Hyderabad:
Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh saw a Singur-kind of flashpoint with villagers and fisher folk strongly opposing the setting up of a 2640MW thermal power plant in the district. The police fired to control the mob, killing two people and injuring 19 others.
One of these succumbed of the bullet injury, while another died of head injury sustained during the firing. Also, three others are critical in hospital with bullet injuries.
With over 3000 villagers from surrounding villages descending on the foundation-laying ceremony of the plant, despite prohibitory orders, the police opened fire.
Commenting on the incident, Home Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sabitha Indra Reddy said, "We had ordered police to maintain restraint, that they should not open fire and only to do teargas or lathicharge in case of emergency. But they could not control the mob with that. So, they were forced to open fire.''
Activists said that the Rs 12000 crore thermal plant spread over 1800 acres would adversely impact the ecologically fragile Beela wetland area. Besides, they said, the company was starting work without getting requisite environmental clearances.
"Don't you listen to our appeal? We are agitating to express out problems. Don't any politicians listen to us,'' said one of the activists.
Commenting on the incident, Leader of Opposition Chandrababu Naidu said, "The Central government says it will not give wetlands for industries and only allocate dry land. But everywhere for all SEZs, lands given to industry are all wet lands. That's why everywhere there is a conflict.''
The situation continues to be tense in the area even as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the issue is pending in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, that has issued notices. There is also a case pending with the State Human Rights Commission against the establishment of a coal-based thermal plant in a precious water body.