Open to talks with Kovai Industry

COIMBATORE: Members of People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) who are  spearheading the struggle against Koodankulam  Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) have announced their willingness to engage in talks with Coimbatore-based trade bodies which have been urging the government to commission the plant to meet the State’s power needs.A large number of protestors from Koodankulam and Idinthakarai in Tirunelveli district were on a fast here on Thursday, urging the aforementioned trade bodies to refrain from their proposed agitation.“They have the right to seek more power but their demand for the same from KKNPP hurts the sentiments and interests of thousands of people,” said S P Udayakumar, convenor of PMANE.“The trade bodies should give us a chance to allay their fears. Recently a group of women from Koodankulam met some of their representatives to explain our stand. It is unjust for anybody to demand power at the cost of others’ livelihood. All Tamils should unite on the issue,” he said.