Jallikattu row: Super Star Rajinikanth joins protest
NEW DELHI : The Supreme Court on Friday agreed not to pass judgement for a week on the Jallikattu issue while taking into account the Centre’s submission that they were in talks with Tamil Nadu to find a way out in the matter.
Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and leader of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) M Thambidurai today met Home Minister Rajnath Singh to urge him to take steps for promulgation of ordinance in support of Jallikattu.
00The ongoing massive protests to show solidarity over Jallikattu has now got superstar Rajinikanth backing it up openly. Thalaiva has reportedly joined the Makkal movement as a huge sign of extending his unconditional support to the people of Tamil Nadu who have been peacefully protesting against the ban on traditional bull sport Jallikattu.
Initial reports suggest that Rajinikanth has arrived at Marina Beach to join the protest and several other celebrities from Tamil film industry are expected to join in. Superstar Kamal Haasan, who previously at the India Today Conclave openly supported Jallikattu is expected to shortly arrive at the venue where protests are being held.
Music maestro AR Rahman had announced that he will be observing a fast today as a mark of protest. He tweeted: South stars such as Dhanush, Ajit and Trisha have lent their support too.
The Supreme Court of India in May 2014 banned the practice of Jallikattu citing animal welfare issues. Jallikattu is an event celebrated in Tamil Nadu on Pongal where the bull is controlled.
It is the part of Maatu Pongal day celebrations. Bulls are bred specifically by people of the village for the event. A temple bull is like the head of all cattle in a village; special rituals will be performed for this temple bull during important days.
Also, post this event, tamed weak bulls are used for domestic activities and agriculture, meanwhile the untamable strong bulls are used for breeding the cows. However, following many protests by PETA and other animal activists citing cruelty towards the animal, the SC put a ban on the traditional Tamil Nadu sport.
Giving details of the meet, Thambidurai says, the Home Minister said they will process the matter quickly and see that within 1-2 days everything can be cleared and Tamil Nadu can pass the ordinance.
Protesters, especially at Alangalllur in Madurai, vow to continue their protest till a permanent solution was found to the vexed issue and hold the bull taming sport in Tamil Nadu, despite the Chief Minister’s announcement.
A Nagapattinam report says that 2,000 mechanised fishing boat owners and thousands of country boat owners did not put out sea, extending support to the protesters. In Rameswaram, all shops are closed and pilgrims are having a tough time getting even food in the island.
Following the protests, Southern Railway announced full and partial cancellation of some trains, besides diversion of others.