Supreme Court ban on jallikattu keeps state police on their toes

The traditional enthusiasts of the game have openly challenged the order and have conducted the sport in several parts of the state, with thousands of people gathering and police looking trying its best to cover their flanks. When even the ruling party leaders find it difficult to openly stand against the sport, police have been highly demoralised as they try hard to implement the court order. 

“We have been targeted by the crowd as we are opposing the game. We have to implement the court order and we have been trying our best. But our force remains demoralised as even the ministers have not come in support of us,” a senior police official told DTNext. 

District police officials, especially in districts like Madurai and Trichy, have been targeted by the crowd who have got down to the street in large numbers with chants against PETA and Supreme Court. They have also criticised the Central Government for not bringing in an ordinance to allow the traditional sport. 

“We have been taking all efforts to impose the ban. We have already instructed the bull owners from the district that if they take out their bull for the sport, then they could be arrested for violating the ban. However, many have come out on to the streets with their bulls and had released them for the sport,” a senior police official from Madurai said. 

Traditional supporters of the game, which include senior political party leaders and Kollywood stars have openly voiced their support and this has only fuelled the protests in the state. Massive rallies were held at places like Alanganallur. Police had to use force to disperse crowds. However, the enthusiastic crowd outnumbered policemen in several places and police had to helplessly allow the bulls to be released for the sport. Police have taken several people to custody for violating the ban. 

The supporters of the sport have vowed to continue conduct of the sport and also protests till permission for jallikattu is being given. “There should be a solution at the earliest or else the state is going to witness a major law and order issue. People are sentimental about the issue and there is possibility for violence if police continue to use force to disperse the crowd,” another senior police official added. The opposition parties have also been protesting against the ban. 

The lone ruling party MP from Tamil Nadu, Pon Radhakrishnan, said that he will not celebrate Pongal as he could not get approval for the sport to be conducted from the Central Government.