Anti-nuke protesters threaten to picket KNPP

People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy, spearheading the agitation against Kundankulam Nuclear Power Plant, today said its supporters would picket the plant if the Centre tries to "suddenly" commission it. "Thousands of people including children will picket Kundankulam Nuclear Power Plant if the Centre makes efforts to suddenly commission it," movement coordinator S P Udhayakumar said in a statement here. He said Minister of State in PMO V Narayanaswamy had openly admitted to problems in valves of the plant supplied by a Russian company and wondered how it could be so when it had been certified by reputed scientists. He recalled the scientists as having stated that a seven-tier safety system is in place in the 'state-of-the-art' plant. "But a minister himself says there are problems with the valves," Udayakumar said. He said more than one month had elapsed after top Atomic Board officials stated that KNPP would be commissioned within 15 days. "There should be some problem with the plant or they are trying to commission it suddenly. Any such efforts would be met with stiff resistance and people will picket the plant peacefully. The 'jail bharo' agitation will be held throughout the state," he said in a statement. Commercial operation of the 1000 MW first unit of the Indo-Russian project which has been delayed following anti-nuclear protests, is expected to commence this month. The over 500-day long protest against KNPP, spearheaded by PMANE, citing safety concerns has largely contributed to delay in commissioning of the plant.