Janasamrakshana Samithi burns effigy of TN chief minister
Thodupuzha: Protesting Tamil Nadu govt’s announcement that the water level in Mullaperiyar Dam would be raised to 152 feet despite Kerala’s opposition, Janasamrakshana Samithi burned an effigy of TN CM Joseph Vijay on Friday.The protest was organised in Thodupuzha as part of the inauguration of the samithi‘s statewide agitation demanding the cancellation of the alleged illegal 999-year lease agreement and decommissioning of Mullaperiyar Dam. Protesters also burned a copy of the lease agreement.The samithi alleged that provisions in the lease agreement renewed in 1970, without discussion in Kerala Legislative Assembly or consultation with experts, had weakened Kerala’s position in the legal battle before Supreme Court.The samithi said Kerala would gain an advantage in the case if the lease agreement was presented before the assembly and a decision taken to cancel it. It also demanded that the state govt convene a special session of the assembly for thepurpose.Samithi office-bearers said Tamil Nadu’s announcement without consulting Kerala and allegedly disregarding the SC verdict was a challenge to the state. They demanded urgent steps from Kerala govt to avert the possibility of a disaster at Mullaperiyar.Samithi general convener P T Sreekumar presided over the protest. Samithi chairperson Roy Varikatt inaugurated the programme. C A Joy, Nixon Kandirikkan, Deepu Karimpani, Jessy Johny, Saju Tharanilam, C N Mani, Sreeraj Chittakkat, Tojo Joseph, Kallarakkal Geethu E G, Babu Mundakkal,Thomas Katangottil, Baby Chembarathi and Shaina Beevi spoke.
