Date:26/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/26/stories/2007122657710100.htm

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Centre urged to conduct referendum

Special Correspondent

Karaikal Struggle Group demands Union Territory status

KARAIKAL: The Karaikal Struggle Group (KSG) that is demanding separate Union Territory status for Karaikal region, has urged the Centre to conduct a referendum in terms of Clause 2 of the Treaty of Cessation signed on May 28, 1956, between India and France in view of the opening of separate financial account since December 17 for the receipt expenditure of Puducherry Union Territory, the facility that was so far available only for the States and not for the Union Territory.

The KSG, at its general body meeting here chaired by freedom fighter R. Ramaseenivasan, recalled the communication of October 27, 1949, issued by the Government of India through the Ministry of External Affairs that in case the people of French Indian Settlements, namely Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yenam decided to merge with India, all units would be administered under Indian law as separate units and further it was assured that in case of any change in the administrative set up that would be done only after ascertaining the wishes of local people. He said that the Indo-French treaty was signed only on the basis of this assurance.

S.P. Selvashanmugham, convenor of KSG and president of Puducherry Cauvery Delta Farmers’ Legal Action Committee, explained the rights and privileges that were available to local people under Clause 2 of the treaty. He said that any constitutional changes should be made only after ascertaining the wishes of the people.

Separate financial account

He pointed out that the opening of separate financial account for Puducherry Union Territory would be beneficial only to Puducherry region. The present change would affect the interest of the two lakh people in Karaikal region. Hence, under these circumstances, a referendum under Clause 2 of the treaty was needed to ascertain the wishes of Karaikal people whether they accepted it or not.

If the local people did not accept the change, the Centre might confer separate Union Territory status on Karaikal region.

Padayatra

Mr. Selvashanmugham said that to explain the need of referendum and to gain support for the demand of separate Union Territory status for Karaikal region, the KSG would undertake ‘padayatra’ for four days from January 3 to 6.