Karunanidhi writes to President, PM, UPA Chairperson

CHENNAI: DMK president M Karunanidhi wrote to President Prathiba Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairpeson Sonia Gandhi seeking their intervention in ensuring the safety of Tamils living in neighbouring Kerala in the wake of Mullaperiyar dam standoff.

In letters to the three leaders, Karunanidhi said that despite the warnings and assurances given by the Prime Minister for an amicable solution, hundreds of Tamils living in Kerala villages were being "forcefully driven out" by the anti-social elements.

"Incidents of stone-throwing and burning of properties belonging to Tamils, who are living in Kerala border, have been reported from various places", Karunanidhi said in the identical letters sent to the three leaders.

He said Tamils who have been living in Kerala making it their home "have even gone to the extent of declaring to commit suicide and refused to come to Tamil Nadu."

"Therefore, I request your personal and immediate intervention in this matter and save the lives of Tamils living in Kerala", he said.

Hundreds of Tamils living in Kerala villages, including Manapad and Nedumkandam, were affected despite "Singh's assurance for an amicable solution and to create a conducive atmosphere in both the states, he said.