KOCHI: Defying Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s advice to desist from holding protests on the Mullaperiyar issue, Finance Minister K M Mani observed a day-long fast, which he termed as a ‘prayer endeavour’ at Chappath in Vandiperiyar on Monday. Addressing a massive crowd, Mani said he observed the fast not as a minister but as the chairman of Kerala Congress and an Indian citizen. He welcomed the Tamil Nadu decision of agreeing to discussions on the issue. “It’s a positive development though it does not mean that it will solve the issue,” he said.Mani pointed out Tamil Nadu’s primary opposition is against destroying the existing dam. What’s more important is ensuring the safety of the people staying downstream. The state government is more concerned abut the safety of people. The government is seriously considering the possibility of constructing a protective wall about 1,300 ft below the existing dam so that the issue of safety would be addressed. The water level at the existing dam should be brought down to 120 ft, Mani demanded adding that even if the water level is maintained at 110 ft, there won’t be any decrease in the quantity of water being given to Tamil Nadu for agricultural purposes. He stresses on the need for the issue to be settled through discussions between the chief ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Mani said the Mullaperiyar Samara Samithi can continue its strike as it is not against the people. The people staying downstream of Mullaperiyar dam are under constant fear. That’s the reason why the relay hunger strike by the Mullaperiyar Samara Samithi completed 1,810 days. The fast began at 9 am and lasted till 5 pm. Jose K Mani MP, former minister Mons Joseph and many Kerala Congress activists took part in the day-long fast. The Chief Minister had the other day asked the ministers not to engage in any kinds of protests on the Mullaperiyar issue. However K M Mani staged a fast in Chappath while Water Resources Minister P J Joseph observed a fast in New Delhi on Monday.
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