Stray violence in TN over Mullaperiyar dam issue

The agitation over the dam turned violent on Monday after Youth Congress workers at Kumily in Idukki stoned Tamil Nadu trucks. Besides,Sabarimala pilgrims from TN were waylaid in Kerala,creating tension in TNs border towns of Theni and Cumbum,where Keralites vehicles were targeted.

Kerala CM Ooommen Chandy and Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan have called for restraint.

The Kerala Cabinet,meanwhile,decided to submit a fresh affidavit in the HC in a slew of pleas related to the issue,to give more punch to the states arguments.

Chandy said a Cabinet sub-committee of four ministers would prepare the new affidavit after consulting all departments concerned.

Advocate-General K P Dandapani had come under severe criticism following his submission in the HC on the dam issue. Subsequently,he was asked to explain before Wednesdays Cabinet about the controversial affidavit.

Chandy said the Cabinet was convinced the AG had explained the governments stand in court. The demand for action against AG was a closed chapter,he said. Earlier,the executive of the state unit of the Congress wanted that the AG should go.

Meanwhile,Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan on Wednesday fasted at Vandiperiyar in Idukki,as part of the agitation for a new dam. The CPM has planned a human chain from Kochi to Vandiperiyar on Thursday.