Members of the All India Traditional Fishermen Association protested against the treatment meted to anti-KKNPP protestors in front of the Chepauk Palace here on Sunday.
They have placed several demands to the State government which include revokal of section 144 (unlawful assembly with any deadly weapon) imposed in Kudankulam and withdrawal of police personnel deployed there.
“Although the people have been protesting peacefully, police have been attacking them. We condemn this act of the police. It is unfortunate that the fishermen are subjected to such treatment,” said S. A. Magesh, president of the association.
At Manappadu in Tuticorin district, fisherman Anthony John died in police firing. The policemen involved should be dismissed at once, he said. “If we are truly living in a democracy, then people should be the ones taking decisions. Though we trust the State government, we think the centre has given a wrong impression and is forcing the State to open the plant,” he added.
Fishermen who reside near the Kalpakkam plant who participated in the protest said that several of those living there have been affected.
“Research shows that people in Kalpakkam already have cleft lip, birth defects as well as cancer. The Congress leaders who have extended their support for the Kudankulam plant should be ready to stay there. If they are willing, then the people are willing to consider the opening of the plant,” said ‘Airport’ Moorthy, president of Paraiyar Peravai.
