VCK to launch agitation against ban on 'Jallikattu'

Chennai, Jan 12 (UNI) The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) today announced that it would launch an agitation against the ban on 'Jallikattu' (bull taming) and if needed, the party itself would organise the ''sport''.

VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan in a statement here, said Jallikattu was a ''sport of valour'', identified with the culture in rural areas of southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

Ridiculing the ban, he said it would lead to a quiet burial of the sport and wipe out the identity of the Tamils.

The Supreme Court by describing the sport as ''barbaric'' had seriously offended the sentiments of the people of southern districts, he said and wanted Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to intervene in the matter and resolve the issue.

He said the state government should immediately prefer an appeal against the apex court's order banning the sport and ensure that 'Jallikattu' was conducted at Alanganallur and Palamedu in Madurai district during the Pongal festival.

Lauding the efforts taken by the then Madurai District Collector Udayachandran, he said 'Jallikattu' was successfully conducted last year.

He demanded that the district administration take all safety measures to conduct the sport.

Demanding the conduct of 'Jallikattu' in a safe manner, he said the VCK would launch a people's movement and organise demonstrations.

If necessary, the party itself would organise 'Jallikattu', he added.

Mr Thirumavalavan thanked the Chief Minister for announcing that Pongal, falling on the first day of Tamil month 'Thai', would be declared as Tamil New Year Day.

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