Farmers in Pollachi, with roosters in tow, faced police intervention when they sought permission for cockfights during the Pongal festival, leading to a tense situation.
Coimbatore: A tense situation arose in Pollachi today when a group of farmers, seeking permission for cockfights during the Pongal festival, were stopped by the police at the District Collector's office. Despite the Supreme Court's permission for the event, cockfights remain banned in Tamil Nadu.
The farmers, who arrived with roosters, faced police intervention when they tried to submit a petition. The situation escalated into a scuffle as the police attempted to confiscate the roosters. Eventually, the farmers left without the roosters and submitted their petition for permission to hold cockfights.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the Tamil Nadu government's stance, arguing that while permissions are granted for risky events like Jallikattu, cockfighting, a traditional pastime, is denied. The farmers also demanded the right to sell palm wine and fair pricing for coconuts, emphasizing their unity and the cultural significance of these practices.
Interview with Balasubramanian, a local cock breeder from Pollachi, highlighted the cultural importance of cockfighting and the farmers' demands.
The farmers, who arrived with roosters, faced police intervention when they tried to submit a petition. The situation escalated into a scuffle as the police attempted to confiscate the roosters. Eventually, the farmers left without the roosters and submitted their petition for permission to hold cockfights.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the Tamil Nadu government's stance, arguing that while permissions are granted for risky events like Jallikattu, cockfighting, a traditional pastime, is denied. The farmers also demanded the right to sell palm wine and fair pricing for coconuts, emphasizing their unity and the cultural significance of these practices.
Interview with Balasubramanian, a local cock breeder from Pollachi, highlighted the cultural importance of cockfighting and the farmers' demands.