Protesters urge Centre to promulgate ordinance revoking ban on Jallikattu

By Lomas Kumar Jha New Delhi [India], Jan. 5 (ANI): The call for revocation of ban on Jaillkattu intensified just days ahead of the Pongal festival as a group of protesters in the national capital have launched a hunger strike asking the Centre to promulgate an ordinance so that the ancient sport is played again. D. Prabhkaran, one of the protesters from Tamil Nadu, told ANI that the ban on bull taming sport has severely crippled employment opportunities. "The Centre must bring in an ordinance to start the game which will benefit those people whose bread and butter is depended upon Jallikattu," he said. He further said the Supreme Court's decision to ban the sport brings a bad image to the culture of Tamil Nadu. However, the cold weather has played the spoilsport as many of them are facing difficulties during their agitation. "Many people have been facing difficulties to resume the strike as the cold weather is affecting our health," said another protestor M. Suresh. Earlier in May 2014, the Supreme Court banned the practice of Jallikattu, citing animal welfare issues. The government later on January 8, 2016, passed an order exempting Jallikattu from all performances where bulls cannot be used, effectively reversing the ban. The Supreme Court, however, in January last year refused to re-examine its 2014 judgement banning use of bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country. Jallikattu, also known Eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull-taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of the Pongal harvest festival. (ANI)