‘Incredible India' can be criticised for a hundred reasons. But the proposed Europe-wide campaign by the Irish group, ARAN, for tourism boycott of India to protest against Jallikattu is an indication of its one-sided view. It should first begin mobilising European countries against the gory tradition of bull fights in Spain (banned in Catalonia). The Pamplona Bull Chase festival — San Fermín — in the month of July, also celebrated in Spain, is perhaps more dangerous to public safety than Jallikattu.
In a bull fight that lasts a maximum of 20 minutes, once the bull is let loose on the ring a man on a horseback pierces a lance 10 inches deep into the bull behind it head. Another man suspends three pairs of two feet long hooks on its mane. The hooks dangle as the profusely bleeding bull runs amok in pain. Finally, after a few pirouettes, the valiant matador lets a long sword disappear between the horns.
B. Ashok,
Rajahmundry
Jallikattu has improved a lot under court directions and strict supervision by police and the organisers. Even though it may appear barbaric to westerners, every country has a tradition, which people follow for better or for worse. Everybody is aware of the stakes involved.
I request ARAN to campaign against Japan and Denmark too. Every year in the name of research, hundreds of whales are killed in Japan. In Denmark's Faroe Island, thousands of pilot dolphins are slaughtered.
Eswari Arun,
Salem
