Protest over ‘protocol lapse’ at swearing-in event for Pondy CM

Puducherry: Tensions flared in the Puducherry town on Thursday as members of various Tamil outfits staged a massive agitation over the alleged disrespect shown to the state anthem, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, during the swearing-in ceremony of chief minister N Rangasamy. They registered their stringent protest over the new practice of rendering Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem and finally Puducherry Tamil Thai Vaazhthu in the swearing-in ceremony.The members gathered at the Kamaraj statue and marched towards Lok Nivas to picket the governor's office. On the way, they were intercepted by the police and a scuffle broke out as they attempted to breach barricades to hoist black flags.In a defiant display, protesters sat on the road and sang Tamil Thai Vaazhthu in unison. They also expressed their anger by tearing and burning effigies and portraits of the lieutenant governor. Police detained many protesters. The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar controversy in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.