134 activists detained while on their way to Jaitapur
April 23 2011
Press Statement
PUCL condemns the illegal detention of activists protesting peacefully against the Jaitapur power plant. 134 activists have been detained in the jurisdiction of the Voisar police station (near Tarapur in Maharashtra) on their way to Jaitapur. Arati Chokshi, Secretary of PUCL Karnataka, is one of the activists that has been illegally detained.
PUCL is deeply concerned about the impact and risks associated with a Nuclear Plant especially on the scale of the Jaitapur plant. In the light of the Fukushima Nuclear incident it is important that issues related to Nuclear Energy be debated and discussed in a transparent manner. Local citizens living in the Jaitapur area have been protesting against their impending eviction. Their voices and their constitutional rights can not be ignored by the state.
We strongly condemn police action that seeks to disrupt peaceful protest by concerned citizens. The attempt to silence dissent through illegal detention is of grave concern. Voices that seek to raise issues that concern citizens that are most likely to be impacted by radiation risks should not be silenced.
Update: All activists that have been illegally detained are on a huger strike.