Flags, fasts at jallikattu venues

Though the people seemed to have got the news from the Supreme Court, they had high hopes of the festival being conducted with the animal taming sport. Activists and enthusiasts said they were ready to organise the event at short notice. At vadivasal, through which the bulls will be released, in Palamedu, where the sport is expected to take place on Friday, three cops were seen on Thursday guarding the spot. 

Black flags were seen in many places and shops remained closed in Palamedu and there were fasts being observed by supporters of jallikattu. One Saravanan is said to have attempted immolation by pouring kerosene on himself but the worst was prevented. 

At Alanganallur, where jallikattu is scheduled to take place on Saturday, an all-party fast was being observed by about 250 men and women. Ahilla Indiya Naadalum Makkal Katchi leader Karthik visited the fast venue and extended supporters to the jallikattu enthusiasts. 

The People’s Welfare Front (PWF) will hold a day’s fasting at Alanganallur village on Jan 17 to condemn the Centre’s attitude on jallikattu. Talking to reporters in Madurai on Thursday, PWF Coordinator and MDMK general secretary Vaiko said leaders would take part in the agitation.