Sri Sri Ravi Shankar backs Jallikattu protests

Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Thursday backed the revoking of the ban on Tamil Nadu's controversial bull-taming sport -- Jallikattu -- describing it as "a game for which both the bull and the people are prepared well".

The Supreme Court ban on Jallikattu has triggered massive protests in Tamil Nadu amid demands by the state government to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an ordinance enabling the holding of the traditional bull-taming sport.

Modi has, however, remained silent on the demand, raising fears that the Tamil Nadu protests may intensify.

Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, in a statement expressed the hope that the sport will be back in the state.

"I am with the people of Tamil Nadu. I understand their sentiments and support them fully. The sport is neither meant to be cruel to animals nor cause injuries to people," he said.

"In the Kumbh Mela, we have lost so many lives, many die in train accidents. If people die on the roads we cannot ban vehicles. If you want to ban this, then what about horses who are tamed for riding. The same could also be called cruelty," he argued.

"Instead of banning the ancient sport, regulations to minimise accidents and mischief by fringe elements should be in place and enforced. Safety regulations can be introduced to minimise casualties."

He also appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu "not to allow anti-social elements to hijack this movement and cause violence and chaos in the state".

--IANS

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