PM should call meeting of Kerala, TN on Mullaperiyar Dam: CPI

NEW DELHI: The CPI today demanded that the Prime Minister call a meeting of the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Kerala to find a political solution to the Mullaperiyar Dam problem, which was creating "tension" between the two states.

"This issue need not become a controversy with agitations and counter agitations," the CPI Central Secretariat said, appealing to the people of the two neighbouring states to "restrain themselves and create an atmosphere for settlement through discussions".

While urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to convene a meeting of the two Chief Ministers and "take political decision to settle the issue", the party said the Kerala government should guarantee the supply of water for irrigation to Tamil Nadu. "The century old arrangement should continue."

The party said the apprehensions of the people of Kerala about the safety of the 116-year-old dam should be taken into active consideration.

It also appealed to the Supreme Court to expedite its enquiry and decide a pending case as early as possible.