Karnataka violence: Tamil outfits call 12-hour Puducherry bandh on Sept 16

More than 30 Tamil fringe outfits here on Wednesday announced a 12-hour bandh in the union territory on Friday, condemning the violence against Tamils in Karnataka in the wake of Cauvery water row.

A joint meeting of the outfits, including Tamizhar Desiya Iyyakkam, Makkal Vazhuvurimai Iyakkam and Tamizhaga Makkal Vazhuvurimai Katchi, decided to observe the bandh, Coordinator of the Joint Action Committee of the outfits, R Azhagiri, said in a release here.

He demanded a special session of the union territory Assembly to adopt a resolution condemning Karnataka government for ‘failure’ to protect Tamils.

The outfits urged the transport operators, auto and cinema house owners, industrialists educational institutions and others to extend cooperation for the bandh.

A meeting of the Puducherry Traders Federation also condemned the violence in Karnataka and extended its support to the bandh.

Federation President Sivasankaran in a release said all merchants, business centres and traders would close their business premises on September 16.

He also sought the Centre’s intervention to ensure the safety of Tamils and demanded compensation for the loss of properties in the violence.