On a day of fast-paced developments on the Mullaiperiyar dam issue, chief minister J. Jayalalithaa on Sunday convened a special Assembly session on Thursday to pass a resolution that Tamil Nadu will not give up its rights because of the “imaginary threat” to the safety and security of the dam. She reiterated appeal to the people to “eschew emotions and to be rational at all times” even as violent agitators down south tried to enter Kerala breaking a police barricade at Kumily checkpost and were lathicharged by the police after they stoned the car of finance minister O. Panneerselvam.
Reminding that the dam issue is pending before the Supreme Court, the chief minister in a statement said the government believed that the solution “lies in presenting sound technical and scientific data” to convince the court about the justness of TN stand. “I am one with you and share the same emotions and strongly believe in peace and prosperity for my people and the country. It is my sincere appeal to all my beloved people of Tamil Nadu not to get carried away emotionally. Let us show to the world that we do not believe in violence and hatred,” she said.
“We have no quarrel with the people of Kerala. Therefore, destroying their properties or causing injury to them and in the process also causing ourselves pain and hardship is not a solution,” the chief minister said, appealing to the agitators in the border areas to disperse peacefully and allow the government to handle the issue “scientifically and logically”.
As hundreds of angry protesters moved towards the Kerala border, shouting slogans that they would take control of Mullaiperiyar dam “to prevent its destruction planned by Kerala”, the police had a tough time controlling the situation without seeming tough on the people. “We are moving in 1,000 more personnel to manage the situation”, said additional DGP (law & order) S. George, who is camping at the restive border. More than 3,000 policemen are already on guard in the region.
Stepping up the dam heat, Opposition DMK and DMDK have announced public protests in the coming week. DMDK president Vijayakanth is leading an agitation in Theni on Wednesday. The DMK has advanced by a day its human-chain announced for Thursday in view of the special Assembly session on that day. The party is also having a fasting protest on Monday. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan has announced march “to liberate Mullaiperiyar dam” on December 16.