<p>What was supposed to be a memorable and cherished Air&nbsp;Show experience for lakhs of people at Chennai's iconic Marina Beach turned out to be a disaster due to the lax approach and blatant negligence of authorities under the Tamil Nadu government and the Indian Railways. While the Indian Air Force conducted a flawless and thoroughly professional Air Show, the events that took place before and after the event are what led to uncontrollable chaos. At the time of writing, five people had lost their lives and more than 90 had been hospitalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite knowing fully well that more than 1.5 million people were expected to attend Sunday's (Oct 6) show on the scenic shores of the Marina Beach, the Chennai City Police and Chennai Traffic Police did not make suitable arrangements to handle such a footfall and their smooth entry, exit.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | A woman seen being evacuated from a huge rush at the Mega Air Show on Marina Beach ahead of the 92nd Indian Air Force Day.<br />
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There are reports of attendees fainting, rushed to the hospital due to heavy crowd presence and heat. <a href="https://t.co/SgNEhuTnUH">pic.twitter.com/SgNEhuTnUH</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1842931694703349809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="ta">4மணி நேரமாக சென்னை மெரினா கடற்கரையில் Airshow நடைபெறும் இடத்தில் வெளிவர முடியாமல் சிக்கி கொண்டு இருக்கும் அம்புலன்ஸ் பலர் கூட்ட நெரிசலில் சிக்கி மயக்கம் அடைகிறார்கள் 100 க்கு கால் செய்து 1 மணி நேரமாகியும் காவல் துறையினர் வரவில்லை <a href="https://twitter.com/chennaipolice_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chennaipolice_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOTamilnadu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOTamilnadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/xgiYuWFTwL">pic.twitter.com/xgiYuWFTwL</a></p>
— Joaquin Phoenix (@PhoenixAdmk) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixAdmk/status/1842845152504627710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>While the city's Traffic Police had urged Air Show attendees to use public transport, the city's Metro rail network and Mass Rapid Transport System (under the Indian Railways) were not operating trains at required frequencies. Viral videos showed choked metro stations and MRTS stations where people were struggling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same applied to the city buses. This led to overcrowding and chaos even while people were on their way to the air show. Owing to such issues with public transport, people were forced to walk for several kilometres on a blazing hot day.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>The arduous, fatal walk back from the Marina Beach</b></h2>

<p>Total chaos unfolded after the two-hour Air Show, as thousands of people were pouring into the main road adjoining the Marina beach, with no crowd control measures in place by the local authorities. With most attendees having endured the blazing heat and humidity for more than three hours, they were all desperate to return to the nearest public transport hubs. Predominantly, the crowd comprised of families with school-going children.</p>

<p>However, government vehicles (predominantly belonging to IAS, and IPS officials) and other VIPs began to exit the Marina beach and crowd the arterial road, thereby blocking the path meant for lakhs of pedestrians, who had already borne the brunt of the intense heat. Commoners were forced to walk several kilometres in choc-a-bloc&nbsp;conditions while braving the searing heat and humidity. Completely exhausted and dehydrated, thousands of people sat along the roads and footpaths, unable to walk any further.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chennai-iaf-air-show-indian-airforces-mega-air-show-dazzles-chennai-skies-764956"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Chennai IAF Air Show: Indian Airforce's Mega Air Show Dazzles Chennai Skies</strong></a></p>

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<p>Those that were able to walk further were caught up in multiple stampede-like situations. While there are hospitals in the vicinity, the traffic congestion meant that the dehydrated persons and those who had fainted could not get the&nbsp;much needed help.</p>

<p>As lakhs of people spent a few hours walking across a two-kilometre stretch of road, there were several ambulances caught up in the ensuing congestion. Many took refuge in nearby government buildings, waiting in the shade, for the roads to clear. However, it took more than three hours for this situation to improve. By then, lakhs of people were severely inconvenienced, as is evident from the outpouring of netizens' complaints against local authorities in Chennai.</p>


What was supposed to be a memorable and cherished Air Show experience for lakhs of people at Chennai's iconic Marina Beach turned out to be a disaster due to the lax approach and blatant negligence of authorities under the Tamil Nadu government and the Indian Railways.

