Thousands participate in rally demanding separate district

Shops in Mayiladuthurai and adjoining towns in this district remained closed today in response to a hartal call to press for carving out a new district with Mayiladuthurai as its headquarters.
As part of the protest, called by Mayiladuthurai Chamber of Commerce along with various voluntary organisations, a rally was taken out with the participation of people from various walks of life.
Shops in Mayiladuthurai, Kollidam, Tarangambadi, Sirkazhi and Porayar downed their shutters in support of the hartal.
Later, a delegation of the agitators submitted a representation to Sub-Collector Divyadharshini.
The demand for creation of a new district has been pending for long with its proponents stating that Mayiladuthurai revenue sub-division was having a population of more than 9.5 lakh whereas the population of Ariyalur and Perambalur districts are 7.52 lakh and 5.64 lakh only.