Jaya warns of agitation against Govt on sand quarrying issue

Chennai, Aug 18 (UNI) AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa today warned that she would lead a mass agitation if the Tamil Nadu government did not cancel the sand quarrying permit on the Vaigai river bed in southern Andipatti district.

In a statement here, she said Vaigai river was the main source of drinking water for the people of Andipatti and was also used for irrigation purposes.

''If the govrenment did not cancel the sand quarrying permit, I will personally lead a mass protest demonstration against the government,'' she added.

She also charged Chief Minister M Karunanidhi with acting contrary to his own statement that strict action would be taken against those involved in illegal sand quarrying.

''Till date no government had permitted quarrying on the stretch of Duraisamipuram to Ayyanarpuram bed. But the ruling DMK has given permission to benefit its partymen,'' she alleged.

Ms Jayalalithaa's announcement comes a day after PMK founder Dr Ramadoss announced a protest demonstration against the ruling DMK on sand mining issue in Thiruvallur district on August 20.

UNI