What was supposed to be a memorable and cherished Air Show experience for lakhs of people at Chennai's iconic Marina Beach turned out to be a disaster due to the lax approach and blatant negligence of authorities under the Tamil Nadu government and the Indian Railways. While the Indian Air Force conducted a flawless and thoroughly professional Air Show, the events that took place before and after the event are what led to uncontrollable chaos. At the time of writing, five people had lost their lives and more than 90 had been hospitalised. Despite knowing fully well that more than 1.5 million people were expected to attend Sunday's (Oct 6) show on the scenic shores of the Marina Beach, the Chennai City Police and Chennai Traffic Police did not make suitable arrangements to handle such a footfall and their smooth entry, exit. #WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | A woman seen being evacuated from a huge rush at the Mega Air Show on Marina Beach ahead of the 92nd Indian Air Force Day. There are reports of attendees fainting, rushed to the hospital due to heavy crowd presence and heat. pic.twitter.com/SgNEhuTnUH — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2024 × 4மணி நேரமாக சென்னை மெரினா கடற்கரையில் Airshow நடைபெறும் இடத்தில் வெளிவர முடியாமல் சிக்கி கொண்டு இருக்கும் அம்புலன்ஸ் பலர் கூட்ட நெரிசலில் சிக்கி மயக்கம் அடைகிறார்கள் 100 க்கு கால் செய்து 1 மணி நேரமாகியும் காவல் துறையினர் வரவில்லை @chennaipolice_ @CMOTamilnadu pic.twitter.com/xgiYuWFTwL — Joaquin Phoenix (@PhoenixAdmk) October 6, 2024 × While the city's Traffic Police had urged Air Show attendees to use public transport, the city's Metro rail network and Mass Rapid Transport System (under the Indian Railways) were not operating trains at required frequencies. Viral videos showed choked metro stations and MRTS stations where people were struggling. The same applied to the city buses. This led to overcrowding and chaos even while people were on their way to the air show. Owing to such issues with public transport, people were forced to walk for several kilometres on a blazing hot day. The arduous, fatal walk back from the Marina Beach Total chaos unfolded after the two-hour Air Show, as thousands of people were pouring into the main road adjoining the Marina beach, with no crowd control measures in place by the local authorities. With most attendees having endured the blazing heat and humidity for more than three hours, they were all desperate to return to the nearest public transport hubs. Predominantly, the crowd comprised of families with school-going children. However, government vehicles (predominantly belonging to IAS, and IPS officials) and other VIPs began to exit the Marina beach and crowd the arterial road, thereby blocking the path meant for lakhs of pedestrians, who had already borne the brunt of the intense heat. Commoners were forced to walk several kilometres in choc-a-bloc conditions while braving the searing heat and humidity. Completely exhausted and dehydrated, thousands of people sat along the roads and footpaths, unable to walk any further. Watch | Chennai IAF Air Show: Indian Airforce's Mega Air Show Dazzles Chennai Skies × Those that were able to walk further were caught up in multiple stampede-like situations. While there are hospitals in the vicinity, the traffic congestion meant that the dehydrated persons and those who had fainted could not get the much needed help. As lakhs of people spent a few hours walking across a two-kilometre stretch of road, there were several ambulances caught up in the ensuing congestion. Many took refuge in nearby government buildings, waiting in the shade, for the roads to clear. However, it took more than three hours for this situation to improve. By then, lakhs of people were severely inconvenienced, as is evident from the outpouring of netizens' complaints against local authorities in Chennai.

India: 5 dead, 90 hospitalised as local authorities mess up Chennai IAF Air Show

<p>Following three flawless rehearsals this week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to enthral the people of the city of&nbsp;Chennai on Sunday&nbsp;(Oct&nbsp;6) between 11:00 am-1:00 pm (local time), as part of a grand air show involving 72 aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event is to take place at Chennai's iconic Marina Beach, where more than a million people are expected to gather. It is after a hiatus of two decades that an air shoe is returning to Chennai and the Indian Air Force has a stellar lineup for mesmerising those at the Marina.</p>

<p>Sunday's air show is part of the Indian Air Force's 92nd-year celebrations. Following the open-to-public air show on Sunday, a restricted-access IAF Day parade will be held on&nbsp;Tuesday (Oct 8), at Air Force Station Tambaram, on the outskirts of Chennai city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the last two years, the Raising Day of India's tri-services have been held in different cities across the country.</p>

