Madurai: Youths protesting at Tamukkam ground here are determined to continue with their agitation till permanent measures for the regular conduct of jallikattu are taken.
Responding to pop singer Hip Hop Tamila alias Adhi disassociating with the protests on the claim that the agitation was diverting from the core issue, one of the protesters, R.P. Chandrabose, said the sudden uprising by the youths and students should not be construed as political overtones.
“We have not allowed any politician in our protests. But, when we raise the questions against system, they are bound to look like being against political leaders,” he said.
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A youth who has acted in films, Abi Saravanan, said most of the protesters were not students but employed persons. “We have confined our protests to the core issue of jallikattu and Tamil culture and tradition,” he added.
He said the entire crowd was sitting at Tamukkam since Tuesday night only to support the protesters in Alanganallur and Marina beach. “The moment they leave, we will also vacate our venue,” he added.
The video song released by Adhi was an inspiration for the youths of Tamil to take to streets, Dr. Bama Selvakumar said. “Just because he is a celebrity, we cannot accept everything he says. Here at Tamukkam no individual is leading the protest. Its a collective effort,” he said.
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The decision to continue with the protest after the information of promulgation of ordinance for jallikattu was taken only after a voice vote at Tamukkam.
The youths need to sit through the protest till it reached its logical conclusion. “We should not come out for protest again for the same issue,” Dr. Selvakumar said.
The present protest was the first reflection of the anger of the common man. “It will continue in the days to come for one demand after another,” he added.
Another youth, Tamilan Velu Gnanaguru asked how could there be no reference to politics when the entire protests had turned to overall Tamils’ rights issue, including Cauvery Management Board.
“Hitherto the common man did not get a platform to raise these issues,” he said.
