Jaitapur: 14 protesters held after CM’s visit by Yogita Limaye

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan’s visit to Jaitapur didn’t cut any ice with locals protesting the 9900 MW nuclear power project planned there.

Soon after, several people were arrested in a case of rioting filed in December, the arrest of Dr Milind Desai, a local protester who was stopped by industries minister Narayana Rane while slamming the government on stage has further incensed the situation.

Activists now allege that the arrests are a state government ploy to suppress the people’s tribunal scheduled to be held at Jaitapur on March and March 7.

 

Activist Justice PB Sawant said, "People who spoke when the Chief Minister came and even those who didn’t have been arrested. They don’t want the people’s court to happen, this is state terrorism."

The Chief Minister says he is open to dialogue with project-affected families but has also accused unnamed outsiders of instigating villagers to protest. Chavan has also promised best possible compensation.

"Over and above what is provided by the act, ex-gratia payment, best possible will be decided and getting that for the people affected is our job," said Chavan.

 

Project Director of Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project at NPCIL, CB Jain said, "The state government will make this announcement and then NPCIL, and then we will have to pay the amount."

Protestors though say the struggle is not about compensation, but safety and the environment of the Konkan coast.

Protesters have taken their struggle from Jaitapur to Mumbai, to Delhi and even on Facebook as No Nuke Konkan and if the government doesn’t take note of the outcome of the people’s tribunal, they are willing to take their battle to the court.