Tamils want Idukki district to be annexed to Tamil Nadu

The disharmony between the Kerala and Tamil Nadu states over the Mullaperiyar dam issue is taking new dimensions with the recent incidents. The most surprising incident is the demand put forward from the side of the Tamils to attach Kerala's second largest district, Idukki to Tamil Nadu. The Mullaperiyar dam is situated in the Idukki district. Idukki is rich with natural beauty and biodiversity.

On tuesday, more than 200 persons, including AIADMK activists, tea plant workers and taxi drivers, organised a demonstration rally from Munnar to Chinnar demanding the attachment of Idukki district to Tamil Nadu. This was just a day after the meeting was held between the Prime Minister and the MPs from Tamil Nadu on the Mullaperiyar row. The main argument that they uphold for this demand is most of the Idukki residents are of Tamil origin. The protestors claimed that the 90% of the people in Idukki are Tamils. The rally took place without the permission of Police, though was not violent. About 10 persons have been arrested regarding the rally. The protesters raised slogans supporting Tamil Nadu and chief minister Jayalalitha.

Earlier 2 Congress MPs from Tamil Nadu JM Haroon Rashid and NSV Chittan had demanded the Prime Minister's initiative to annex Idukki to TamilNadu. This is what triggered the rally.

The Kerala politicians and ministers laughed off such a demand from the neighbouring state. Revenue Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan opined that the demand is from those who don't know basic geography of Kerala and ridiculous. Represantatives of different political parties in Kerala condemned the demand strongly.

To boost the demand, 7 Congress MPs from Tamil Nadu conducted demonstration in Parliament. The Tamil actor and politician Vijayakant is also on fast regarding the issue.