The police action against anti-Kudankulam protesters evoked strong reaction from the leaders of various political parties. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) have announced demonstrations on Tuesday.
In a statement here, MDMK general secretary Vaiko said he would lead an agitation in Karur, while senior leaders of his party would launch a similar protest in Chennai.
PMK leader S. Ramadoss called upon his partymen to organise protests and demonstration across the State in support of Kudankulam people.
CPI (M) state secretary G. Ramakrishnan in a resolution adopted at a State secretariat meeting condemned the police firing, but urged protesters to give up their agitations to ensure peace in that area. “The government also should take all steps for return of normality,” he said.
Mr. Vaiko said entry of police into the church showed the height of arrogance, alleging that the police had indiscriminately targeted everyone in Kudankulam.
“The State government should not allow functioning of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP). It should withdraw all the cases filed against the protesters and the local people,” he said adding power requirement of the State government must be met through other means.
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader Vijayakant said though the State government had announced Rs. 500 crore for ameliorating the socio-economic conditions of the local people, it remained only on paper and nothing moved on the ground.
He said the police action against the people who had assembled there without any precautionary measure was highly condemnable.
“To prevent the problem snowballing into a major issue, the Chief Minister should visit the spot and hold talks with the representatives of the people,” he said.