TN to boycott Mullaperiyar talks

It is unlikely that Tamil Nadu will accept the Union water ministry’s invitation to participate in talks with Kerala on the Mullaiperiyar issue in Delhi on December 16. HT reports.

It is unlikely that Tamil Nadu will accept the Union water ministry’s invitation to participate in talks with Kerala on the Mullaiperiyar issue in Delhi on December 16.

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According to sources, Tamil Nadu feels there is nothing to talk about as the issue is pending before the Supreme Court.

Chief minister J Jayalalithaa is miffed that there is no concrete response from the Prime Minister to her three letters in which she had urged the Centre to tell Kerala not to stir a fear psychosis over the safety of the dam. She had also demanded that the Central Industrial Security Force be deployed to protect the dam as well as check mob violence in the border areas of Ikukki district.

The Centre has called the meeting as the Supreme Court appointed expert committee is expected to submit its report on the safety of the dam soon.

Kerala wants the old dam to be decommissioned and permission be given for a new dam. It says it will stand by its commitment to supply water to the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu contends that the old dam is as good new and the experts committee has also certified it fit enough to store water upto 142 ft.

As there is no meeting point, Tamil Nadu feels no purpose will be served in talking it out and wants the apex court to decide instead.