Socialist activist Ponnammal passes away

Shimoga, Karnataka, Oct 19 (UNI) Freedom fighter and noted social avtivist T S Ponnammal died at a hospital here after a brief illness today.

She was 87.

Ponnammal, a contemporary of original proponents of Socialist movement in India Ram Manohar Lohia and Gopala Gowda, had worked closely with former Defene Minister George Fernandes.

A staunch feminist, who always stood in forefront to fight atrocities against women, she was also convener of Karnataka Women's Commission and took part in the agitation under Tungabhadra Horata Samiti.

Ponnammal also wanted a peaceful settlement to the Bababudangiri Hill shrine controversy where two communities fought over the control in Chikmagalur district.

She was hospitalised yesterday, following complications and died this afternoon. The cremation took place this evening.

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