Fishermen in Puducherry to observe Aug 15 as Black day

Puducherry, Aug 6 (UNI) The Puducherry Maanila Meenava Viduthalai Vengaigal will observe August 15, Independence day as a 'black day' to protest the failure of the administration to construct houses for the tsunami-affected fishermen here.

Viduthalai Vengaigal President Mangayer Selvan, announced this to newspersons after a hurriedly convened meeting in the Bharathi park here today.

He said all the fishermen would hoist black flags on their boats on that day.

Earlier, a 3000 strong fishermen took out a procession from Singaravelar statue to the legislative assembly. But they were stopped by the police at Ambur Saalai where they staged a demonstration. Police, however, allowed 50 of their representatives to the legislative assembly to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister since prior appointment was obtained.

When the leaders came to the assembly, Chief Minister N Rangasamy was not available. They staged a dharna on the steps of the assembly raising slogans against the Chief Minister.

Police managed to pacify and brought them out from the assembly premises to the Bharathi park in front of the assembly where a decision was taken to observe black day on August 15.

UNI