If caparisoned elephants are allowed in Kerala, Jallikattu should be permitted in TN : Kamal Haasan
The protests for lifting the ban on Jallikattu seems to have finally settled down. The past one week saw youth uprising in Tamil Nadu with pro Jallikattu protests gathering in large numbers and demanding to lift the ban. People from various walks of the society participated in the protests including students, IT employees, farmers, shopkeepers etc.
The Tamil film industry members also actively participated in the uprising. Actors like Ilayathalapathy Vijay, Nayanthara Simbu, T Rajendhar, RJ Balaji and many others were seen in major protesting area, Marina beach in Chennai. Tamil actors association Nadigar Sangam also halted the shoot and organised a peaceful protest in the Nadigar Sangam grounds. Rajinikanth, Suriya, Ajith, Sivakumar and almost all the actors in the town were present.
Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan recently held a press meet to address the issue. The actor has always been vocal about his support for Jallikattu. He praised the youth uprising to lift the ban on the sport in Chennai.
During the press meet, he criticised th Tamil Nadu government for lathi charging the protests and triggering violence. He said that people would take to protest when things are forced on them.
Also Read : Raees Review
Kamal Haasan compared the Jallikattu to elephants being allowed in Kerala. “Several people have died and wide spread destruction are reported when elephants in musth attack people and property. But elephants are still part of the temple festivals in Kerala. Elephants are used in festivals and made to stand in the scorching heat for several hours. They perform chenda melam and have fireworks in front of the elephants and the animals have been used to such things. So, why not allow jallikattu in Tamil Nadu?” he asked.
“More people die in road accidents than in Jallikattu. But no one bans vehicles and car races. Everyone knows they are dangerous and yet people participate and champions are honoured.”
On ensuring the safety of the animals that used for jallikattu, Kamal said, “The bulls that participate in Jallikattu are taken care of in the best manner by the people. They are looked after and fed well. Instead of banning Jallikattu, the government should make amends in the law and impose restrictions on how Jallikattu is conducted, so that there are no cruelties and death during the sport.”
