Ordinance issued, Jallikattu today

Chennai, January 21

After around three-year-long ban, the traditional bull-taming sport Jallikattu is set for a grand return in Tamil Nadu tomorrow with Governor Vidyasagar Rao today promulgating an ordinance in the face of massive protests that have paralysed the state for the past five days.

Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who announced the approval given by the Governor for the ordinance, will launch Jallikattu at Alanganallur in Madurai which is famous for conducting the rural sport, at 10 am tomorrow.

Moving swiftly, the Centre last night cleared the ordinance paving the way for Tamil Nadu Government to promulgate it in an effort to end protests. Rao, who is the Governor of Maharashtra and holds additional charge of Tamil Nadu, reached Chennai in the evening to accord approval to the ordinance.

The protesters, who gathered at the Marina Beach, the epicentre of the state-wide stir in which tens of thousands of people took part, appeared to be in no mood to relent. They demanded a permanent solution.

Panneerselvam said in other areas, ministers from the respective regions would inaugurate the sport at 11 am.

Jallikattu remained banned following a Supreme Court order in May 2014. "I urge the youths, students and the general public to make Jallikattu events across Tamil Nadu a grand success by participating in large numbers," he said.

Panneerselvam said the assent of President Pranab Mukherjee to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 by Tamil Nadu was received last night.

Panneerselvam thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support. "On behalf of the government and people of Tamil Nadu, I thank you for all your support and assistance in enabling Jallikattu to be held in Tamil Nadu once again during the Pongal season upholding the culture and tradition of the people of Tamil Nadu," he told Modi in a letter.

Earlier in the day, Modi said all efforts were being made to fulfil cultural aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu. "We are very proud of the rich culture of Tamil Nadu. All efforts are being made to fulfil cultural aspirations of Tamil people," he tweeted.

Modi said the Centre Government was fully committed to the progress of Tamil Nadu and would always work to ensure the state scaled new avenues of progress.

Several people across the state welcomed the decision, saying Jallikattu was part of Tamil culture and steps should be taken immediately to make it a permanent feature. — PTI