TIRUNELVELI: Seeking release of the nine arrested anti-Koodankulam plant protesters and revocation of the Cabinet resolution favouring the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), PMANE (People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy) leaders S P Udayakumar and M Pushparayan began a fast-unto-death at Idinthakarai on Monday.Speaking to Express, Udayakumar said: “It is very unfortunate that the state government has changed its decision. It was a sudden decision. We feel the government must have come under heavy pressure from the Centre. While Tamils are relieved after India decided to back the UN resolution against Sri Lanka, this has come as a big shock. This is injustice on the people of the State,” he added.Udayakumar noted that the nuclear authorities had not conducted any disaster or evacuation training exercises for the people living around 30 km of the plant. “If they try to load the fuel rods and commission the plant, it would be a crime as per the AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) and international stipulations,” he said. He further said that the Tirunelveli Collector had been inviting them to discuss the issue since Sunday. “If the State is serious about the issue, it should be ready to discuss it with experts from PMANE and those at the national and international levels,” he said.Addressing the protesters, he advised them to exercise restraint if they were to be arrested. He also called upon people to join the protest at the venue or observe protests in their villages or places of worship.
Comments
0 comment