Cheni, Jan 8: Tamil du erupted in joy as the central government on Friday announced its decision to allow the traditiol Jallikattu or bull taming sport during the state’s Pongal festival. People at places like Madurai and Trichy, where Jallikattu is traditiolly held, were the most elated. Tamil du Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa thanked Prime Minister rendra Modi for the decision. “I am very grateful to you for your prompt response in the matter, which has ebled the conduct of 'Jallikattu’, a sport which upholds traditiol cultural values and traditions of Tamil du and has great historical significance and also ensures the ... continuance of traditiol breeds of indigenous cattle,” she said in a communication to Modi. The central government bowed to the strong demand made by various organisations and political parties to permit the traditiol bull taming sport that was banned by the Supreme Court to prevent cruelty to animals. The central government, in a gazette notification, removed bulls form the list of animals that are banned from public display. The central government allowed bulls to be exhibited as a performing animal at Jallikattua and bullock-cart races in Maharashtra, Kartaka, Punjab, Harya, Kerala and Gujarat. Leaders of various political parties in Tamil du welcomed the central government’s decision to allow Jallikattu. DMK president M.Karunidhi thanked the central government and the steps taken by union minister Pon Radhakrishn and others for lifting the ban on the traditiol sport. MDMK leader Vaiko and PMK founder S. Ramadoss also welcomed the Centre’s decision. However, the permission is subject to conditions like sanction from the district collector or the district magistrate. The bullock-cart races are to be held on proper track and the bulls have to be tamed within a distance of 15 metres from their enclosure. (IANS)
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