But on 2 August, the idyllic site became a battleground when a team of Nuclear Power Corporation India Ltd (NPCIL) officials and workers came to collect soil samples as part of the foundation planning exercise. A group of people from villages around the site pelted stones at the team. Retaliation from the State was swift and disproportionate: 55 demonstrators were charged with crimes like attempt to murder, vandalism and physical assault. The feeling of despair and helplessness that pervades the atmosphere is aptly summed up by an elderly person who conveys the mood thus, “Demons are taking birth here, demons!"
TEHELKA travelled to Jaitapur and neighbouring villages in Ratnagiri district to listen to the voices of people who will be affected by this park, which will be the largest in the world, generating 9,900 MW. At that juncture, a platoon of around 50 policemen was positioned at the plot, readying itself for the arrival of Konkan zone Inspector General (Police) Param Veer Singh. The mood among the villagers had been tense for the past month.
We asked Singh about the deployment of force, obstructing free movement of villagers and complaints of intimidation. The IG said, “This is a pre-emptive action. We are just following orders by promulgating Section 144 and 141 (relating to unlawful assembly). I don't think anybody is being obstructed here." Read the full report here.
Source: by Nikhil Ghanekar, Tehelka Magazine, Vol 7, Issue 37, Dated September 18, 2010.
