Thermal power plant opposers stage dharna

Padubidre, Karnataka, Dec 22 (UNI) Over 200 activists of Nagarjuna Vidyut Virodhi Horata Samithi today commenced a peaceful dharna here in protest against the Karnataka Government's ''adamant'' stand of forcing the proposed coal-based thermal power plant on the people of Udupi, despite widespread protests.

The black badge-sporting protesters, including BJP MP from Udupi Manorama Madhwaraj, Samithi President Pramod Madhwaraj, Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon, former Minister Vasanth V Salian and Nandikur Jana Jagriti Samiti President Laxman Shetty, sat on a dharna near the junction of Padubidre and Karkala. The dharna will continue till January 12 from 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs daily.

Later, speaking to reporters here, Mr Madhwaraj said the Samithi condemned the Government's ''adamant'' stand of not holding talks with elected representatives from Udupi district and Samithi leaders as assured by the Chief Minister to Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swamiji of Udupi Pejavar Mutt. He also condemned the district administration for carrying out fencing work at the project site by extending prohibitory orders, imposed on November 17, for one more week from today.

He said the Samithi had decided to put up a road blockade from Ullal, the southern end of Dakshina Kannada district, to Byndoor, the northern end of Udupi district, to show the strength of people opposing the project.

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