Theni: The simmering tension over the Mullaperiyar dam issue showed no signs of abating as people from different villages in border areas of Tamil Nadu blocked vehicular traffic on Cumbum-Mettu road to Kerala for the third day on Monday.
However traffic was allowed on two other routes -- via Kumili and Bodi Mettu, officials said.
Border areas on both sides of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been witnessing sporadic incidents of violence over the issue with protesters on either side targeting vehicles and people. Police said talks had been held with the villagers, urging them to exercise restraint in their protests. Kerala Police had also been urged to keep a close watch on those who attacked vans and people from Tamil Nadu, they said.
Asserting its rights on the dam, the Jayalalithaa government had yesterday convened a special assembly session on December 15 to assert its right on the issue and announced Tamil Nadu would not give up its rights over Mullaperiyar due to `imaginary threats` on its safety and security raised by Kerala.
This move came two days after a special session of Kerala assembly passed a unanimous resolution demanding construction of a new dam to replace the 116-year-old Mullaperiyar dam. The row over the dam has escalated in recent weeks, with Kerala insisting on a new dam to replace the 116-year-old structure, citing safety concerns, leading to attacks on Tamils and Keralites in some parts of both states.
However Tamil Nadu has said the dam is as good as a new one and moved the Supreme Court on the issue. The dam is in Kerala, but controlled by Tamil Nadu on a 999 year lease.
PTI