Date:09/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/09/stories/2007020905590500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Girish Karnad clarifies on statement

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: Playwright Girish Karnad has denied having made any statement that Karnataka should not appeal against the award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

In a clarification on Thursday, Mr. Karnad said the tribunal provided for an appeal and he did not make any reference to it as the decision was up to the State Government.

Mr. Karnad said the tribunal was formed with the concurrence of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

The three States and the Union Territory had committed themselves to abiding by the tribunal's decision as a permanent solution to the dispute.

"I have pointed out that we were honour bound to accept the award, and that otherwise the dispute could go on for ever," he said.

It may be recalled that Mr. Karnad's statement had drawn protests from certain sections.