MDMK man attempts self-immolation against Neutrino project

A 25-year-old MDMK volunteer today set himself ablaze here in protest against the proposed Neutrino project at nearby Theni district, police said.

The incident occurred shortly before party leader Vaiko was to start his 10-day 'padayatra,' to create awareness on the 'impact' of the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project on the farm lands.

Ravi, the party cadre set himself on fire near the dais where Vaiko was addressing the gathering at a meeting in the city.

The fire was doused and he was rushed to a private hospital for treatment, police said.

The Centre had recently granted environmental clearance for the project.

The DMK working president M K Stalin inaugurated the padayatra, from the city to Theni.

Various parties in the state have been opposing the project and demanding that the state government put on hold the clearance to be given by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for the same.

The DMK had at a recent meeting of the party's executive committee adopted a resolution asking the Tamil Nadu government to approach the National Green Tribunal against the environmental clearance given to INO by the Centre.