Kudankulam: Protestors on 'Jal Satyagraha' mode

, Sept 13: The anti-nuclear plant stir in Kudankulam seems to have gathered more force after social activist

joined the protest on Wednesday. But in spite of the constant reassurances from the state and central agencies on the safety of the plant, the protestors are in no mood to back off from the agitation. To take the protest a notch higher, the activists have now planned to enter the sea as part of the protest to carry out a 'Jal Satyagraha'.

The state administration and the protestors are hardening their stand on the controversial Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project. SP Udayakumar, leader of People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) spearheading the anti-nuclear protest, is evading arrest and refusing to surrender as well.

Apart from Kejriwal, the matter has been taken up by noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan. He has moved the Supreme Court to seek an immediate stay on the plant's operation. The protestors have made four demands including immediate stalling of fuel-loading in KNPP, no arrest of anti-nuclear movement leaders, compensation to those who suffered losses and release of those who were taken into custody after the police crackdown.

In his spirited speech, Kejriwal, who is in Kudankulam, stated, "The police is ransacking the houses of the people living here. 40 boats of poor fishermen have been destroyed by the policemen. This is not maintaining law and order. I request the police to be more humane."

Taking on the central and state governments head-on, Kejriwal in an open dare said, "Let all the papers be made public and there be a public debate on whether the plant is safe for the people. If it is proved that the plant is safe, then let the plant open and if it is unsafe, let it be shut. We demand the poor not be charged. Let the government be transparent."

Meanwhile, the entire village of Kudankulam and adjoining Idinthakarai was sealed with police raiding the houses of villagers and restricting the movement of goods unless they are essential commodities. Udayakumar, however, remains elusive in spite of his earlier offer to surrender.

OneIndia News