Six days and counting

Many families joined the agitators and raised slogans against the state and Centre to exclude bull permanently from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960). Moreover, the agitators stuck to their decision that they would continuously hold demonstrations, until the governments come forward to take up the issue seriously. Simply watching protesters’ activities, a considerable number of people remained passive spectators. 

“We know that there is a protest that is going on and though we do not participate in any protest, we are watching. But, it does not mean that we are against this game,” said K Arumugam, a school teacher from Chrompet who came along with his family members. He added that he had never seen such a crowd even on Kaanum Pongal day, when the beach would witness large crowds.

However, there was a lack of focus in the protest as many of the protesters seemed confused over what they really wanted. Many protesters continue to reiterate what they have been saying from the beginning of the protest, that the ban on jallikattu should be lifted. However, when the government promulgated an ordinance and took initiatives to conduct jallikattu in southern districts, the protesters changed their demand and are now demanding a ‘permanent law’. 

The lack of leadership to convey a clearer, systemic agenda was making the protest a bit out-stretched. Majority of the protesters were unaware about the difference between an ordinance and an Act. “I do not know the legal terms involved in but we are sure of what we want and that is a permanent law that permits to conduct jallikattu,” Rajapandi, a protester said. 

However, the youth were not aware that any law enacted by the state could be challenged in the court and the court has the power to set aside an Act passed by the legislature if they found anything that is ultra vires of the constitution. 

However, none of that seemed to deter the protesters as they were determined to continue on the sands till the government enacted a law to that effect. “It is better that they withdraw the strike now as the government has already ensured enactment of a law. Now they are shadow fighting without a real opponent and the protest is losing its focus,” a senior official attached to the city police said.

Meanwhile, the protesters said that they were not ready to take any assurances. “We have seen many such assurances from politicians and this time we are not to be fooled by such hollow promises. Enact the law and we will stop our agitation,” Pugazhvendhan, another protester said.