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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s appeal to the people of the State to keep patience on the Hogenakkal issue till the general elections in Karnataka are over is welcome. It was certainly the need of the hour. Mr. Karunanidhi’s statement is mature, realistic, timely and nationalistic. One hopes his message will have the right impact on the turbulent situation and lead to calm on both sides. The quick reaction to his statement from the leaders of Karnataka is indeed overwhelming and positive. By acting in the manner they did, the leaders in both States have sent a timely Ugadi message to the people.

H.K. Lakshman Rao,

Chennai

It is good that both sides have at last realised that there are better options for settling the Hogenakkal drinking water project issue. The people, Tamilians or Kannadigas, are peace-loving. It is the vested interests that exploit the situation and inflame the people’s sentiment. Aggressive statements and violent demonstrations do nothing more than precipitating the issue. Inter-State problems can be settled only by democratic means. Peace and harmony should not be made victims of exaggerated self-respect and sentiment.

R. Ponnarassi,

Vellore

The leaders of both States should try to solve the problem amicably through consensus. They should remember Gandhiji’s message that the means are as important as the end. It is hoped the people will make a humane gesture of brotherhood irrespective of race, region and religion.

S.D. Sharanappa,

New Delhi

The row over water-sharing between the two States has all the hallmarks of being a precursor to the degeneration of the federal structure into warring fiefdoms. Taking such issues to courts or tribunals does not help because every State appeals to them with the hope that it will get a favourable verdict. And no State accepts an unfavourable verdict.

The Cauvery-Hogenakkal issue can be resolved best if politicians give voluntary undertakings. Tamil Nadu should voluntarily reduce its share of the Cauvery waters awarded by the tribunal. Karnataka should voluntarily accept the Hogenakkal drinking water scheme and withdraw any territorial claims in the area. And both States should give an undertaking that they will not ban each other’s entertainment channels.

S. Nityananda,

Bangalore

The Hogenakkal drinking water project has become a major source of controversy in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Such controversies will weaken the federal set-up. Street demonstrations, hunger strikes and damage to public property cannot help to solve the problem. It is earnestly hoped that the political leaders from both States will sort out the issue amicably.

Nemani Vivekananda Rao,

Hyderabad

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