Alanganallur stops O Paneerselvam from conducting event

Chief Minister O Panneerselvam who travelled to Madurai to inaugurate the event at Alanganallur near here on Sunday, was forced to return to Chennai after protesters prevented him from visiting the venue. “The State government has passed an ordinance to conduct jallikattu, but it is up to the people of Alanganallur to decide when to conduct the sport,” said Panneerselvam here on Sunday. 

After the ordinance on jallikattu was passed, Panneerselvam arrived in Madurai to inaugurate the event. However, people protested demanding the government to pass a permanent amendment.  As opposition did not die down, Panneerselvam was confined to the hotel where he stayed. He held regular discussions with the officials to assess the situation. 

Later, Panneerselvam visited Kovilpatti near Natham in Dindigul district to ensure jallikattu was conducted there. But before the sport could be conducted, more than 4,000 protesters assembled at the venue and protested against the Chief Minister’s visit. Panneerselvam held talks with officials and cancelled all his programmes and returned to Chennai.

A 48-year-old man died when he took part in the ongoing jallikattu protests in Madurai on Sunday.  The victim identified as Chandra Mohan, hailing from Jaihindapuram was taking part in the massive protest near Tamukkam grounds.