Tamil Nadu’s age-old bull-taming sport Jallikattu. Tamil Nadu’s age-old bull-taming sport Jallikattu.

Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao on Saturday promulgated the ordinance for conducting the state’s age-old bull-taming sport Jallikattu after a three-year ban. Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, in the meantime, has said the sport will be held across Tamil Nadu tomorrow. He will also inaugurate the sport at Alanganallur at 10 am on Sunday. Panneerselvam also thanked the Centre for its support. “On behalf of Government and people of TN, thank you for your support in enabling Jallikattu to be held in Tamil Nadu once again,” he said, adding that since the ordinance will last for six months, the government will formulate a new law to that the sport can take place without hindrance.

Recalling his interaction with the Prime Minister on January 19 on the issue, Panneerselvam said the Tamil Nadu

government had issued an Ordinance, enabling the conduct of the bull-taming sport, after obtaining the prior instructions of the President as envisaged under Article 213 of the Constitution. “The Ordinance was promulgated today by the government of Tamil Nadu and jallikattu is to be conducted with customary fervour all over the state with all the necessary safeguards,” he said. “I urge the youths, students and the general public to make the jallikattu events across Tamil Nadu a grand success by participating in large numbers,” he added.

Chennai: Youngsters and students participate in a protest to lift the ban on Jallikattu and impose ban on PETA, at Kamarajar Salai, Marina Beach in Chennai on Thursday. PTI Photo Chennai: Youngsters and students participate in a protest to lift the ban on Jallikattu and impose ban on PETA, at Kamarajar Salai, Marina Beach in Chennai on Thursday. PTI Photo

Meanwhile, the protesters, who gathered at the Marina Beach which is at 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.

They said no bulls will be taken to arena on Sunday unless there is a temporary solution, which is an amendement in PCA Act. In the meantime, state ministers on Sunday will inaugurate the sport in their respective districts at 11 am. The bill to replace today’s ordinance on Jallikattu will be tabled in State Assembly on January 23 when the first Assembly session begins. Environment minister Anil Dave also said, “Now that permission has been granted, Jallikattu should be organised in accordance with rules peacefully.”

Chennai: Youngsters and students participate in a protest to lift the ban on Jallikattu and impose ban on PETA, at Kamarajar Salai, Marina Beach in Chennai on Thursday. PTI Photo by R Senthil Kumar (PTI1_19_2017_000257B) Chennai: Youngsters and students participate in a protest to lift the ban on Jallikattu and impose ban on PETA, at Kamarajar Salai, Marina Beach in Chennai on Thursday. PTI Photo by R Senthil Kumar (PTI1_19_2017_000257B)

Alanganallur is famous for conducting jallikattu events. District Collector K Veera Raghava Rao said everything is

ready and they are waiting for the green signal from the government. Officials said with the Collector inspecting the venue, the sport is likely to be held in a day or two. The Centre had last night cleared an ordinance on jallikattu, paving the way for the Tamil Nadu government to promulgate it in an effort to end the protests that have paralysed the state for the last five days.

Jallikattu is a traditional event held in Tamil Nadu as part of Pongal celebrations. However, the apex court banned it in 2014, taking into consideration the safety of people and animals involved in the sport.

(with PTI inputs)

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