Supporters question minister's remarks

MADURAI: Union minister Maneka Gandhi's comments that jallikattu was a western game angered the supporters of the sport here. They remarked that it just revealed her ignorance, and alleged that her words were prompted by organisations with vested interests.
"How can an Indian minister make such a blatant statement and be allowed to get away with it?" asked K Saravanan, an activist.P Rajasekhar, president of the Jallikattu Paathukaapu Peravai, said it was clear that she had spoken with the backing of organisations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and Animal Welfare Board, which were funded by the western countries. These organisations were behind the ban on the game, which has been in place since July 11, 2011, when former minister Jairam Ramesh got the order for the ban passed, he said.
"Jallikattu finds mention in epics like Silapathikaram and there are even stone inscriptions to show that the game was conducted even in the ancient times Even Mohanjodaro has such inscriptions
," he said. "We followed all the guidelines of the court and have conducted the game for three years from 2012 to 2014 after the order was passed," he said.
Meanwhile, Allanganallur, which is usually bursting with activity for jallikattu every year on the third day of the month of Thai, which fell on Saturday this year, was comparatively quiet expect for women who wailed in groups to signify a funeral. People wore a forlorn look and black flags fluttered outside their homes. The famous Allanganallur jallikattu which draws visitors from across the globe was not held for the first time in many decades. People in the village and outside took out silent processions with black flags and badges.
Policemen were seen roaming the town to ensure that no untoward incidents took place as there were rumours that protestors would unleash some bulls to mark their protest. There were similar protests in many parts of the southern districts, including Keelakarai in Ramanathapuram district, where bulls with black flags were taken out in processions.