The commencement of the fuel-loading process at the first unit of Koodankulam nuclear power plant (KKNPP) has not frustrated the fishing community to give up its fight against the project. Instead, it has made them lay siege to one of India’s major ports, the V.O. Chidambaranar port in Thoothukudi, around 60 miles from KKNPP, on Saturday.
Around 3,000 fishermen, including a few women activists and fishermen boys, gathered at the entrance of the approach channel in 1,000 mechanised and country craft since 9 am on Saturday, blocking vessel movement. Staying there till 1 pm, the protesters shouted slogans against the nuclear power plant, where the fuel-loading process has been on since last Tuesday.
The fishermen, representing major fishing hamlets in Thoothukudi, Tirunel-veli and Kanyakumari districts, participated in the port siege, according to Mr Subash Fernando, spokesperson of the 19-member agitation committee in Thoothukudi.
Owing to practical difficulties, they had instructed Rames-waram fishermen to hold demonstrations in their area. Before venturing into the sea, the fishermen held a special mass at Amalorppava Matha church inside the premises of the fishing harbour.