While many sections of the media have been consistently opposing the peaceful protests against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, The Hindu has pointed to the rightful place for dissent in a democracy (“Don't lose the plot now,” April 6). It is ironical that democratic protests are branded conspiracy and sedition in the largest democracy, and peaceful protesters accused of getting funds from foreign countries and allowing extremists and Maoists to infiltrate the agitation. Instead of allaying their genuine fears, many dailies add insult to injury by instigating the rulers to initiate stern action against them.
N. Gopalasamy,Chennai
Politicians, especially the ruling class, often forget that India is a democracy which offers space for people to express their views peacefully. The protesters in Kudankulam, who exercised their fundamental right peacefully for seven months without resorting to violence, despite provocation, deserve admiration. The leaders of the agitation have set a shining example for others. The attempt by the Tamil Nadu government to charge them under draconian laws is unfair.
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The government should arrange for a consultative committee to monitor the functioning of the project on safety aspects, as suggested by agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan. As the power crisis in Tamil Nadu is very serious in nature, relief will appear in the form of the Kudankulam Project. But the government should go all out to reach out to the people in and around the region and ensure their full safety.
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