Citizens' Statement: Repression in Koodankulam

We are appalled at the police repression unleashed on the people protesting peacefully against the Koodan­kulam nuclear plant. The repression has forced them to take to a jal satyagraha.

Their legitimate, and as yet unaddres­sed, concerns about the plant’s safety were heightened by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board’s recent admission that it has not implemented the recommendations of its own review committee, including revision of safety parameters, and installation of backup freshwater and power sources. No emergency-evacuation drill was conducted as mandated, in a 16-kilometre radius, prior to fuel-loading.