator-type sport" as it is against the culture of compassion towards animals. The court in its 2014 judgement had said that bulls could not be used as performing animals, either for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country, and had banned their use across the country. The apex court had also dismissed the review petition against its 2014 verdict. The apex court had also earlier declared Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009 as constitutionally void, being violative or Article 254(1) of the Constitution. On January 8, last year the Centre had issued a notification lifting ban on Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu with certain restrictions, which was challenged in the apex court by Animal Welfare Board of India, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, a Bangalore-based NGO and others. On July 26, last year the apex court had said that just because the bull-taming sport of Jallikattu was a centuries-old tradition, it could not be justified. It had said if the parties were able to convince the court that its earlier judgement was wrong, it might refer the matter to a larger bench. The Supreme Court had on January 21, last year refused to re-examine its 2014 judgement banning use of bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country. The apex court had also stayed the January 8 notification of Centre. (PTI)

India's highest court rejects passing judgment on bull-taming sport

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