Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - Immediate closure of the plant in Koodankulam (in Tamil Nadu) and the gradual disposal of all existing plants in India; a moratorium on all nuclear projects; a decisive shift towards alternative sources of energy, environmentally friendly: these are the requests submitted by the Commission "Justice and Peace" of the Indian Bishops to the Indian government, which expresses full solidarity towards those who - regardless of ethnicity, religion, caste, social status - have reached the ninth day of fasting and nonviolent protest in Tamil Nadu (southern India) to ask for the closure of the nuclear plant in Koodankulam.
In a note sent to Fides, the Secretary of the Commission, Charles Irudayam, Bishop President, Mgr.Yvon Ambroise, and other Bishop members, such as Mgr. Gerald Almeida and Mgr.Mathew Arackal, urge the government to "ensure the protection of citizens and their right to life", enshrined in art. 21 of the Constitution and to protect the ecosystem and nature (Article 51 of the Charter).
The Bishops expressed bitterness concerning the police’s behaviour, that charged without any reason, nonviolent protesters such as students, fishermen and workers, to camp in a sit-in and engage in a crowd hunger-strike. They see a danger to their lives and their peace of mind (in case of a nuclear accident) and a threat to their daily survival, because of the damage the plant will have on the ecosystem. Mgr. Yvon Ambroise, "taking on the joys, hopes, sorrows and anxieties of the people", he went to meet the protesters, expressing them the support, encouragement and solidarity of the Indian Church. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/09/2011)
