Protest march by farmers on Mullaperiyar dam issue turns violent
State Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam's car was attacked by a mob near Lower Camp on the Theni-Kumuli highway on Sunday evening as a protest march and demonstration by farmers on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue turned violent.
When the Minister's convoy was trying cross a barricade erected by the police near the Lower Camp, an angry mob pelted the car with stones, broomsticks and footwear, condemning the government's “failure” to protect their interests.
Lathicharge
The police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Mr. Panneerselvam escaped unhurt.
As the news about lathicharge spread, protesters near Goodalur gathered on the Theni-Kumuli highway to block the convoy.
Convoy diverted
The Minister's convoy was diverted through a rural road near Suruli falls to reach Theni from Lower Camp.
A private van was set on fire in Cumbum town and window glasses of an NGO office near Lower Camp were smashed, the police said.
Meanwhile, the road blockade and demonstration by farmers and local people on the dam issue entered the seventh day on Sunday.
Movement of vehicles and transportation of commodities like vegetables, rice and milk was completely stopped owing to continuous stir.
Over 40,000 people from several villages in Cumbum valley and also from Kamayagoundenpatti, Surulipatti, Goodalur, Cumbum, Chinnamnur, Theni, Andipatti and nearby areas took out a rally towards the Kumuli check post, despite the barricades. Women carrying broomsticks too joined the stir and raised slogans against Kerala.
They demanded that the Tamil Nadu government pass a resolution to raise the dam level to 142 feet. Farmers, who could not participate in rallies, observed a fast. Collector K.S. Palanisamy and South Zone IG Rajesh Das pacified the protesters and asked them to go back.
The protesters returned to villages in the evening.
Keywords: Mullaperiyar dam row, Kumily violence, protest march, O. Panneerselvam
@P.Johnson,We,Tamilians also know well why Kerala is interested in discussions and negotiations now,when the Supreme court is about to give it's verdict in the Mullaiperiyar dispute.Fearing that the verdict may once again go in favour of Tamilnadu,Kerala is evincing interest in negotiations now.What were you doing during the last 5 years?We also know that the intentions of kerala are not the safety of the kerala people but try to get more money from Tamilnadu by entering into a new agreement after cancelling the old one.Remember one thing,water in the hands of kerala is worth nothing,as you are not capable of using it for any productive purposes,whereas the same water ,when comes to Tamilnadu is worth thousands of crores as we convert it into agricultural produce by our sheer hardwork and efforts.
Kerala is a state and Keralites are the people, have seen the most massive procession. Group of few thousands of Tamilians cannot scare Keralites.Don't waste time making processions.In both the states some political parties are trying to fish in the dirty water.I am very confident that Jaya, in her heart knows well that the dam is in some danger. But if she say a word from her heart, it will be a political suicide she will be making. DMK and other opposition parties will blame Jayalalitha for selling Tamilnadu. This will help the opposition politically. Jayalalitha also did the same thing when DMK was in power until last year. So the best bet for Jayalalitha is to depend on Supreme Court. If Supreme Court rules for a new Dam, it serves two purposes for Jayalalitha. One, her hearts desire is fullfilled. Second, can blame supreme court and she can come out of the problem with out any political damage. Smart move Jaya, we all know why Tamilnadu is not willing for discussions.
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