Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remark about foreign-funded NGOs stalling the commissioning of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant (“Engage, don't vilify,” Feb. 27) comes in the wake of his continued frustration on the political and economic front. The excellent economist has been stalled every time he has tried to improve the standards of average Indians. But, whatever his disappointment, he should not have accused U.S.-based NGOs of being behind the agitation in Kudankulam without hard evidence.
A. Thirugnanasambantham,
Coimbatore
The Kudankulam plant became a centre of controversy right from the day it was conceived. While the government's perception that development hinges on science and technology cannot be denied, its topmost priority should be to take the local people into confidence. People's safety and favourable ecology are more important than a nuclear power plant.
B. Seetharam,
Warangal
Dr. Singh's remarks are aimed at intimidating civil rights activists and gagging the voice of dissent. It is clear that people in and around Kudankulam are no longer content with the argument that the country's energy security is dependent upon the nuclear option.
Hurling baseless charges against civil society activists and creating an emergency-like situation over the issue will not help relieve the tension that is building up in Tamil Nadu. Notwithstanding the assurances given by nuclear energy proponents, the local population's fears are well-founded. The awareness on the issue is good and people pose pertinent questions to the government. Ecological and civilian safety is not something they will compromise on.
T. Marx,
Puducherry
Since the ‘foreign hand' comment has come from none other than the Prime Minister, it requires serious consideration. If his allegation is true, the government should take immediate action against the NGOs allegedly working against the interests of the State.
The People's Movement against Nuclear Energy, protesting against the plant, does not appear to see reason. The protesters do not trust the expert panel's findings on safety. They rejected the opinions of the committee even before its report was submitted.
S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli
An astute statesman, Dr. Singh's remark is consistent with the sama, dana, bheda, danda philosophy. When all other methods fail, one has to get tough. The protesters' hypothetical fears cannot be allowed to overshadow the pressing power needs of the country in general, and Tamil Nadu in particular.
One can't help if technology doesn't exist. But when it does and we cannot use it, it is unacceptable.
Sudharsan Rajagopalan,
Chennai