<p>This is aimed at showcasing the valour, might, and capabilities of the Indian armed forces, while also inspiring youngsters to take up a career in service of the nation. Notably, among the aviators that will be flying on Sunday are two Chennaiites.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A rare mix of Russian and Western aircraft</strong></h2>

<p>A total of 72 aircraft will be taking part in the air show and this will include fighter jets, transporter aircraft, helicopters, and special aerobatic display teams, vintage aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, air shows by the Indian Air Force have the unique distinction of featuring both Western aircraft and Russian aircraft, which is extremely rare. Sunday's air show will feature the French-origin Rafales, Mirage-2000, Airbus-C295MW, the Russian Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mig-29 fighters, the IL-78 MD Refuelling tanker, the European SEPECAT Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft, the American C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifted, P-8I 'Poseidon' anti-submarine warfare aircraft, among others. The air shoe will also feature vintage planes such as the Dakota and Harward.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the Indian Air Force is the world's largest operator of the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30, of which the MKI version is the India-specific aircraft. With more than 260 in number, the Su-30MKI is regarded as the backbone of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet.</p>

<p>The massive Su-30, also known as the 'Flanker' is the world's largest operational fighter aircraft. A fully loaded Sukhoi-30 weighs around 39 tons.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India's indigenous 'birds' to roar over Marina - Tejas and Prachand</strong></h2>

<p>Indigenously designed and developed Indian platform - Light combat aircraft Tejas, the lightest fighter jet in the world and the Prachand helicopter, the world's highest-flying combat helicopter are to showcase their mettle over the Marina Beach. These platforms indicate the progress that India's homegrown defence sector has made over the last several decades.</p>

<p>The Indian government has set an ambitious target of surpassing $5 billion&nbsp;in defence exports by 2025, from the present $2.63 billion. This ambition stems from the export potential that the Indian establishment sees in the homegrown defence ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Brand ambassadors of the IAF - Sarang and Suryakiran</strong></h2>

<p>While most aircraft performing at the airshow would be of the standard metallic grey colour, there will also be unique aircraft that are painted in vibrant shades of red.</p>

<p>These are the brand ambassadors of the IAF – The Suryakiran (Rays of the Sun), Aerobatic Team flying the BAE Hawk Mk132 jets and the Sarang (Peacock) Helicopter Display Team flying the Dhruv Helicopters, both of which have enthralled crowds at international air shows on foreign soil.</p>

<p>The Suryakiran team comprises nine aircraft, while the Sarang team comprises five helicopters. From formation flying to daring aerobatic manoeuvres and risky high-proximity stunts, they'll do it all, while painting the sky in vibrant hues.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Flying Formations - A tribute all things Tamil Nadu&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As different types of aircraft fly over the Marina beach, their formations will carry a significant touch of Tamil Nadu. Each of the formations has been named after unique facets of the history, culture, legacy, and geography of the state. The formations are called: Puyal (storm), Sangam, Pallava, Chera, Chola, Kanchi, Natraj, Nilgiri, Marina, Pandian, Mahabali etc.</p>


Following three flawless rehearsals this week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to enthral the people of the city of Chennai on Sunday (Oct 6) between 11:00 am-1:00 pm (local time), as part of a grand air show involving 72 aircraft.

