The Karaikal Struggle Group (KSG) has urged the Centre to follow the precedence set by Goa following the demands for Statehood to Puducherry and has called for observance of November 1 as the independence day of Puducherry.
At its general body meeting here, R. Ramaseenivasan, a freedom fighter and founder member of the Karaikal Struggle Group, observed that the erstwhile French colonies of Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam and Pondicherry were freed from French rule on November 1, 1954, following a bilateral treaty between the Indian government and the French government effected on October 21, 1954. It was noted that until 1961, the day was observed as the Independence Day of Puducherry. However, the practice was discontinued, while Goa, Diu and Daman that were freed on December 19, 1961 have been observing the day as their independence day, Mr. Ramaseenivasan said.
Following reports of the Puducherry Chief Minister’s meeting with the Prime Minister requesting conferment of Statehood to Puducherry, the KSG has demanded observance of precedence of Goa. While Goa was accorded Statehood in 1987, the other Portuguese colonies of Diu and Daman were accorded the status of Union Territories. Similarly, if Puducherry is accorded Statehood, the former French settlements of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam should be accorded the status of Union Territories with Karaikal as the head quarters. Further, it was resolved at the General Body meeting that the Karaikal Struggle Group would observe November 1 as its independence day.
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The High level Committee members of KSG, O. Thirunavukkarasu, A. Packirisamy, T. Ramalinga Reddiar, V. Manoharan, A. Abdul Salam and Pon-Panneerselvam spoke on the occasion.