People opposing Sardar Sarovar Dam are anti-development: Modi

New Delhi, Apr 15 (UNI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today described those opposed to the Sardar Sarovar Dam as ''anti-development'' and anti-Gujarat''.

He appealed to the people of his state to exercise restraint and be patient even in the face of extreme provocation.

Mr Modi, who attended an inconclusive meeting of the Review Committee of the Narmada Control Authority along with his counterparts from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashta, told reporters that his government would make all possible efforts to ensure that the height of the dam was raised as earlier proposed.

When asked about actor Aamir Khan lending his support to Medha Patkar-led Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), Mr Modi said people should restrain themselves and not ingulge in violence.

He, however, refused to make any direct reference to Aamir merely stating that people should exercise patience.

'' The people of Gujarat are peace-loving and should exercise restraint, he added'' Yesterday, Aamir had joined protestors at Jantar Mantar, lending support to the NBA.

This has triggered strong reaction in parts of Gujarat with people burning the actor in effigy and vadalising cinema halls that are screening Khan-starrer ''Rang De Basanti.'' Meanwhile, Mr Modi today announced that he would go on a 51-hour fast, beginning at 1400 hrs tomorrow, to protest against the Centre's ''obstructionist posturing'' on the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

The UPA government would have to choose between ''Medha Patkar and Megawatt'', he had said.

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