Following three flawless rehearsals this week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to enthral the people of the city of Chennai on Sunday (Oct 6) between 11:00 am-1:00 pm (local time), as part of a grand air show involving 72 aircraft. The event is to take place at Chennai's iconic Marina Beach, where more than a million people are expected to gather. It is after a hiatus of two decades that an air shoe is returning to Chennai and the Indian Air Force has a stellar lineup for mesmerising those at the Marina. Sunday's air show is part of the Indian Air Force's 92nd-year celebrations. Following the open-to-public air show on Sunday, a restricted-access IAF Day parade will be held on Tuesday (Oct 8), at Air Force Station Tambaram, on the outskirts of Chennai city. Over the last two years, the Raising Day of India's tri-services have been held in different cities across the country. This is aimed at showcasing the valour, might, and capabilities of the Indian armed forces, while also inspiring youngsters to take up a career in service of the nation. Notably, among the aviators that will be flying on Sunday are two Chennaiites. A rare mix of Russian and Western aircraft A total of 72 aircraft will be taking part in the air show and this will include fighter jets, transporter aircraft, helicopters, and special aerobatic display teams, vintage aircraft. Notably, air shows by the Indian Air Force have the unique distinction of featuring both Western aircraft and Russian aircraft, which is extremely rare. Sunday's air show will feature the French-origin Rafales, Mirage-2000, Airbus-C295MW, the Russian Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mig-29 fighters, the IL-78 MD Refuelling tanker, the European SEPECAT Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft, the American C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifted, P-8I 'Poseidon' anti-submarine warfare aircraft, among others. The air shoe will also feature vintage planes such as the Dakota and Harward. Interestingly, the Indian Air Force is the world's largest operator of the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30, of which the MKI version is the India-specific aircraft. With more than 260 in number, the Su-30MKI is regarded as the backbone of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet. The massive Su-30, also known as the 'Flanker' is the world's largest operational fighter aircraft. A fully loaded Sukhoi-30 weighs around 39 tons. India's indigenous 'birds' to roar over Marina - Tejas and Prachand Indigenously designed and developed Indian platform - Light combat aircraft Tejas, the lightest fighter jet in the world and the Prachand helicopter, the world's highest-flying combat helicopter are to showcase their mettle over the Marina Beach. These platforms indicate the progress that India's homegrown defence sector has made over the last several decades. The Indian government has set an ambitious target of surpassing $5 billion in defence exports by 2025, from the present $2.63 billion. This ambition stems from the export potential that the Indian establishment sees in the homegrown defence ecosystem. Brand ambassadors of the IAF - Sarang and Suryakiran While most aircraft performing at the airshow would be of the standard metallic grey colour, there will also be unique aircraft that are painted in vibrant shades of red. These are the brand ambassadors of the IAF – The Suryakiran (Rays of the Sun), Aerobatic Team flying the BAE Hawk Mk132 jets and the Sarang (Peacock) Helicopter Display Team flying the Dhruv Helicopters, both of which have enthralled crowds at international air shows on foreign soil. The Suryakiran team comprises nine aircraft, while the Sarang team comprises five helicopters. From formation flying to daring aerobatic manoeuvres and risky high-proximity stunts, they'll do it all, while painting the sky in vibrant hues. Flying Formations - A tribute all things Tamil Nadu As different types of aircraft fly over the Marina beach, their formations will carry a significant touch of Tamil Nadu. Each of the formations has been named after unique facets of the history, culture, legacy, and geography of the state. The formations are called: Puyal (storm), Sangam, Pallava, Chera, Chola, Kanchi, Natraj, Nilgiri, Marina, Pandian, Mahabali etc.

Indian Air Force all set for grand airshow at Chennai's Marina Beach

According to the ground reports, the toxic foam layers on Marina beach, Chennai is caused due to factories and hospitals who are letting out their toxic waste into the sea.

Chennai: Layers of toxic foam on Marina beach

Foam pollutes India's Marina beach

<p><br />
The Jallikattu row ended in Chennai amid violence in various parts of Tamil Nadu. WION&#39;s correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran who was reporting live from Marina beach - the epicenter of the agitation - was caught in the crossfire several times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu police repeatedly targeted WION correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran, not allowing him to report on events unfolding at Marina beach even though he had permission from the police. As the event was being covered live, Tamil Nadu cops manhandled Ramesh Ramachandran&nbsp;which resulted in an argument and amid the chaos WION&#39;s OB cable was damaged and the crew was forced to push back from the actual spot.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>It was not just casual bystanders and auto drivers who bore the brunt of police arson in Chennai on Monday, WION&#39;s camera crew headed by Ramesh Ramachandran was repeatedly manhandled by the cops (WION)</p>
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<p>It did not end there, as the police began hitting the crowd with batons in the afternoon and the crowd retaliated by pelting stones, the Tamil Nadu police forced Ramesh Ramachandran to rush back to the van and prevented the WION crew from shooting the chaotic scenes at Marina beach. Ramesh Ramachandran&nbsp;sustained injuries himself as the police were hitting agitators. WION&#39;s OB van was smashed with both driver and engineer sustaining injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is this how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/reporters?src=hash">#reporters</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/news?src=hash">#news</a> organizations who cover on the ground get treated? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattuprotest?src=hash">#Jallikattuprotest</a> going out of hand. <a href="https://t.co/1LHqRaduRP">https://t.co/1LHqRaduRP</a></p>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/823436443393503233">January 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ramesh said the Tamil Nadu police mercilessly lathicharged the crowd and held the media responsible for the situation which quickly went out of hand. In fact, the Tamil Nadu police was criticised by actor Kamal Hassan in a series of tweets as&nbsp;he sought to know why police took action when the students were peacefully awaiting the decision the Tamil Nadu assembly&nbsp;on the matter. Many protestors stayed put despite police action and accused the cops of unnecessarily using force on&nbsp;a peaceful agitation.</p>

