Jallikattu Organisers Stage Protest Over Online Token System in Namakkal
Organisers of the Salapalayam jallikattu staged a strong protest on Monday. They opposed the Namakkal district administration's decision to issue tokens for participants online. The event is scheduled for January 27.
Protesters Gather at Collectorate
More than 100 people gathered at the Namakkal collectorate. The group included members of the Namakkal District Jallikattu Peravai and the event organising committee. They expressed frustration with the administration's plan to issue all 700 tokens for the jallikattu through online methods.
The protesters made a clear demand. They wanted the district administration to issue at least 300 tokens manually. They argued this would ensure fair participation for local enthusiasts.
Organisers Submit Petition
In their petition, the organisers highlighted their financial burden. They stated they are bearing all expenses for conducting the jallikattu event. The petition carried a strong warning.
"If all the tokens are issued online, we will not want to conduct jallikattu," the organisers wrote. This statement reflected their deep concern over the digital-only approach.
Negotiations Turn Tense
During discussions, officials maintained their position. They told organisers that registrations for the event would be done online only. This firm stance provoked the organisers further.
The protest escalated quickly. Organisers sat on the road in front of the collectorate, blocking traffic to draw attention to their cause. The situation grew tense as both sides held their ground.
Officials Promise Resolution
Later, officials managed to pacify the protesters. They assured them they would take up this issue with higher authorities. Specifically, they mentioned discussing the matter with collector Durga Moorthy and other senior officials.
The organisers agreed to wait for a response. They hope for a compromise that respects traditional practices while accommodating administrative requirements.
This protest highlights the ongoing tension between modern digital systems and traditional event management in rural Tamil Nadu. The jallikattu community seeks to preserve its cultural heritage while navigating new governmental procedures.
