Protesters vowed to intensify their agitation against the ban on Jallikattu after a meeting between Chief Minister Panneerselvam and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday failed to break the logjam.
The number of youngsters protesting in Chennai’s Marina Beach swelled to more than 1,00,000, as students said they would continue the agitation until the state has formal permission to hold the bull-taming sport.
Unhappy with Panneerselvam’s assurance that he would take all possible steps to restore the sport, agitators from all walks of life demanded the state hold a special Assembly session, and put pressure on the Centre to promulgate an ordinance for the conduct of the event.
“Unless the Centre officially announces that Jallikattu can be conducted, we will not move from this place,” K Venkatesan, a student protester, told DH.
With colleges likely to remain closed on Friday, more protestors are set to join the agitation across the state.
The highlight of the protests was the well-mannered behaviour of the school students in several places, which left policemen stunned.
“They (students) were patient and behaved themselves during the protest. Since the agitation was well organised, there was no question of violence”, Deputy Commissioner of Police V Balakrishnan said.
Meanwhile, the dawn-to-dusk strike called by traders, truck owners, milk agents, call taxi companies and private transport services on Friday may affect life in Tamil Nadu.
Associations belonging to the Tamil film industry have also announced cancellation of shooting from Friday to support the ongoing agitation.
“Four lakh trucks will not operate on Friday,” Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners Association secretary Kumarasamy said.
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