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<p>WION team was targeted by Tamil Nadu police during the Jallikattu agitation at Marina beach. (WION)</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Remains of the day: <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews">@WIONews</a> camera crew covering <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> protest in Chennai assaulted. <a href="https://t.co/Nak2bCy8Ls">pic.twitter.com/Nak2bCy8Ls</a></p>
&mdash; Ramesh Ramachandran (@RRRameshRRR) <a href="https://twitter.com/RRRameshRRR/status/823434280852422656">January 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Tamil Nadu police repeatedly targeted WION correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran, not allowing him to report from Marina beach

The Jallikattu row ended in Chennai amid violence in various parts of Tamil Nadu. WION's correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran who was reporting live from Marina beach - the epicenter of the agitation - was caught in the crossfire several times. The Tamil Nadu police repeatedly targeted WION correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran, not allowing him to report on events unfolding at Marina beach even though he had permission from the police. As the event was being covered live, Tamil Nadu cops manhandled Ramesh Ramachandran which resulted in an argument and amid the chaos WION's OB cable was damaged and the crew was forced to push back from the actual spot. It was not just casual bystanders and auto drivers who bore the brunt of police arson in Chennai on Monday, WION's camera crew headed by Ramesh Ramachandran was repeatedly manhandled by the cops (WION) × It did not end there, as the police began hitting the crowd with batons in the afternoon and the crowd retaliated by pelting stones, the Tamil Nadu police forced Ramesh Ramachandran to rush back to the van and prevented the WION crew from shooting the chaotic scenes at Marina beach. Ramesh Ramachandran sustained injuries himself as the police were hitting agitators. WION's OB van was smashed with both driver and engineer sustaining injuries. Is this how #reporters and #news organizations who cover on the ground get treated? #Jallikattuprotest going out of hand. https://t.co/1LHqRaduRP — WION (@WIONews) January 23, 2017 × Ramesh said the Tamil Nadu police mercilessly lathicharged the crowd and held the media responsible for the situation which quickly went out of hand. In fact, the Tamil Nadu police was criticised by actor Kamal Hassan in a series of tweets as he sought to know why police took action when the students were peacefully awaiting the decision the Tamil Nadu assembly on the matter. Many protestors stayed put despite police action and accused the cops of unnecessarily using force on a peaceful agitation. WION team was targeted by Tamil Nadu police during the Jallikattu agitation at Marina beach. (WION) × Remains of the day: @WIONews camera crew covering #Jallikattu protest in Chennai assaulted. pic.twitter.com/Nak2bCy8Ls — Ramesh Ramachandran (@RRRameshRRR) January 23, 2017 × (WION)

Jallikattu: Tamil Nadu cops target WION camera crew

<p>An ordinance was promulgated to lift the ban on Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, has been approved by the Indian government.</p>

<p>The ordinance sent by Tamil Nadu was approved by the federal law ministry. Only President Pranab Mukherjee needs to give his assent to lift the ban.<br />
<br />
Thousands of protestors, who have gathered at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach since Tuesday, said they will not disperse till the ban is officially listed.</p>

<p>The latest development comes hours after the Tamil Nadu government had promised to issue an ordinance in a day or two as massive protests raged on across the state for close to four days.</p>

<p>After discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consultations with legal experts, the Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam had announced the state government would amend a federal animal cruelty law to allow the&nbsp;conduct of Jallikattu.</p>

<p>&quot;To take up the draft of the amendment further with the Union government, I have deputed senior officials of the state to work with the Centre,&quot; Tamil Nadu chief minister said, adding, &quot;I believe the draft would be approved in one or two days which will pave way for Jalikattu.&quot; Tamil Nadu government has submitted the draft of the ordinance to the Union home ministry, the chief minister said earlier.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam said the ordinance was awaiting the assent of the President who would reach Delhi only tonight after his state visits.</p>

