PM writes to Jaya: ‘don’t create alarm’

Amid a war of words between the two states and leaders from Kerala and Tamil Nadu queuing up to meet him,the Prime Minister wrote to Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa,calling for an “amicable and mutually acceptable solution” to the vexed issue.

In the last few days,delegations from Kerala and Tamil Nadu have met him to seek his intervention.

“I am sure that,given goodwill on both sides,an amicable and mutually acceptable solution can be found through a process of dialogue and communication. I have accordingly advised the Ministry of Water Resources to arrange an early meeting between the officials of the two sides to sort out outstanding issues and allay genuine concerns,” he said in his letter.

Informing her about his meeting with a delegation of ministers from Kerala on the issue,Singh told Jayalalithaa,“I have pointed out to them (the Kerala delegation) that the matter is currently before the Supreme Court Empowered Committee. I believe nothing should be said or done to create undue alarm among the people.”

Jayalalithaa had written to him Tuesday urging him to advise Kerala not to precipitate matters in the interest of both the states.

Meanwhile,Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister on Friday to seek his intervention for construction of a new dam.

A delegation of AIADMK MPs would also meet Singh to argue Tamil Nadu’s case,sources said.

While the CPM in Kerala is vociferously demanding construction of a new dam,the party’s central leadership took a neutral stand. The CPM politburo which met on Thursday was silent on the demand for a new dam.

A statement issued by the party gave equal weightage to Tamil Nadu’s concerns about continued water supply and Kerala’s apprehensions about the dam’s safety. It urged the Centre to intervene to ensure the safety of the dam.

A delegation of Left MPs from Tamil Nadu led by CPI’s D Raja met Singh on Thursday and sought his intervention. “Since it is an inter state dispute,it is appropriate that you have to take an initiative to call a meeting of both the chief ministers to find an amicable solution keeping in view the interests of both states,” the delegation said in a memorandum to the Prime Minister.