Demand to observe Pondy independence day on Nov 1

Puducherry, Jul 30 (UNI) The French India Puducherry Pradesha Viduthalai Kaala Makkal Nala Narppani Iyyakkam,(a movement striving for the welfare of people who opted for Indian citizenship at the time of merger of Puducherry with Indian union) today urged the administration to take immediate steps to celebrate November one as Puducherry independence day instead of August 16.

Addressing a press conference here, president of the movement D Sivaraj also wanted the Government to celebrate August 16 as the merger day and provide a pension of Rs 10,000 and other assistances to those who opted for Indian citizenship at the time of merger.

He said members of the movement would take out a procession from the Subbiah statue to the Venkatasubbareddiyar statue and observe a fast there under the leadership of freedom fighter A Arulraj, a former Legislator, to press these demands.

UNI PAB GD PK AS1544