Construction of a new dam in the place of Mullaperiyar dam will be a grave threat to Tamil Nadu as it would deprive water to a vast stretch of cultivable land in the southern districts, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko has said.
Addressing party cadres at a demonstration held near the Collectorate here on Wednesday, he condemned the Centre for granting permission to the Kerala Government for undertaking a survey, which he said, was prelude to the construction of a new dam.
Accusing the Government of Tamil Nadu of failing to act at the appropriate time, he said the Centre was part of a conspiracy against the interests of Tamils in the issue. “We strongly condemn the Union Government for this betrayal?construction of a new dam will endanger the integrity of the country. One State is trying to suppress the rights of another State. They (Kerala) have ignored the verdict of the Supreme Court on increasing the storage level in the dam,” he said.
Fishermen problem
Mr. Vaiko expressed concern over the frequent attacks on the Tamil Nadu fishermen allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy. The Centre had failed to protect the fishermen who were assaulted on several occasions by the Sri Lankan forces within Indian waters.
By extending military support to Sri Lanka in its war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Union Government had made India vulnerable to possible attacks. “They have failed to forecast the threat that the South may have to face. If neighbouring countries attack India by utilising Sri Lanka as a base, Tamil Nadu and its vital installations would be the first target.”
Quoting some fishermen of Mandapam and Rameswaram, the MDMK leader said some Chinese nationals were on board the Sri Lankan boats that attacked Indian fishermen recently
