: Although the Central government has given its nod to an ordinance allowing jallikattu, people protesting at Jantar Mantar here are demanding a permanent solution to the ban.
The group at Jantar Mantar, which comprises students and professionals from Delhi and Chennai, said: “This ordinance is valid only for six months. We want a permanent solution, whereby the Central government amends the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and ban PETA.”
Group expresses solidarity
They also expressed their solidarity with protesters camping at Chennai’s Marina Beach.
Stating that the sentiments and culture of Tamilians cannot be compromised at any cost, they said: “We cannot keep coming back every six months to claim something that is an integral part of our culture. The government cannot turn a blind eye to our justified demands.’’
The group maintained that the ‘struggle’ is going to go on till the government brings about a permanent solution. ‘
Protest gathers praise
Meanwhile, this largely apolitical, peaceful movement by the people has received praise for setting a precedent in portraying civil dissent, though several argue that it could also set a dangerous precedent, of amending laws to commensurate with public sentiment.
Earlier in the day, the Home Ministry cleared the ordinance after the Law Ministry approved the draft ordinance proposed by the Tamil Nadu government to enable resumption of the ancient bull-taming sport of jallikattu.
