COIMBATORE: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami in Namakkal on Tuesday announced that families of those who lose their lives in jallikattu events will be given a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh once AIADMK returns to power.
The Leader of the Opposition also said participants of jallikattu would be covered under government-sponsored insurance schemes. In addition, insurance coverage would also be extended to bulls participating in the event, he said, while addressing a gathering after inaugurating a jallikattu event in Salapalayam in Namakkal.
The announcement of compensation comes in the wake of Chief Minister MK Stalin announcing government jobs for the best jallikattu players. While hailing Jallikattu as a traditional sport that reflects the courage and skill of youth, Palaniswami said it is not merely a sport, but a symbol of Tamil culture and heritage.
Meanwhile, injuries at the jallikattu arena made headlines. Of the 45 injured at this event, 16 sustained serious injuries and were shifted to Namakkal Government Medical College Hospital and nearby private hospitals for further treatment. The remaining 29 received first aid at the venue and were discharged.
A total of 675 bulls, brought from various districts including Namakkal, Trichy, Salem, Dindigul, and Pudukkottai, charged into the arena, and around 400 handlers from Namakkal and nearby areas participated in the event. They were allowed into the arena in batches of 50 to ensure safety. To prevent any untoward incidents, more than 400 police personnel were deployed, besides fire and rescue personnel.