VELLORE: Members of the Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Peravai in Vellore district had submitted a petition at the Vellore SP’s office demanding that it cancel the deposit amount of Rs 2,00,000 required to be paid by the villages, relax the compulsory registration of animals participating in the event with the Animal Welfare Board, and allow the race to be conducted throughout the year, said the Peravai’s district legal advisor Babu. He said the State had given the nod on paying the deposit amount and there was some hope that the event would be conducted all through the year. Referring to the loss of five lives in the event last year near Old Katpadi, Soundharajan, Vellore district president of TN Jallikattu Peravai, blamed it on irresponsible public behaviour. “Stringent rules have been specified to village organisers. The federation is ready to pay the injured an insurance amount ranging from Rs 8,500 up to Rs 2,00,000,” he said. “We have also ensured there are barricades at the arena and there will be people to control any drunkards on the spot. We have not asked for police protection, but if they are involved in controlling the public, we will not stop them. If the situation requires, we will request the district administration to close TASMAC outlets located near the festival area. Medical facilities are being provided at the grounds,” said state secretary Sakarapani. Plans are also on to videotape the event and play it for authorities, to prove that the races are not violent. The race will be conducted in Valayampattu in Krishnagiri district on January 17, Vellakuttai and nearby villages in Vaniyambadi on January 18, while Nummiyampattu, Alangayam, Kothakottai and other villages in Vellore would hold the event on January 21.
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