Ravi appeals to TN political parties to withdraw rail roko

New Delhi, Aug 25 (UNI) Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) Minister Vayalar Ravi today appealed to the people and political parties of Tamil Nadu to desist from the blockade of train services to Kerala on the Salem railway division issue.

He made the appeal as the blockade has put to hardships, the people returning home for a union with their families for the 'Onam' festival.

Appreciating Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for taking the initiative for a smooth flow of trains to Kerala, he hoped that Mr Karunanidhi's advice would be heeded by the agitationists in the state.

Mr Ravi also thanked Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan for his efforts in creating a good neighbourliness with Tamil Nadu.

He pointed out that Kerala and Tamil Nadu shared common culture and interests.

''People of both the states have been living as good friends and neighbours,'' he said, pointing out that issues like Salem division, should not come in the way of such a camaraderie existing for long.

The Salem railway division issue had ''almost been sorted out'' and the apprehension of Tamil Nadu would be removed soon, he said.

''Such agitations will help to create enmity than friendship,'' he warned.

The ruling DMK and other political parties had announced 'Rail Roko' today in Salem, Coimbatore and Erode districts demanding creation of the new division by including Coimbatore and Tirupur sections.

Agitators blocked the Kochi-bound Gorakhpur Express, among others , protesting Railway Minister Lalu Prasad's statement in the Parliament early this week that the division would be created only after holding a meeting between Tamil Nadu and Kerala chief ministers.

Kerala is opposed to formation of the Salem division by transferring a vast area of the existing Palakkad railway division to the new division in Tamil Nadu.

UNI