Civil society members warn of “nuclear Nandigram”
Civil society members, including former judges, writers, scientists, academicians, filmmakers and lawyers, have condemned the Tamil Nadu government’s decision “to give the green signal to commissioning of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) and the massive deployment of police force to crush the peaceful agitation.”
Releasing an appeal to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, journalist and writer Gnani said though the protesters had not indulged in violence, the government had deployed police and Central forces as if it was preparing for a war against another country.
“Knowing the resolve of the agitating communities, the government’s hard line and posturing can only lead to a nuclear Nandigram,” he said, quoting a statement, whose signatories included retired Chief of Naval Staff Admiral L. Ramdas, retired Maharastra High Court Judge Kolse Patil, human rights activists Binayak Sen, National Advisory Council members Aruna Roy and Harsh Mander, columnist Praful Bidwai and former Vice-Chancellor Vasanti Devi.
Mr. Gnani wanted to know why Ms. Jayalalithaa, who had campaigned in Sankarankoil by-election, could not visit the nearby Kudankulam and address the concerns of the people.
Manushyaputhiran, another writer, requested the Chief Minister not to play into the hands of the Centre which had been planning to crush the agitation of the local people. “If any untoward incidents take place in the area, the Chief Minister will be held responsible,” he said.
Actor Rohini said as a responsible citizen it was her duty to voice her support for the agitating people.
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