Union
Defence Minister and Congress leader A K Antony has said he had
detailed discussions on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue with Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh who assured him that efforts would be taken to arrive at a
peaceful solution to the row.
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Speaking
to mediapersons at the nearby Karippur airport late last night, the
Defence Minister said he had conveyed to Singh the anxiety of the people
of Kerala on prolonging the dispute without finding an amicable
solution.
The meeting of representatives of two states held to find out a solution to the issue did not succeed, he said, adding, all efforts would be continued though no solution was found in the first round of talks. Antony had met Singh thrice on the issue seeking for a peaceful solution to the issue of dam, over which the State and Tamilnadu are locked in a dispute. Kerala Assembly had yesterday unanimously adopted a resolution insisting on a new dam in place of the 116-year old Mullaperiyar reservoir and lowering the water level to 120 feet in the existing structure. The resolution moved by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy during the one-day special session of the assembly over the issue asked the Centre and state governments to take steps for building a new dam and reiterated the State's commitment to provide the same quantum of water to Tamilnadu after its construction. Meanwhile, talking to reporters in Kannur today, Antony said all efforts should be made to bring representatives of Kerala and Tamilnadu for discussion to find an amicable solution to the issue. The Centre can only hold discussions on the issue with the two States, Antony said, adding, only Supreme Court could give orders on the matter. The Minister said the excellent relationship between Tamilnadu and Kerala should not get vitiated over the dam issue. Political parties and governments in Kerala and Tamilnadu should give utmost attention to see that the issue does not lead to violence, he said. He said attention should be given to the safety of Keralities living in Tamilnadu and Tamils in Kerala. |