<p>&quot;It was also decided to issue an ordinance to make this amendment. Under the Constitution of India, this draft ordinance has to be sent to Union Home Ministry and on Centre&#39;s recommendation it has to be sent to the President for his approval,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The ruling AIADMK&#39;s legislators met home minister Rajnath Singh today, pressing for an ordinance. He assured them the government would process the file as early as possible so that the Tamil Nadu government could promulgate the ordinance in the next few days.</p>

<p>&quot;The Home Minister has assured us that the file on ordinance will be processed as early as possible so that the ordinance can be promulgated in next two-three days,&quot; Parliament&#39;s Lower House Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who led the delegation, told PTI.</p>

<p><strong>Top court defers to government&#39;s wishes, says will not pass order for a week</strong><br />
<br />
Earlier, the Supreme Court decided not to pass any interim or any order for a week on the Jallikattu issue at the behest of the federal government. Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi told the CJI court that Jallikattu judgement should be deferred till next week as the federal and the state governments were trying to solve the issue.<br />
<br />
<strong>Here&#39;s how the protests unfolded across the state today:</strong><br />
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We&#39;ve been spearheading various protests on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a>.Appreciate efforts by youths.Statement of TN CM has come as a relief: MK Stalin, DMK <a href="https://t.co/ayqBVZhlDM">pic.twitter.com/ayqBVZhlDM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822356649729867776">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Join me on periscope today at 6.14 pm IST as I have the first glass of water&nbsp;to break my fast..</p>
&mdash; A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman/status/822298998941908992">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Proud of each and every ?????? who came together to support <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> and our ????? ??????????. ?????? ????????. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unitedforourculture?src=hash">#unitedforourculture</a>.</p>
&mdash; Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhanushkraja/status/821389832211443712">January 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi takes part in &#39;Rail Roko&#39; protest at Chennai Egmore railway station in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/MSwkYrb7MG">pic.twitter.com/MSwkYrb7MG</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822312428184535044">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We all have to come together. All we are asking is for Supreme Court to show sensitivity in this issue:Ganesh Venkatraman, Actor <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/H1e8hwJqi5">pic.twitter.com/H1e8hwJqi5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822363690250842113">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The protesters&nbsp;have&nbsp;refused to give up with thousands congregating at Marina beach in Chennai, the epicentre of the campaign for Jallikattu. Members of South Indian Artists association, Nadigar Sangam, has&nbsp;decided to support the Jallikattu agitation with music maestro A.R. Rahman deciding to fast in favour of Jallikattu. Actor Rajnikanth has also joined the protests. Marina beach in Chennai continued to receive people who seek revival of the bull-taming game where protests continue day and night.</p>

<p>Many other towns including Alanganallur in Madurai known for the bull-taming sport also witnessed protests. A strike call has been given by traders, truckers and van and taxi operators, and private schools in many districts including Chennai have announced a holiday today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My state rises again. In unison . In peace. Proud to be a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamizhanda?src=hash">#tamizhanda</a>.Genext here are modern yet culturally rooted. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticeforJallikattu?src=hash">#JusticeforJallikattu</a></p>
&mdash; Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) <a href="https://twitter.com/vishy64theking/status/821929984801599488">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/v7SqiepBJc">pic.twitter.com/v7SqiepBJc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822293825573924864">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/Elspz4uFOK">pic.twitter.com/Elspz4uFOK</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822297187811889152">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced a statewide &#39;rail roko agitation&#39; where they will create a massive blockade around the state&#39;s railway stations. The Left has also decided to join the rail blockade&nbsp;campaign. Jallikattu remains stalled since May 2014 due to a ban imposed by the Supreme Court, which is due to deliver its verdict on a related case that has been reserved earlier. The widespread pro-Jallikattu protests has led to charges and counter-charges by political parties, even as the call for legal remedies to revive the bull-taming game is getting louder.</p>

<p>The state BJP and the ruling AIADMK blame it on a 2011 Central notification that included bulls in the list of animals that are banned for public entertainment. The DMK and the Congress claim&nbsp;the game has been conducted for three years since then. The agitators continue to raise slogans against People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), though the NGO denies taking up the case originally, saying it only joined the issue at a later stage along with other like-minded bodies.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


The federal government has given its approval to overturn the ban on the ancient sport. The president's assent remains lone hurdle

