Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam today said anti-social elements and miscreants had infiltrated the pro-Jallikattu protest at Marina with an intention of diverting it.

Making a statement in the Assembly after Opposition Leader and DMK Working President M.K. Stalin sought a clarification over police action on the protesters on January 23, Panneerselvam said that anti-national and anti-social elements did not want the protest to end. “Police used minimum force against the rioters to safeguard public life and property,” the Chief Minister added.

“The evil forces behind the violence will be identified and action taken against them.”

The Chief Minister said that miscreants were trying to divert the issue and were raising slogans on Cauvery and Mullaiperiyar issues.

Panneerselvam said the police had received information that some of the protesters wanted to prolong the stir till Republic Day. He said those belonging to such organisations “wanted to show black flags and create problems” on January 26. “Some even raised separate Tamil Nadu demands. Some were holding portraits of Osama bin Laden too. A photographic proof has been submitted to the Speaker,” he said.

“The protest which was going in a peaceful manner was hijacked by the miscreants on the last two days, forcing police action on them. Barricades were kept on the roads leading to the Marina to prevent the entry of protesters. Tear gas was used only when the protesters tried to cross the barricades and started pelting stones at the policemen,” Panneerselvam added.
Sixty policemen were injured in the violence. “Only after this force was used to control the crowd.”

“Sixty-six cases have been filed and 215 people arrested in connection to the violence. The allegation on the police violating the rules will also be inquired,” Panneerselvam added.

The Chief Minister, who said the Jallikattu ban was implemented in 2011 during the days of the UPA, in which the DMK was a constituent, also recalled the sustained efforts of his predecessor, late J. Jayalalithaa, and himself for the conduct of the bull-taming sport in the State.

He also explained in detail the circumstances leading to the State Government issuing an ordinance last week, following his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which the latter promised the Centre’s support to the State’s legal endeavours on the issue.