Vaiko urges PM to deploy central forces to protect dam

Chennai, Jan 3 (UNI) MDMK General Secretary Vaiko today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to immediately deploy CISF and para-military forces to protect the Mullaiperiyar Dam following reports of damage caused to its main parapet wall.

In a letter to Dr Singh yesterday, a copy of which was released to the press here today, Mr Vaiko also urged the Prime Minister to take appropriate measures to ensure that the storage level in the dam was raised to 142 ft as per the Supreme Court verdict.

Expressing shock over damage caused to the dam's wall, he alleged this malicious act of anti-nationals in Kerala could not have been done without police connivance and authorities guarding the dam.

Mr Vaiko also demanded that the safety of the dam should be entrusted with the Union Government without any further delay to prevent any attempt to damage it.

Referring to statements made by Kerala Ministers, he said 'there is a genuine apprehension that conspirators with malicious intention would resort to abominable activities to damage and destroy the dam', he said, adding that if any such incident occurred it would be a direct assault on the unity of the country.

The letter was handed over to the Prime Minister last night by MDMK MPs Krishnan and Ravichandran when he arrived at the airport here on a two-day visit to the state.

UNI