Mullaperiyar row: PM worried over violence in the 2 states

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today told Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu that he was "very much worried" over incidents of violence in border areas in the state and Kerala over the Mullaperiyar Dam issue.

He told a delegation of Congress MPs from the state that leaders and people of both states should remain calm and patient till the issue is resolved in an amicable manner.

The delegation brought to Singh's attention the impression that the Centre was not doing enough to cool the tempers over the issue.

"The Prime Minister told us that he was very much worried over the issue and that he wanted officials of both states to meet first. He also noted that Tamil Nadu boycotted lastweek's meeting and assured us that further steps would be taken," Virudhunagar MP Manicka Tagore said.

When the MPs told Singh about the alleged attack on Tamil Nadu Finance Minister O Pannerselvam and other incidents, the Prime Minister said he was "very much worried" over such incidents and counselled patience till the issue is resolved.

"The Prime Minister told us that he was worried after several incidents on the border between the two states. He said everyone has to remain calm. He said we have to wait for the court verdict too," the MP said.