An ordinance was promulgated to lift the ban on Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, has been approved by the Indian government. The ordinance sent by Tamil Nadu was approved by the federal law ministry. Only President Pranab Mukherjee needs to give his assent to lift the ban. Thousands of protestors, who have gathered at Chennai's Marina Beach since Tuesday, said they will not disperse till the ban is officially listed. The latest development comes hours after the Tamil Nadu government had promised to issue an ordinance in a day or two as massive protests raged on across the state for close to four days. After discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consultations with legal experts, the Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam had announced the state government would amend a federal animal cruelty law to allow the conduct of Jallikattu. "To take up the draft of the amendment further with the Union government, I have deputed senior officials of the state to work with the Centre," Tamil Nadu chief minister said, adding, "I believe the draft would be approved in one or two days which will pave way for Jalikattu." Tamil Nadu government has submitted the draft of the ordinance to the Union home ministry, the chief minister said earlier. Panneerselvam said the ordinance was awaiting the assent of the President who would reach Delhi only tonight after his state visits. "It was also decided to issue an ordinance to make this amendment. Under the Constitution of India, this draft ordinance has to be sent to Union Home Ministry and on Centre's recommendation it has to be sent to the President for his approval," he said. The ruling AIADMK's legislators met home minister Rajnath Singh today, pressing for an ordinance. He assured them the government would process the file as early as possible so that the Tamil Nadu government could promulgate the ordinance in the next few days. "The Home Minister has assured us that the file on ordinance will be processed as early as possible so that the ordinance can be promulgated in next two-three days," Parliament's Lower House Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who led the delegation, told PTI. Top court defers to government's wishes, says will not pass order for a week Earlier, the Supreme Court decided not to pass any interim or any order for a week on the Jallikattu issue at the behest of the federal government. Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi told the CJI court that Jallikattu judgement should be deferred till next week as the federal and the state governments were trying to solve the issue. Here's how the protests unfolded across the state today: We've been spearheading various protests on #jallikattu.Appreciate efforts by youths.Statement of TN CM has come as a relief: MK Stalin, DMK pic.twitter.com/ayqBVZhlDM — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × Join me on periscope today at 6.14 pm IST as I have the first glass of water to break my fast.. — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) January 20, 2017 × × Proud of each and every ?????? who came together to support #Jallikattu and our ????? ??????????. ?????? ????????. #unitedforourculture. — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) January 17, 2017 × DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi takes part in 'Rail Roko' protest at Chennai Egmore railway station in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/MSwkYrb7MG — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × We all have to come together. All we are asking is for Supreme Court to show sensitivity in this issue:Ganesh Venkatraman, Actor #jallikattu pic.twitter.com/H1e8hwJqi5 — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × The protesters have refused to give up with thousands congregating at Marina beach in Chennai, the epicentre of the campaign for Jallikattu. Members of South Indian Artists association, Nadigar Sangam, has decided to support the Jallikattu agitation with music maestro A.R. Rahman deciding to fast in favour of Jallikattu. Actor Rajnikanth has also joined the protests. Marina beach in Chennai continued to receive people who seek revival of the bull-taming game where protests continue day and night. Many other towns including Alanganallur in Madurai known for the bull-taming sport also witnessed protests. A strike call has been given by traders, truckers and van and taxi operators, and private schools in many districts including Chennai have announced a holiday today. My state rises again. In unison . In peace. Proud to be a #tamizhanda.Genext here are modern yet culturally rooted. #JusticeforJallikattu — Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) January 19, 2017 × Chennai's Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/v7SqiepBJc — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × #WATCH: Chennai's Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/Elspz4uFOK — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced a statewide 'rail roko agitation' where they will create a massive blockade around the state's railway stations. The Left has also decided to join the rail blockade campaign. Jallikattu remains stalled since May 2014 due to a ban imposed by the Supreme Court, which is due to deliver its verdict on a related case that has been reserved earlier. The widespread pro-Jallikattu protests has led to charges and counter-charges by political parties, even as the call for legal remedies to revive the bull-taming game is getting louder. The state BJP and the ruling AIADMK blame it on a 2011 Central notification that included bulls in the list of animals that are banned for public entertainment. The DMK and the Congress claim the game has been conducted for three years since then. The agitators continue to raise slogans against People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), though the NGO denies taking up the case originally, saying it only joined the issue at a later stage along with other like-minded bodies. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Lifting of Jallikattu ban moves a step closer

<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

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