Pondicherry celebrates Independence Day today

Pondicherry, Aug 16: The Union Territory of Pondicherry today celebrated its 44th Independence Day.

It was on August 16, 1962 the ''De-Jure'' (legal merger of the Union Territory with India) was effected after the French Parliament ratified the 'treaty of cession.' Pondicherry became free by virtue of a referendum on October 18, 1954. However, the treaty of cession signed between the French and Indian governments was ratified by the French Parliament on August 1962.

A public holiday was declared in the Union Territory today to mark the occasion.

Greeting all the freedom fighters on the occasion, Chief Minister N Rangasamy said they would be honoured at a function here this evening.

UNI