Pro-jallikattu protest held in Bengaluru

Team Udayavani, Jan 20, 2017, 9:24 AM IST

Bengaluru: The ongoing protests over jallikattu in neighbouring Tamil Nadu had its echo in Karnataka with Tamil groups organising an agitation here on Thursday, demanding that ban on the bull taming sport be lifted.

The nearly hour-long protest was organised by Tamil groups including the “May-17 Movement”, Bengaluru Tamil Sangam, Tamil Makkal Iyakkam and students groups.

Hundreds of Bengaluru-based Tamils came together and staged the protest at the Town Hall here, voicing their support for conduct of jallikattu, over which protests by students and others are raging in various parts of Tamil Nadu.

“Bull is part of our families. Even the two years old child plays with it it is that harmless. And all the ruckus raised by ignorant people like PETA is hogwash. No, our bulls aren’t harmful, and Jallikattu should be allowed, it is our pride and culture,” Anita, one of the participants, said.

Another protester, Mohana, said people who are signing PETA petition were ignorant about jallikattu. “They should first do research before forming an opinion about the traditional sport,” she said.

“PETA is projecting Jallikattu in a different way. If they want to protect bulls and cows, they need to pitch for banning slaughter houses,” Anita said.

Another protester Thambidurai said PETA failed to seek a ban on the bull fight in Spain as the Spanish authority had said the traditional sport was part of their culture.

“I am surprised why our government has not taken such a step. I don’t want any indulgence of political parties. We youngsters will fight for it and get it going in Tamil Nadu,” he said.