The protesters that want the nuclear plant at Kudankulam to shut down before it officially swings into action are becoming more pointed.
This morning, they stopped 700 of the 1000 scientists and engineers from reaching the atomic plant. 5000 of the 6000 contract workers were also not allowed to enter the plant.
A woman in a pink sari pleaded with an engineer on a motorcycle to skip work. Go home, she urged, her hands folded. Another man on a motorcycle was beaten up.
Nearby, more than 3000 women held a demonstration against the plant that's meant to help improve Tamil Nadu's considerable power problems. "We are scared of what will happen to our children. The radiation will affect us," said one participant.
Villagers in the area believe the plant in this coastal part of Tamil Nadu is unsafe. They cite the Fukushima crisis as an example. However, the Indian government and international watchdogs have certified the Kudankulam plant meets the strictest safety standards.
The first of two nuclear reactors at the plant was meant to start functioning this month. Kudankulam is designed to be the single largest source of atomic energy in India. In a letter to Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa yesterday, the Prime Minister pointed out how vital the plant is for Tamil Nadu. "The Central Government attaches the highest importance to ensuring that the use of nuclear energy in the country meets the highest safety standards...the Government fully shares the concerns of the people of the area and will take all steps to allay their fears," Mr Singh wrote to Jayalalithaa.
Dr Manmohan Singh's appeal for her support hasn't delivered the desired response. Jayalalithaa has asked the union government to suspend operations at the nuclear plant till the villagers are convinced they are safe. Today, she repeated, "We will act respecting concerns of local people in the Kudankulam nuclear plant issue. I will be one among you in this issue."