Dr. Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India
South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi 110 00, India
Fax: +91 11 2301 7931
Email: pmindia@pmindia.nic.in, manmohan@sansad.nic.in

My Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to you yet again on an issue which I consider to be of the utmost importance and urgency.

I am both shocked and extremely disturbed by the report in the New Indian Express regarding the Govt of India’s plans to task the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMHANS) Bangalore, to investigate the so called ‘imbalances’ in the minds of those protesting against nuclear power, especially in Koodankulam,

Resort to such extreme measures only exposes the utter loss of direction, and failure to deal with the emerging situation, by every single arm of government, especially the entire nuclear and scientific establishment. The inept and knee jerk handling of protest; the total lack of transparency and the high handed and repressive action by the police over the last ten months, has made it the laughing stock of the nation and international observers, while demonstrating our inability to act maturely and independently on this matter.

I would therefore urge you Mr Prime Minister to direct the agencies concerned to step back from this dangerous course of action, and revert to a serious and meaningful dialogue with the leadership of those protesting nuclear power in India. You must show the people that you truly care, and are willing to address each of the several key issues regarding safety procedures, drills, environment impact assessment, availability of water, impact on marine life and livelihoods, raised time and time again by the people and leaders of the struggle against nuclear power , especially Koodankulam.

And whilst on this matter, kindly direct the state govt in Tamil Nadu to release from custody and lift all charges against Muhilan and Suresh, activists and members of the PMANE committee at Idinthakarai.

I have addressed many letters to you regarding our nuclear power policy in the recent past. Except for one acknowledgement from your office in 2011, I have yet to receive any response or reply to my other letters.

I sincerely hope that the alleged psychiatric intervention by NIMHANS Bangalore, at the behest of the Government of India, will be withdrawn immediately and you will pursue a path of dialogue.

With Regards,

L Ramdas
Admiral
Former Chief of the Naval Staff