Sporadic violence in Chennai, vehicles near police station torched

Chennai: The pro-Jallikattu agitation turned violent near the Chennai Marina Beach on January 23 as a section of them set on fire several vehicles parked in front of the Vivekananda House police station. Police resorted to teargas shells and lathi charge in some areas to disperse protestors and bring the situation under control.

The police action to evict protestors at various venues in Tamil Nadu even as the state Assembly is expected to discuss the matter after the customary Governor's address.

The opposition DMK staged a walkout as soon as the Tamil Nadu Governor began his address in the state Assembly.

DMK Working President MK Stalin criticised the police action on protesters on the Marina beach. "It is condemnable that instead of holding talks with peaceful protesters, it has been attempted to end protests using police with an authoritarian mindset," Stalin,

opposition leader in the state assembly, said in a statement. He also dubbed the action as "anti-democratic."

The protestors, mostly students and youth, had decided to continue the agitation till a "permanent solution" was found to ensure the sport was held annually without any hindrance.

A police statement said, "The Government of Tamil Nadu has taken every initiative and has conducted Jallikattu yesterday at various places all over Tamil Nadu to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu."

"Through an exemplary display of unity and discipline, the purpose of the protest has been fully achieved. Hence the participants are requested to leave the Marina in the same peaceful and disciplined manner and co-operate with the Chennai City Police," it said.

Yesterday, protesters in Alanganallur did not allow Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam to inaugurate the Alanganallur Jallikattu, which was later cancelled.

Talking to mediapersons, the Chief Minister said that even though Jallikattu was not held at Alanganallur, it was organised smoothly in many other places across the state. The Jallikattu would be held by the organisers there whenever they wanted to, he added.

After the Governor's address to the Assembly, the government is expected to move a bill to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.