Several Jallikattu supporters detained in Tamil Nadu

Madurai: Police today detained several people for trying to organise Jallikattu despite a ban on the sport in place. Several people were detained at Mudakathan, Alanganallur, Palamedu and Vilangudi in Madurai district, at Nallampatti in Dindigul district and Pottuchavadi in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.

People hoisted black flags at Palamedu village for not allowing them to hold Jallikattu in connection with Pongal festivities and local temple functions, they said.

Shops at several localities remained closed and black flags were also hoisted at Alanganallur.

Both Palamedu and Alanganallur are famous for Jallikattu in Madurai district.

A police officer said they were maintaining strict vigil in such localities.

Police stations have been alerted to prevent any attempt to hold Jallikattu, the officer added.

The die-hard supporters of the sport along with major political parties in the state have been demanding an ordinance for conducting Jallikattu after the Supreme Court imposed a ban on it.

Yesterday, 149 persons were detained in Madurai district for staging protests against the ban.

The Supreme Court on Thursday had said it could not give its verdict on Jallikattu before Pongal.

DMK Working President M K Stalin had led a protest in Chennai on Friday in this regard.