Ensure keralites safety: Oommen Chandy to Jaya

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Sunday wrote a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa requesting her to take immediate steps to prevent any sort of violence against Keralites residing in Tamil Nadu over the Mullaperiyar dam issue. Chandy wrote that the situation should be brought under control and security of Keralites ensured.“Action should be taken against those involved in the attacks. Media reports are coming out about attacks on Keralites in various parts of Tamil Nadu.“When discussion to end the present problem with Tamil Nadu on the Mullaperiyar issue is taking place, such attacks would further escalate tension. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister should appeal to the people not to indulge in such sort of attacks,” he said.Chandy said he was ready for a joint statement on the dam issue to restore peace in the region and build up confidence of the people.Chandy’s letter comes in the backdrop of various shops and commercial establishments owned by Keralites in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu reportedly being attacked.The Kerala Government has taken all necessary steps to prevent any attacks on people from Tamil Nadu residing in Kerala, he said.“All the parties in the state have urged for peace. Police have been deployed in sensitive places, including Kumily, to prevent any violence. There is a huge inflow of pilgrims to Sabarimala and the state government has taken necessary steps to give security to those visiting the shrine,” he wrote.Thousands of students from Kerala are studying in various Tamil Nadu colleges and many people are also working there. With recent reports of violence on Keralites, parents and relatives of those residing in Tamil Nadu are very much concerned.Chandy blamed a section of media for spreading rumours that women workers from Tamil Nadu were attacked in Theni and termed it ‘totally baseless’.“The Kerala Govt is committed to ensuring protection to the workers from Tamil Nadu. It is unfortunate that the Mullaperiyar issue has become a point of contention between the two states in such a way that the life of the common man is in danger. This must stop immediately and we expect full cooperation from the Tamil Nadu Govt and its people,” he added.