DMK president M. Karunanidhi on Sunday urged the Tamil Nadu government to file a petition in the Supreme Court seeking review of its >order banning Jallikattu , talking into consideration the sentiments of the organisers and fighters and that it was a traditional sporting activity closely identified with the Tamil culture.
“The government should keep in mind the law and order problem the ban is likely to create and to prevent the danger of over 60,000 bulls being sent to the slaughter houses in Kerala,” Mr. >Karunanidhi said in a statement.
He said love and bravery were part and parcel of the Tamil culture and Jallikattu referred to as Yeruthazhuvuthal in Sangam literature such as Agananooru and Purananooru was actually about playing with and embracing bulls as part of showcasing their bravery.
“There were references in literature belonged to the 3rd century AD when Pandiyas ruled the country. This game has attracted tourists from all over the world,” he said.
Mr. Karunanidhi said when the DMK was in power, the stay on Jallikattu was lifted in 2007 and the event was organised under direct supervision of the government machinery. Again in 2008, it was conducted strictly adhering to the guidelines proposed by the Supreme Court. The DMK government in 2009 enacted a law for regulating Jallikattu and it became mandatory for the organisers to get the permission of the District Collector for the event. The organisers should also get certificated from the PWD department to ensure adequate protection measures and medical facilities.
Mr. Karunanidhi said bull-fighting, which has its origin in Spain in the 15th century had spread to Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela and the death of both the fighter and the bull was considered a part of the game.
“But in Jallikattu only bravery is given importance and utmost care is taken to ensure the safety of the fighters and the bulls. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 had clearly included both economic, social and cultural rights,” he said.
