Even as the AIADMK MPs from Tamil Nadu have been raising their voice in Parliament over the ‘jallikattu’ (bullfighting) issue, MPs from Madurai, Sivaganga and Theni have urged Union Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar to take speedy steps for conduct of the sport through a special Bill.
They pointed out how the ban on ‘jallikattu’ had dampened the Pongal festivities. Especially, in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, it had been a popular event for centuries.
There had been demands for facilitating its conduct, the MPs said.
The Minister had stated that necessary steps, including amending the laws to lift the ban on ‘jallikattu,’ would be taken up soon, the MPs said. The MPs also gave an assurance that the bulls would not be hurt during the sport as they were reared and well managed by their owners.
The people of the State decorated their bulls devotionally during the Pongal festivals held in the month of January. They urged the Central government to consider the matter in the interest of people of Tamil Nadu and take necessary steps to ensure that ‘jallikattu’ was held in the Pongal festivals in January next.
