Misleading campaign in TN has affected peace: Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 19 : Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said the misleading campaign in Tamil Nadu on Mullaperiyar dam issue has affected peace and harmony among people in both the States.

Releasing a book 'Mullaperiyar - Why the Demand for a New Dam,' written by KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala, Mr Chandy said though Kerala got full support on national-level for its genuine concern, the misleading campaign by certain sections in Tamil Nadu had created panic among common people. ''Every second is precious for millions of people living downstream of the dam in Kerala. Every-day is important for farmers in Tamil Nadu as they depend on water from Mullaperiyar dam. Kerala has no problem in giving any quantity of water to Tamil Nadu.

People in Tamil Nadu should understand this stand of Kerala. They should not fall into the false propaganda by vested interests. There is no hidden agenda for Kerala on the dam issue. We are ready to give this assurance to Tamil Nadu at any platform,'' he said. There were highly disturbing news about several instances of attacks on Keralites in Tamil Nadu on the eve of the current debate on the Mullaperiyar issue, he said.

''In Kerala we have taken every possible step to ensure that no person from Tamil Nadu is attacked. There are large number of students from Kerala studying in various institutions in Tamil Nadu. Their families in Kerala are in a state of anxiety. The Government will do all possible help for their return to Kerala during Christmas holiday,'' he added.

''Anti-social elements in both the States should not be allowed to create violence. Stringent action should be taken against those elements who are involved in such illegal acts,'' he said. ''It is unfortunate that the Mullaperiyar issue should spill over into events affecting peace and harmony among our people. We have always valued the excellent cooperation and goodwill between our two States,'' he said.

_ Agencies

Dec 19, 2011