Jallikattu: Rain or shine, protests continue in Tamil Nadu.
CHENNAI: "I haven't seen anything like this in my life." This was the common refrain as the pro-jallikattu protest on Chennai's Marina Beach entered the fifth day on Saturday. For most of them, the only comparison for a protest like this in Tamil Nadu is the 1965 anti-Hindi agitation. But the striking difference is — the anti-Hindi agitation was violent while the pro-jallikattu protest in Chennai and other parts of the state is peaceful and grand, evoking wide support from people of all sections.
People, including senior citizens, women and children wearing black dresses headed to Marina from across the city and other districts from morning. Some walked holding placards which read "Ban PETA" and ''We want jallikattu."
As in the last few days, youngsters beat drums, danced and shouted slogans in support of jallikattu. Even small children were seen beating the drums and shouting slogans. Some blew conches to enthuse the crowds further. Protesters, elsewhere, sat on the Marina sand under scorching sun. Though Rain was forecast, it didn't rain in Chennai till Monday afternoon.
On Friday, a few lakh people said to have visited Marina Beach to extend support for the protesters. The number of visitors will be more or less same by Saturday evening too as it is a weakened.
Protests continued in Alanganallur, Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore and other parts of the state. In Trichy, the protesters braved rain and remained stay put in the protest venues.
In Rameswaram and Pudukottai, fishermen joined the protest. They hoisted black flags on their boats, which remained anchored on the jetties.
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