Vaiko to observe fast against Kudankulam plant

Charging the Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee with "intimitating people" over the consquences of stopping work at the controversial Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) site, MDMK chief Vaiko today said he would head a fast at Idinthakarai on November 5 supporting the anti-KNPP stir.

There was a need for environmental protectionists and those interested in protecting the Tamil people's interest to support the agitation, he said in a statement. In light of the protests against the KNPP, Banerjee had recently said that "minimum activity" was necessary to maintain the Plant's health and future.

Since the hot run was over at the Power Plant I which had come "very close to completion," the cooling system needs to continue in circulation, he had said.

"The coolant should not be allowed to stagnate as it will create problem in the future. Minimum maintenance activity is required for the health of the plant and its future," he said.

Vaiko said that have been attempts "by some under instigation from the Centre to blame unncessarily the Christian community in the area for the agitation".

The agitators, he said, had launched the stir "solely keeping public interest in mind".

Peaceful demonstrations would be held in all the headquarters of the southern districts of the State on Nov 5, demanding scrapping of the KNPP, he said.