10.09.2012
Dr. Selvi J. Jayalalitha
Chief Minister
Tamil Nadu
Subject: Stop Police Atrocities on Peaceful Protesters Against Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant

Madam,
We are horrified at the police firing, lathicharging and teargassing assault on peaceful satyagrahis protesting against the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Till the last news one fisherman has been killed in the firing, hundreds of protesters have been injured and a large number of protesters have been arrested. The Indian media has shown video footages of the police crackdown.
You are well aware that the protesters are agitating against the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The protesters, as citizens of the sovereign, democratic and socialist republic of India have the right to protest policy decisions of the government and carry on peaceful movements when they feel that their voices have not been heard. This is a right enshrined in our Constitution and you are duty bound to defend this right by the oaths of your office. Please note that any violent action by the government against a peaceful agitation is violation of basic principles of human rights honoured all over the civilized world.

In this connection, we appeal to you to immediately intervene and issue necessary orders to
• Stop the attack on the unarmed protestors
• Release all arrested protesters immediately
• Revoke all cases lodged against the protesters
• Reaffirm the 22 September 2011 resolution of Tamil Nadu cabinet that urged the Prime Minister and the Government of India to suspend work on the nuclear power plant ‘until the apprehensions of the people are allayed’.

Yours Sincerely,

Pradeep Chatterjee
Secretary,
NFF

To
The Prime Minister
Republic of India

Subject: Stop Police Atrocities on Peaceful Protesters against Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant

Sir,

We are horrified to learn that the police have unleashed firing, lathicharging and teargassing assault on peaceful satyagrahis protesting against the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Till the last news one fisherman has been killed in the firing, hundreds of protesters have been injured and a large number of protesters have been arrested. The Indian media has shown video footages of the police crackdown.

This assault on peaceful protesters is unwarranted and despicable. The right of citizens to protest peacefully is enshrined in our Constitution and upheld by global norms and conventions.

You are bound by the oaths and commitment of your office to protect the constitutional rights of citizens.

We demand that you do whatever is necessary to put an immediate stop to this horrendous assault on the citizens of this country. Further, all arrested protesters must be released immediately and all cases against them withdrawn.

Yours Sincerely,

Pradeep Chatterjee
Secretary,
NFF