Venkaiah Naidu appeals for calm in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu

New Delhi, Sep 13 Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday appealed to the people of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for calm and said there was no justification for the violence over the Cauvery water dispute, especially after the order of the apex court.

"The violence in the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu further to the direction of the Supreme Court on release of Cauvery waters to Tamil Nadu is quite disturbing. Such violence can't be justified on any ground and particularly, after the direction of the highest Court of the country," he told media here.

The Minister also appealed to media to exercise restraint while reporting the incidents from the two states.

"Highlighting such incidents visually and otherwise might incite further violence," he said.

Naidu said the apex court has given an order on the issue and the leadership of both the states should find a way out to deal with it.

"Water is no doubt a sensitive and emotive issue and particularly, in times of scarcity. It is in the fitness of things that such issues are resolved through discussions among the concerned parties. The Cauvery Waters issue is sub-judice and the Supreme Court has given a direction after listening to both the States. If still there are any issues, leadership of both the States could discuss the same and come out with a way forward," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also appealed to the people of the both the states to maintain peace and not to indulge in violence.

IANS