Theni: As protests over Mullaperiyar dam
issue entered the 12th day on Saturday in the district, an estimated
30,000 people took out a rally demanding closure of border
routes to Kerala till Tamil Nadu's rights on the reservoir was
established and the Supreme court order implemented by raising
the dam level to 142 feet.
The rally ended near Kumili road where a demonstration
was held. Those who participated in the rally included
central government and banks employees' organizations, police
said.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
in a release said shops and business establishments would be
shut for a day in the five southern districts of Theni,
Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram on December22,
condemning Kerala government's stand on the issue.
The waters of the dam are used for irrigation in these
districts.
Expressing solidarity, the Tamil Nadu Foodgrains merchants
said it would take part in the bandh in Madurai district on
December 22.
Advocates in Madurai burnt the effigy of Kerala Chief
Minister Oommen Chandy and CPI-M leader V S Achuthanandhan to
protest against their reported statements concerning the
safety of the dam.
Tamil film director Seeman observed fast at Theni on the
issue.
While Kerala is pressing for construction of a new dam to
replace the existing 116-year-old structure citing safety
concerns, Tamil Nadu has maintained the dam is "as good as
new" and accused the neighbouring state of whipping up a
"fear psychosis" over the issue.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, December 17, 2011, 19:58