Govt will be 'cautious on tigers' says CM

Chennai, Aug 25 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said his government would be cautious on the issue of 'tigers,' in an apparent reference to the LTTE.

Mr Karunanidhi was responding to a query by N Ramakrishnan (MDMK) on increasing forest cover for tigers to prevent their intrusion into villages in search of water.

He said, ''Members are talking about tigers. The member seems to be an expert in tackling tigers. After getting his expertise, the government will take steps to protect the people from tigers''.

''We will be very cautious on the issue of tigers,'' a smiling Mr Karunanidhi said, in a veiled reference to the MDMK's support of the LTTE. The House plunged into laughter.

Replying to a question, Forest Minister N Selvaraj said there was no sign of extinction of tigers in the forests of Tamil Nadu.

The State had written to the Centre seeking funds of Rs 115.78 crores to increase forest cover and breeding of tigers in Mudumalai, Annamalai and Kazhakaadu Tiger Reserve areas. The Centre sanctioned only Rs 1.19 crore and released Rs 60,000 as the first instalment.

The government was taking all steps to prevent poaching of tigers for its skin, which had huge demand in national and global market.

Last month, a special team had seized two tiger skins and one panther skin from poachers and steps were initiated to detain 14 poachers involved in it, under the Goondas Act. Some people from Kerala were also indulging in smuggling tiger skins. ''We have taken steps to prevent such incidents,'' he added.

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