Misadventure in dam detrimental to country's unity: Vaiko

Madurai, Dec 18 (UNI) Marumalarchi DMK (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko today said that any ''misadventure'' on the part of Kerala in the Periyar Dam issue will prove ''detrimental to the unity and integrity of the country.'' The threats by Kerala Irrigation Minister N K Premachandran through the media, to demolish the dam were not only ''provocative but would be counter productive,'' he said addressing a huge gathering before commencing his six-day-long padayatra to retrieve the rights of Tamil Nadu over the Mullaiperiyar dam.

''The day when the dam is demolished will be the day when the country's unity is torn into pieces,'' he cautioned and said the power of the Centre would be questioned if it could not ensure the rights of the Tamil Nadu farmers, even after an apex court order.

Charging the Karunanidhi Government of having betrayed the interests of the state, the MDMK leader accused the Centre of complicity in this act.

He alleged that the Chief Minister, to protect the interests of his family, had sacrificed the rights of the state in this ticklish issue as was the case with Cauvery.

The DMK Government was also faulted for not countering Kerala's campaign casting aspersions on the safety of the dam, even after the Supreme court order in February. The DMK regime not only failed to utilise the many opportunities provided by the apex court but remained in deep slumber while Kerala was spreading one hoax after another, he added.

Describing the talks between the Chief Ministers as a failure, Mr Vaiko said the current dialogue at the ministerial level would also prove futile. With Kerala remaining adamant in not raising the level beyond 136 ft, what could be expected from the talks, as advised by the court, he asked.

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