Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa decided on Sunday to convene a special Assembly session on Thursday to adopt a resolution that Tamil Nadu will not give up its rights on Mullaiperiyar because of an “imaginary threat” to the safety of the dam.
She again asked people to “eschew emotions and be rational at all times” even as angry people tried to enter Kerala breaking a police barricade at Kumily checkpost and were lathi-charged after they stoned the car of finance minister O. Panneerselvam.
Reminding that the dam issue was pending before the Supreme Court, CM said the government believed the solution “lies in presenting sound technical and scientific data” to convince the court about the justness of the TN stand.
“I am one with you 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. Destroying their properties or causing them injury and in the process causing ourselves pain and hardship is not a solution,” CM said, appealing to the agitators in border areas to disperse and allow the government to handle the issue “scientifically and logically”.
As hundreds of protestors moved towards the Kerala border, shouting slogans that they would take control of the Mullaiperiyar dam 'to prevent its destruction planned by Kerala', police had a tough time controlling the situation without seeming tough.
“We are moving in 1,000 more personnel,” said additional DGP (law & order) S. George, who is camping on border. More than 3,000 cops are already on guard in the region.
Meanwhile, DMK and DMDK announced public protests in the coming week. DMDK president Vijayakanth will lead an agitation in Theni on Wednesday and DMK advanced by a day its human chain announced for Thursday in view of the special Assembly session. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan announced a march 'to liberate Mullaiperiyar' on Dec. 16.