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Political backing for India’s anti nuclear farmers

More than 3,000 people are taking part in the 350 km padyatra from Doliya village in Bhavnagar to Gandhinagar led by Kalsaria…..People shouted slogans like “Anu mathak moth nu mathak (nuclear plant, death plant).

Support grows for agitating farmers, The Times of IndiaVijaysinh Parmar, TNN | Mar 6, 2011, MITHIVIRDI (Bhavnagar): Farmers of Mithivirdi, Jaspara, Mandva and Khadarpar villages in Bhavnagar district who are protesting against the proposed 8,000 MW nuclear power plant have received support from Mahuva BJP MLA Dr Kanubhai Kalsaria, BJP’s farmers’ wing Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) and Youth Congress.

On Sunday morning, a padyatra reached Mithivirdi village and those taking part in the walk expressed their solidarity with farmers there in their fight against the nuclear plant.

More than 3,000 people are taking part in the 350 km padyatra from Doliya village in Bhavnagar to Gandhinagar led by Kalsaria. The padyatra is aimed at protesting against Nirma’s cement plant coming up at Padhiyarka village in Mahuva taluka.

The power plant will use nuclear reactors to be purchased from the United States under the nuclear deal signed by the Central government. The project will be implemented by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited at an estimated cost of Rs 60,00,000 crore. We came here to say that we are with you in your agitation against the nuclear power plant. We all are (farmers) sufferers of state government’s policy and we need to fight together. Our unity will make us strong,” said Dr Kalsaria, while addressing a large crowd gathered at Mithivirdi.

People shouted slogans like “Anu mathak moth nu mathak (nuclear plant, death plant).

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited is planning to establish the 6,000 to 8,000 MW nuclear power plant at Mithivirdi, 45 km away from Bhavnagar.

Farmers said the nuclear plant will destroy agriculture activities and it will also affect their next generation. “Why should we give away our mango and chikoo orchards to build a nuclear power plant which is dangerous for our lives as well,” said Vasrambhai Thanth of Jaspara village……
There are four villages that will be directly affected by the proposed plant. We have been protesting since last two years against the plant,” said Shaktisinh Gohil, sarpanch of Jaspara village…..

Support grows for agitating farmers – The Times of India

March 8, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | India, opposition to nuclear