In a stunning development, the Janhit Seva Samiti (JSS) — an umbrella organisation that was opposing the 9,9000-MW nuclear project in Jaitapur — has reversed its position and said that it would not oppose the project anymore. This volte-face is being attributed to a rift between the JSS and the Shiv Sena.
A delegation led by Pravin Gavankar of JSS met industries minister Narayan Rane on Friday at Ratnagiri, where they dropped their opposition to the project and instead presented 25 demands related to relief and resettlement to be considered by the government. Some of the demands include withdrawing all police cases against the villagers who protested the project, and the setting up of a cell in the district to alleviate the problems of the project affected people. However, many in Jaitapur have said that they have not withdrawn their opposition to the project. Premanand Tiwarkar, secretary of Madban Jaitapur Panchkroshi Sangharsh Samitte (MJPSS) alleged, “Gavankar has betrayed all of us. He met the industries minister without accounting of our trust. He was not the protesters’ representative.” Another official Shailesh Waghdare, said, “We will continue our protest till the project is terminated.”
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Alert over IM retaliation
age Correspondent
Hyderabad, Aug. 30
The Intelligence Bureau has alerted the state police about possible retaliatory strikes by Indian Mujahideen following the arrest of its chief Yasin Bhatkal and his aide Asadullah Akhtar at the Indo-Nepal border.
According to Intelligence Bureau sources, the IM has suffered a huge setback following the arrest of Yasin Bhatkal and Abdul Kareem Tunda of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Pakistan-based handlers and operatives in the country might retaliate with terror attacks.
A Task Force official said, “Hyderabad is very important in view of the upcoming Ganesh festival. The terror threat perception is more for the Ganesh festival this year due the arrest of top IM operatives.”
The city police on Friday intensified its frisking operation.