The police have released all the activists, numbering around 3000, who were detained in Chennai. They were released at around 5:30 pm<

The arrested protestors have been kept at 4 different places. One bunch of people at Kilpauk, few others in 2 community halls in Purasaiwakkam and in one more hall in Egmore. Protestors in Kilpauk complained that they did not get food and staged a road blockade. Now they have been given food.

Kolathur Mani, leader of Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam says that the protest is a victory in spite of the police blocking vehicles people who attempted to gather in Chennai.

I spoke to Mr. Kolathur Mani of Periyar Dravida Kazhagam, and one of the key persons coordinating the political and social movements against Koodankulam. He, along with between 2000 and 3000 people, have been arrested. Initially they thought they will be detained in one location, but Mr. Mani said that he heard from Viduthalai Chiruthaikal (Dalit Panthers) leader Mr. