‘Objection to Waqf Bill is opposing Muslim development,’ says BJP’s Danish Ansari

Chennai, Jan 14 (IANS) The world-renowned Avaniyapuram Jallikattu in Madurai district commenced on Tuesday as part of Tamil Nadu’s Pongal festivities.

A total of 1,100 bulls and 900 tamers have registered for the event.

A tractor worth Rs 11 lakh is being offered as the first prize for the owner of the best-performing bull, while a car costing Rs 8 lakh will be awarded to the top player. Participants were required to register online to take part in the event. Following registration, the bulls were brought to Avaniyapuram by their owners.

Each of the 1,100 bulls underwent a thorough medical examination and certified fit before entering the arena.

Similarly, the players participating in this bull-taming sport also underwent medical tests. To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, security has been heightened with the deployment of 1,500 police personnel.

So far, 11 individuals have been reported injured during the festivities. Jallikattu, an age-old bull-taming sport, is a cherished tradition in Tamil Nadu, especially during Pongal celebrations.

The first Jallikattu event of the year in Tamil Nadu was held at Thachankurichi village in Pudukottai district on Saturday. However, Madurai’s Jallikattu events, especially those held in Alanganallur, are internationally recognised for their vibrant celebration of Tamil heritage, culture, and rural valour.

Pudukottai district is notable for having the highest number of vadivasals (entry points for bulls) and hosting the most Jallikattu events in the state. Between January and May 31, the district typically holds over 120 Jallikattu events, more than 30 bullock cart races, and over 50 vadamadu (tethered bull) competitions.

The remaining two of the three major Jallikattu events in Madurai district will be held at Palamedu and Alanganallur on January 15 and 16, respectively.

The Madurai district administration has issued specific guidelines for the 2025 Jallikattu events.

According to the directives, each bull can participate in only one of the three Jallikattu competitions in the district, only the owner of a bull is allowed to accompany it, along with a trainer familiar with the animal.

Bull tamers and bull owners are required to register through the official district administration website (madurai.nic.in). Submitted documents will undergo verification by authorities. Only eligible participants will receive a downloadable token, which is mandatory for entry. Without the token, neither the bull nor its tamer will be permitted to participate in the event.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 30 (IANS) Maharashtra Minister for Minorities Development & Aukaf, Dattatray Bharane has decided to soon launch Geo-mapping of the properties and lands under the jurisdiction of the state Waqf Board.

This comes amid the parliamentary panel’s move to clear the report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill despite the opposition’s dissent.

The Maharashtra government’s decision will hit those illegally occupying the scattered and unmeasured lands across the state. The Minister has asked the department to soon start the Geo-mapping survey of such properties across the state to know the present status.

A department source said, “Geo-mapping will provide accurate official information about the number of Waqf properties in the state and the extent of encroachment on them, and will put a stop to encroachments. Various organisations and political parties, including the Maharashtra Waqf Board, have claimed there are 23,566 registered Waqf properties in the state and their total area is 37,330 hectares. However, as per the estimates of the Minorities Department, the number of Waqf properties is around 27,000 and their area is 40,468 hectares. Geo-mapping will be done to remove the discrepancies in this data and ensure accurate registration of properties.”

A survey of Waqf properties was conducted in 1997 through physical inspection. However, it was considered to be a rough estimate. Of these properties, 60 to 70 per cent of the plots are encroached upon and thousands of plots are under litigation.

The department source said that many cases of illegal encroachments on Waqf properties have come to light. However, due to discrepancies in the data, no measures were taken to deal with the situation. “Now, geo-mapping technology will bring clarity to the properties and encroachments and official information will be available at the government level. There is still uncertainty about the exact number of Waqf properties in the state. There is no information about the exact purpose for which these properties are being used and what rates are being charged while renting out these lands,” the source added.

The Mahayuti Minister said Geo-mapping will reveal illegal possessions and, thereafter, the government will be able to take necessary action.

The Minorities Development’s decision comes at a time when the parliamentary panel cleared 14 amendments proposed by NDA MPs while 44 suggested by the Opposition were rejected. All the 44 amendments proposed by the Opposition were reportedly against the changes planned in the Bill to the Waqf Act of 2013.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)

–IANS

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Shillong, Jan 27 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Greater Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme, saying it is not an infrastructure project but a vision for a sustainable future for the area.

“Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme is not just an infrastructure project but a vision for a better, sustainable future for Tura,” said the Chief Minister while addressing a function held at Tura District Auditorium.

He added that this project was conceptualised with Late P A Sangma in 2004-2005 where it was envisioned that this project would not only ease the water problems faced by urban Tura even during those days but would benefit agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

“Therefore it gives me great happiness that the foundation stone for this project is being laid today,” he said.

Sangma also informed that the Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme with an estimated cost of Rs 398.48 crore is an ambitious project to address the water shortages faced by the town of Tura.

“It is designed to provide Tura with a dependable and sustainable water supply,” he said.

The Chief Minister further stated that the project is funded by the Union government through the Special Assistance on Capital Investment and added that the project is expected to be completed in about 24-36 months.

“This scheme is a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents of Tura. By investing in this vital infrastructure, we are not only addressing an immediate need but also laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and development,” he said.

Sangma added that once completed, the project will have a lasting impact on public health, support economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for Tura’s residents.

He also said that the Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme is not just an infrastructure project but a vision for a better, sustainable future for Tura.

The Chief Minister for the active participation and engagement of the local community for the successful implementation of the project.

“I urge every stakeholder and solicit the cooperation of all concerned to extend their support, especially in the preservation and protection of the catchment areas for the government can only initiate projects, and build reservoirs but the source of water for these reservoirs and dams are the catchment areas that needs to be protected,” he said.

He added that by involving residents in every step of the process, the government’s aim is to create a sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering the people of Tura to take pride in their contributions to the development of their town.

The Chief Minister also highlighted some of the developmental schemes and projects for Tura to secure a better future for all citizens.

–IANS

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