CPI to protest for higher Thane aid

PUDUCHERRY: The local unit of the CPI will stage demonstrations at various places in the Union Territory and Karaikal on January 24, seeking enhancement of the relief package announced for those affected by cyclone Thane. A resolution to this effect was adopted at the 20th state conference of the party held here on Friday. The agitators would also press for the allocation of the full relief amount of Rs 2,500 crore sought by the UT from the Centre. The CPI also announced that they would stage protests demanding that the Centre extend financial aid to the UT administration, which is reeling under severe financial crisis.In another resolution, the party reiterated its demand for grant of statehood for Puducherry as it was celebrating the golden jubilee of its merger with the Indian Union. The CPI has decided to support to the all India strike on Feb 28 by trade unions to protest the hike in prices of essential commodities and petro-products.