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Acting tough against anti-nuclear activists demanding closure of Kudankulam nuclear power plant, five key functionaries of a body spearheading the movement against KNPP were arrested at the plant site on Monday.
Police said one of those arrested was the legal advisor of People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy, spearheading the movement against KNPP, while the others were 'instrumental in instigating the locals against the plant.'
Meanwhile PMANE chief convenor S P RPT S P Udhayakumar began an indefinite fast at Indinthakarai village on Monday, demanding closure of the plant and that it should not be commissioned without proper disaster management training to the locals.
He also demanded release of those arrested.
Police said cases were registered against nine persons, including those arrested, under sections of IPC, for holding demonstrations without permission, preventing KNPP plant officials from discharging their duty and blocking roads.
Meanwhile thousands of people from Idindhakarai village today blocked the entrance of the plant, demanding release of those arrested.
Sources close to Udhayakumar said all the villagers would court arrest if those arrested were not released.
Valliyur DSP Staneley Jose told PTI that efforts are on to persuade the agitators to disperse and warned that all those trying to block entry of KNPP workers would be arrested.
Top police officials are camping at the site of KNPP, where a strong police contingent has been deployed.
"We have deployed police inside and outside the plant. Any harm to the employees or to the plant will be viewed very seriously and severe action will be taken" an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, Udayakumar said he was 'shocked' at the state government resolution and the cabinet decision and that he and fellow activist Pushparayan would continue their protest.
"The state government's decision is unfortunate. I and my fellow activist Pushparayan are already on indefinite fast and will continue it. We are shocked at the cabinet resolution and the decision taken by the chief minister," he said.
Asked if Tirunelveli District Collector had contacted him for a meeting over the issue, he said "There is no chance of that after police unleashed atrocities against us."