Lady attempts immolation in Pondicherry

Over 300 people, led by Periyar Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhgam, gathered at a nearby place near and attempted to march towards the coast where the facilities are to come up. But police prevented them from marching ahead. The protestors suddenly resorted to dharna at the spot. 

Even as police personnel, who reached the spot were trying to pacify them, a fisher woman, Baby (50) suddenly attempted to self-immolate. The people and the police swung into action and doused the fire with whatever they can use that were available. Tahsildar Dayalan also reached the spot and agreed for the demand for holding a meeting at Ariyankuppam and heard their views. Following the assurance, the protestors called off their agitation. 

One of the leaders of the protestors said Indian coast guard facilities that will come up in due course will deprive the local fishermen population their livelihood. He said the government has allotted the land to coast guard without looking into the problems faced by the fishermen. 

It may noted that anti-nuclear activist, S P Udayakumar, who visited the area recently urged chief Minister N Rangasamy to intervene and stop the construction of the Coast Guard Hover craft port at Veerampatinam.

Udayakumar, who leads Pachai Tamilagam (Green Tamil Nadu) party now, met the fishermen of Veerampatinam, said the construction has to be stopped to safeguard the livelihood of the fishing community.