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KOODANKULAM |
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Madras HC orders restoration of supply of basic amenities to protesters
Verdict welcomed by cheering crowds as it gives a 'new lease of life' to their fight against the nuke plant
Jeemon Jacob
Koodankulam
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The Madras high court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to restore supply of basic amenities such as power, food, milk and water supply to the protesters at at Idanthikarai in Koodankulam
Photo: Kebiston Fernando |
Although the stand off between the police and the villagers at Idanthikarai in Koodankulam continues, the Madras high court ruling directing the state to provide basic amenities to protesters has brought in some cheer. Headed by Chief Justice EQ Iqbal and TS Sivagnanam, the bench ordered the Tamil Nadu government to restore supply of basic amenities such as power, food, milk and water supply to the protesters.
The division bench of the high court also told the police to lift sanctions against the village. The court will deliver its verdict on Monday on the legality of invoking 144 of CrPC in Idanthikarai by the district administration.
“Police were trying to impose illegal sanctions on us. But now the verdict has given us a new lease of life. It’s a great news and we should continue our fight,” said Dr SP Udayakumar, while addressing the cheering crowd.
The tension, however, continues in Idanthikarai village as porters are not allowing PMANE leaders to surrender before police. “Now we have got power supply. We will get milk tomorrow. So our children can drink milk,” said jubilant Bhuvaneshwari, a house wife, who has joined the protests.
Women have welcomed the high court verdict as their children would have enough milk to drink, but are sceptical about the Tamil Nadu government’s U- turn on Koodankulam.
“We will continue our vigil. We can’t believe them. The police may play some dirty tricks to arrest our leaders,” said Bhuvaneshwari. PMANE leaders Udayakumar and Pushparayan, however, feel that they have won a significant battle. “The court order tells we are engaged in a democratic protests. We have not violated any laws since we started our fight. But it was the government that waged illegal sanctions against us. The court order has given us a new lease of life,” said Udayakumar.
Jeemon Jacob is Bureau Chief, South with Tehelka.
jeemonj@gmail.com |
