Around 2,000 members took part in a fast organised by the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) here on Saturday, against the Supreme Court ruling banning ‘jallikattu’.
AISMK leader MLA R. Sarathkumar presided over the fast, in which members of various organisations that conduct ‘jallikattu’ and rekla race took part. A large number of bull-rearers and tamers also joined the protest along with their bulls.
“Jallikattu and rekla race are traditional sports of Tamil Nadu. Therefore they should not be banned. All organisations should support the State government in its appeal in the apex court,” Mr. Sarathkumar said.
He said the party would launch social media campaigns on the issue. The protests would continue till the ban is lifted, he added. The fast was called off at 5 p.m. after Mr. Sarathkumar took a glass of juice given by Minister for Cooperation ‘Sellur’ K. Raju from the AIADMK.
In a resolution passed at the end of the fast, the party thanked the Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for moving the Supreme Court with an appeal against the judgment. The party would organise protests in New Delhi condemning the judgment.