CPM plays the mediator

The CPIM leadership contacted both governments and asked them to 8220;contain8221; their emotional outbursts. 8220;Look for an amicable settlement which will look after the interest of both the states,8221; the states were told.

The intervention seems to have worked with both governments agreeing to act in a more responsible manner. Blockades at check posts were cleared and life returned to normal along the borders.

8220;Do nothing that would worsen the situation,8221; the CPIM asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and his Kerala counterpart V S Achuthanandan today. The CPIM is the ruling party in Kerala and an DMK ally across the border.

The CPIM has also decided to hold a meeting of the CMs on November 29.

NDMA on standby

THE National Disaster Management Authority NDMA is preparing to face any eventuality in case anything happens to the 110-year-old dam. It has arranged four battalions of the National Disaster Response Force NDRF to tackle the situation. The force is based at Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu. 8220;We are prepared to face any eventuality,8221; said NDMA member secretary K M Singh, adding that the authority was in constant touch with both governments.