Date:04/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/04/stories/2007040427490100.htm

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Nuclear plant to take up assault issue with State Government

P. Sudhakar

Attack on employees of Koodankulam nuclear power project "Some tough strategies" to be evolved at Mumbai meet

SAFE TRAVEL: A State-owned bus carrying the employees of Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project from Anu Vijay Township. — Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

TIRUNELVELI: The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has decided to take up the recent attack on its vehicles carrying the employees of Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) with the Chief Secretary and the Energy Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, in the next few days.

A high-level meeting held at KKNPP on Sunday resolved to take up the matter with the "top bureaucrats" of the Centre "to ensure the safety and security of the employees and the nuclear reactors under construction".

"Since the assailants have threatened the staff of an imminent attack on Anu Vijay Township (the residential colony of KKNPP workers) and also on the reactors with explosives, the latest development has necessitated some obstinate measures, which cannot be discussed here. However, I can assure that we'll take really firm steps in the next few days to ensure the safety of workers and our material," the Director (Projects), S.K. Agrawal, told The Hindu on Monday before having a second round of discussion at KKNPP site.

Sources said another round of discussion within the core group of NPCIL would be held in Mumbai to finalise "some tough strategies" to be taken against the attackers.

"The Mumbai meeting will certainly decide to take up the matter with the Union Home Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary," another top NPCIL official said.

Police clueless

Since the police are still clueless about the gang, the KKNPP on Monday transported its employees from Anu Vijay Township to the project site in TNSTC buses with police protection.