Protests seeking permission for conducting ‘jallikattu’ continued for the third day with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, farmers, social and youth organisations staging agitations in different parts of the district on Friday.
DMK cadres staged a demonstration near Anna Statue in the city as part of the party’s State-wide protest calling upon the Centre and State government to take steps to conduct ‘jallikattu.’ Former Minister and DMK south district secretary K.N. Nehru, who led the protest, accused the BJP of adopting double standards on the issue citing assurances being held out by the State BJP leaders even while the Centre failed to take steps to permit the traditional sport.
The agitators raised slogans against the Central and State governments urging immediate steps for conducting ‘jallikattu.’
A group of farmers of Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam and members of Samooga Needhi Peravai, along with a few bulls, attempted to take out a procession after staging a demonstration in Somarasampettai in the outskirts of the city, leading to some tense moments. They accused the Centre of betraying the interests of Tamils and urged the promulgation of ordinance to conduct ‘jallikattu.’
The police restrained them when they attempted to take out a procession towards the city to present a petition to the Collector. Police detained one of the organisers but let him go after the other agitators resorted to a road blockade. Revenue officials held talks with them and persuaded the agitators to disperse.
Earlier, members of Tamil Maanila Congress led by its president Puliyur A. Nagarajan, Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam led by its district secretary Ayilai Sivasuriyan and others staged a demonstration near MGR Statue in Somarasampettai. Several youths, along with bulls, participated in the agitation.
Similar agitations were staged by members of Naam Tamizhar Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and few other organisations at Pullampadi, Kallakudi and Mela Valadi.
In Tiruchi city, a group of 20 members of All India Youth Federation were detained by the police after they attempted to stage a rail roko at Fort railway station.
