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Title: Need to include Coimbatore and Nilgiris Junctions in the porposed Salem Division of the Railways.
(POLLACHI): Sir, I am speaking on behalf of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam headed by Shri Vaiko, leader of Tamils.
As per the Dinamalar daily Tamil newspaper dated 3rd December, 2004, it has been noticed that a new Division for Railways is being contemplated with the Headquarters at Salem, Tamil Nadu. Salem Division is being created by dividing Olavakod (Palghat) Division of Kerala State. In the constituents of railway stations proposed for Salem Division, it is said that Coimbatore junction and Nilgiris junction are excluded and as such, Coimbatore and Nilgiris stations are proposed to be included and retained in Olavakod Division of Kerala.
The inclusion of Coimbatore and Nilgiris in Olavakod Divuision is being regretted by the concerned people of the districts at large. They resent the very thinking of leaving Coimbatore and Nilgiris with Olavakod, Kerala.
I am just bringing to the notice of the House about the fact that the people of Coimbatore and Nilgiris will no longer accept the linking of these districts with Olavakod (Palghat) Kerala State, any longer, as the Salem Division in Tamil Nadu will be more appropriate for their easy approach. Thus, the sentiments and long awaited will and desire of the people of the two districts, Coimbatore and Nilgiris, should be kept in mind by the Railway authorities before taking and clinching at finalisation of forming Salem Division without Coimbatore and Nilgiris junctions.