A three day state mourning as a mark of respect to Late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has been announced by the government of Puducherry. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast for three days from Tuesday throughout the Union territory. There shall be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.
Speaking about this, Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanaswamy said, I am shocked and saddened at the demise of Jayalalithaa. It is an irreparable loss to Tamil Nadu.
Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi said she was deeply saddened at the demise of Amma. The departed leader was a rare political personality who charted a distinct path of governance through her strong and able leadership. A multifaceted personality she carved a niche for herself in all walks of life, be it as a student excelling in academics, or an artist or as a leader of the masses and elite. Jayalalithaa will always remain a symbol of women empowerment who had her heart for the cause of women. She also said Jayalalithaa pioneered in setting up all-woman police stations to correct gender-bias crimes and introduced 30% quota for women in government jobs. People of Puducherry share the grief with the people of Tamil Nadu.
Pondicherry University declared a holiday on Tuesday and has postponed the examinations scheduled on the day. Fresh date will be announced later. Annamalai University too postponed the examinations which were scheduled on December 6, 7 and 8.