CHENNAI: Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko has demanded a constitutional amendment to empower the Centre to implement the rulings of tribunals and Supreme Court judgments.

Participating in the golden jubilee celebration of the formation of Tamil Nadu here on Wednesday, Mr. Vaiko questioned the State Government's decision to have negotiations with the Kerala Government on raising the storage level of the Mullaperiyar dam.

Where was the question of talks with Kerala when the Supreme Court had given a clear ruling in favour of Tamil Nadu, the MDMK leader asked.

It was the duty of the Centre to implement the Supreme Court ruling, he said.

If it the Centre failed in this regard, people would then lose faith in it. This would not be good for national unity, he said.

"Time to unite"

Mr. Vaiko said it was unfortunate that in the reorganisation of States on linguistic basis, the State had lost to neighbouring states many areas where Tamils were in a majority.

At least now Tamils should unite to protect the interests of the State, he said.

Criticising the Centre for remaining silent on alleged atrocities of the Sri Lankan Army on Tamils in the island, Mr. Vaiko said at least on humanitarian grounds the Centre should supply food and essential articles to the suffering Tamils though international agencies such as the Red Cross.

P. Nedumaran of Tamil Desiya Iyakkam criticised the State Government for its failure to protect the interests of the State on the Mullaperiyar issue.

Call for joint celebrations

Former MP Era. Sezhian said at least on such occasions, political parties should unite and organise joint celebrations.

Senior advocate R. Gandhi said the State should be proud of its achievements in various fields.

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