Anti-nuke protestors observe Independence day as 'Black day'

Tirunelveli (TN) Aug 15:

protestors opposed to Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant today observed the 66th Independence Day as "Black Day," and hoisted black flags at public places, opposing the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board approval to load fuel into the first reactor.

SP Udayakumar, leading the protests under the aegis of People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE), said people's views had been ignored as regards the nuclear plant and therefore today's protest.

Describing AERB's nod to load fuel in the first reactor as "undemocratic" and "authoritarian," PMANE said in a statement that Indian nuclear establishment's decision "insults the Madras High Court, violates the Indian Constitution and pawns Indian independence with the Russian government."

"The UPA government does not enjoy absolute majority in Parliament and hence should not be allowed to take crucial national decisions at the fag end of their tenure in power."

PMANE said the UPA government has lost its credibility, legitimacy, respect and trust among the people of India and "is compromising our independence, sovereignty and the fundamental freedom."

PTI