KARAIKAL: Karaikal Union Territory Struggle Group (KUTSG), a non-political organisation struggling for UT status for Karaikal, undertook a hunger strike and staged a demo at Karaikal pressing a charter of demands. Generasl Secretary Ansari Babu pointed out that the hunger strike had been organised so that their demands could be met. Their demands ranged from 18 per cent regional quota in the proposed recruitment for sub-inspectors, constables and home guards, risk allowance for the Coast Guard staff and a facelift for the ailing Karaikal General Hospital Honorary President Nandhivarman said that the Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy, had long back announced that a bill granting statehood for Puducherry would be introduced in the 2009 winter session of Parliament. He had also promised statehood for Puducherry during his election campaign. “But, so far, he has not taken steps to give shape to his promise,” he said and alleged that a Pondy minister was stalling the efforts to get statehood. Nandhivarman pointed out that the best possible solution for the problems would be granting statehood for Pondy and UT status for Karaikal. Suresh Rajan, organiser, KUTSG, presided while AST general secretary Ansari Babu inaugurated the demonstration and hunger strike. KUTSG honorary president Nandhivarman, president Subramaniam, vice-president Nallusamy, PRO O S Uduman, DMDK leader Asana and others spoke on the occasion.
