Tragedy struck at Majorda, where a man was fatally gored by a bull during a bullfight while three others suffered serious injuries. Anxiety ran high, and chaos reigned after the bull went berserk and out of human control. In bullfights, there is always an inherent fear of bulls charging at people, leaving them running for their lives. A fraction of time can trigger a human tragedy because there are no safeguards in place, since they are held in the most unorganised set-ups.
The irony is that authorities, despite a blueprint in hand on tackling bullfights, have fallen way too short, making a mockery of the protocols and rules laid down by Collectors. There are nodal officers appointed, helplines set up, and dedicated teams formed to crack down on illegal bullfights. Yet, these efforts have failed in the face of a pervasive culture of impunity. The question now is who takes responsibility when tragedy strikes? Is it the organizers, the enforcement agencies, or the state policymakers who have failed to bring about closure to this issue? Bullfights continue to be held, drawing crowds in thousands, and public safety continues to be compromised.
As the community mourns, it is imperative to critically examine the broader question — is it the tradition that is being protected? If yes, at what cost? Or is it a favourite pastime of a section of people who use the argument of tradition as a bargaining chip because the stakes are high? The Majorda incident is not an isolated occurrence but a symptom of a larger problem.
We recall the recent discourse at the Goa Legislative Assembly to legalise dhirio, where legislators argued that bullfights are integral to Goa’s cultural fabric. Against that such incidents cast a shadow on whether the State has the apparatus or infrastructure to create a safe environment. Allowing bullfights through a legislation sounds easy, but what about safeguards? Legalising dhirios should not be seen as a licence to kill.
So, where is the failure? Despite the measures, the enforcement of bans and safety guidelines remains lax, and bullfight organisers appear to have the last laugh. The question is, where are quick-response teams? Or, for that matter, how many complaints have been received on the designated WhatsApp number? While policing has failed here, there is also a sense of irresponsibility on the part of those organising these bullfights, and those attending dhirios knowing well the lurking dangers.
Given the circumstances, it would do well for the government to seriously contemplate bringing some symmetry to the issue by allowing bullfights through stringent rules, designated safe zones, trained personnel, and accountability mechanisms. Or come up with harsher punitive measures against bullfights. The focus must be on human and animal safety, not on appeasing cultural sentiments that can be preserved through responsible, regulated events rather than reckless, illegal activities.
The Majorda tragedy is another wake-up call that highlights the urgent need for the government and enforcement agencies to revisit strategies. People’s safety cannot be compromised for the sake of tradition. It is easy to make tall speeches about our cultural heritage and legacies, but nobody can understand the pain families go through after a life is lost in such risky escapades. It’s time authorities accept failure and seek to regulate dhirios stringently with accountability and safety at the core.
