Humans, in the name of religion, culture and traditions, have been involving animals in different sports and festivals, for entertainment purpose. Sometimes, age-old customs may result in suffering of innocent animals. This is where the government or the courts step in to protect the animal rights. Something similar happened in the case of Jallikattu— an ancient bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu that was banned by the court in 2014.
Three years since the ban, the Jallikattu wave struck back in Tamil Nadu, when thousands of protestors assembled on the Marina Beach to voice their opinions against the Supreme Court’s decision. The reason? Because they wanted to review their old traditions by demanding the judiciary to change its decision.
If you missed the heat of Jallikattu protests, here’s a flashback of the proceedings that have happened since last week.
10 Facts about 2017 Jallikattu Protest in Tamil Nadu
- Jallikattu sport dates back to 1000 BC in South India. There are several different variations to this game. “Vati Virattu” is a Jallikattu variant wherein the bull is released from confinements and chased for a pre-determined distance. “Vatam Manjuvirattu” is when the bull is tied to a poll using a 15-m long rope. A team of players try to subdue the bull for a set time period. “Veli Virattu” is a bloodthirsty version wherein the animal is released in an open ground and several participants try to tame it using different methods.
- In 2013, PETA released a footage that showed farmers doping the poor animals before the event. When PETA protested against Jallikattu, citing ‘animal cruelty’ as the reason for banning the game. Not only this, a few social groups reported 17 deaths and 1,100 injuries that resulted during Jallikattu events, from 2010 to 2014. Local newspapers quoted 200 deaths in past two decades.
- Resultantly, the Supreme Court banned Jallikattu in 2014, granting the decision in favour of animal rights activists. Last year, the Tamil Nadu government filed a petition in the court, requesting the court to lift the ban on Jallikattu. The court at first, rejected the plea of TN government, but when Chennai broke into protests this year, the case was reopened and the SC will give its verdict soon.
While both the state and the Centre has refused to pass an ordinance, it’s the Supreme Court that will have a final word, in this matter! - Despite the court’s order, several villagers observed this festival last week whereas others organised protests against the court. Consequently, the Chennai police arrested many Jallikattu protesters in Alanganallur. Soon after the arrests, over 2,000 Tamilian protesters gathered in Chennai to observe peaceful protests against the arrests. The word spread like a forest fire and Marina beach front was soon jam-packed with 15,000 people. Even the social networks were flooded with polls, debates and messages requesting the public to support or oppose the sport.
- Within just 36 hours, protesters peacefully camped at the famous Marina beach. The throng gave a 5 PM deadline to the Tamil Nadu government to pass an ordinance in favour of this traditional sport. The interesting fact is that the protest is completely peaceful. All the protestants ate and slept at the beach itself, without causing any inconvenience or violence. Regardless of this, the police are on constant vigilance and they’ll do everything to curb the signs of hostility.
- Agitated by the government’s stand, PETA spokesperson Manilal Valliyate told the media houses that if the Centre or the State government issue ordinances favouring Jallikattu, they’ll take the legal route for a solution.
- Today, the newly appointed Tamil Nadu CM O. Panneerselvam approached PM Narendra Modi for help. He requested the Centre to pass an ordinance in favour of Jallikattu event. The PM, however, took a diplomatic stand in this regard. Although he supported the cultural significance of Jallikattu, he politely declined to intervene in the matter as it was being heard by the SC. The PM assured Tamil Nadu CM that the Centre will support any steps taken by the State Government.
- In an interesting turn of event, the Madras High Court Advocates Association came out open on streets, favouring the state-wide protests organised against Jallikattu ban. Despite animal rights activists accusing Jallikattu organisers for using chilli powder and drugs on bulls, the local courts couldn’t come to any solid conclusion.
- It’s interesting to note that none of the politicians are involved in this protest. When DMK’s MK Stalin approached the protestants, he was politely asked to leave the beach. The INC (Indian National Congress) that bitterly opposed Jallikattu until last year, saw a change in plans. The congress leaders saw it as an opportunity to lure TN voters
therefore, they lent their support over social media.
I’m fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of
Tamilnadu!— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) January 19, 2017
10. The peaceful agitation lured support from top-notch celebrities like R. Ashwin (Indian Off-spinner), Tollywood actors Vijay and Suriya and singer Chinmayi Sripada. The latest news is that veteran Bollywood/Hollywood musician AR Rahman will observe a fast in support of “Tamil Nadu’s Spirit”.
As of now, the fate of Jallikattu protests is unknown. While both the state and the Centre has refused to pass an ordinance, it’s the Supreme Court that will have a final word in this matter!
