Chennai sources have stated that sea of protesters massed on Chennai’s Marina on Thursday for a third day, demanding that the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government take legal steps to hold Jallikattu. The State has prepared itself for a shutdown on Friday as trade unions, traders, hoteliers and others in the service sector announced a dawn-to-dusk bandh in support.
Meanwhile Film industry icon A.R. Rahman has said he would go on fast in solidarity with the ‘spirit of Tamil Nadu’ and chess wizard Viswanathan Anand voiced his support for the bull-taming sport. Some District Collectors announced a holiday for schools in south Tamil Nadu, and in Chennai, individual schools said they would remain closed. Colleges are already shut in the capital.
Earlier on Thursday, families, women and children have joined the students on the Marina in a rare show of solidarity reminiscent of the anti-Hindi agitation in the 1960s, also fuelled by students. Protest meetings were held at every entry point into the Marina. The protesters occupied every inch of the beach, listening to assorted speakers on Tamil race, identity, culture and Jallikattu.
