The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Regimented jallikattu at Alanganallur

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Friday, Jan 18, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Regimented jallikattu at Alanganallur

S. Vijay Kumar and C. Jaishankar

Police personnel hurt as villagers, irked at stringent norms, throw stones; six seriously injured

Veterinarians check if bulls were intoxicatedBull fighters also underwent medical tests

— Photo: S. James

FEROCIOUS: A bull attacking youths at the ‘Jallikattu’ at Alanganallur near Madurai on Thursday.

ALANGANALLUR (Madurai district): New standards of safety and security were set at the world famous jallikattu at Alanganallur in Madurai district on Thursday, thanks to the guidelines imposed by the Supreme Court. Irked at the stringent norms, some villagers threw stones at the police, injuring a few.

Revenue, police and animal rights activists heaved a sigh of relief as the event concluded at dusk. Sixteen persons were injured, six of them seriously.

At least one lakh people witnessed the jallikattu. Besides the national media, a large number of tourists, including foreign nationals, were present.

A team of veterinary doctors examined the bulls for intoxication or drugging. Bull fighters also underwent medical tests. Of the 370 persons who volunteered to enter the arena, only 347 were allowed. The remaining were disqualified on medical grounds. Forty two of the 427 bulls brought from all over the southern districts were rejected on grounds of lack of fitness or sharpened horns.

Hundreds of police personnel were deployed along the public gallery and at vulnerable points. Double barricading separated spectators from the participants. Strict access control was maintained at the arena. It was a red card for many contestants who violated the rules.

Taming the bull meant holding on to its hump to some distance. Those who tried to hold the animal by its tail or legs were removed.

Unlike before, participants were split into small groups and allowed to enter the arena one after the other. On many occasions, District Collector S.S. Jawahar came on the public address system to warn those violating norms. Inspector General of Police (South Zone) Sanjeev Kumar, Inspector General and Commissioner of Police K. Nandabalan among others supervised the security arrangements.

Upset over being removed from the arena or gallery, some persons pelted the police with stones. A few were injured and treated at the Alanganallur Government Hospital.

Though the number of injuries compared to previous years was negligible, a section of the locals expressed displeasure at the way the event was held. According to them, the charm of the sport was lost in the wake of too many restrictions.

“In jallikattu, the arena is usually open to all. Many spectators join the participants and keep away when big or dangerous bulls come,” R. Palani of Alanganallur said.

The event commenced at 11.30 a.m. and was stopped at 5 p.m. Representatives of the Animal Welfare Board and Blue Cross were present.

“There was no compromise when it came to protecting the bulls from cruelty in any form. We ensured proper supply of water and feed to the animals. A few policemen were injured in stone throwing,” Mr. Jawahar told The Hindu. The Collector will file a report on jallikattu in the Supreme Court within two weeks.

69 injured in Siravayal

Sixty-nine persons, including spectators, were injured at the jallikattu held at Siravayal near Sivaganga amidst tight security.

Two of them, who were seriously injured, were referred to the Madurai Rajaji Government Hospital.

The other injured were rushed to hospitals in Karaikudi, Tiruppattur, Sivaganga and Madurai.

K. R. Periakaruppan, Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment, Ponnambala Desigar of Kundrakudi Mutt and N. Sundaram, MLA, were among those who witnessed the event, held amidst tight security.

“The guidelines given by the Supreme Court in conducting jallikattu were fully adhered to. We did everything to prevent cruelty to the animals. It was an orderly event. The entire event was videographed. A detailed report will be submitted to the Supreme Court within two weeks,” Collector Pankaj Kumar Bansal and Superintendent of Police, Kannan, told The Hindu.

Representatives of the Animal Welfare Board of India witnessed the event.

Tension prevailed for some time at the venue when actor J.K. Rithish alias Kumar arrived with his supporters. Barricades were broken in the melee.

The Collector said a case would be filed against him for causing inconvenience.

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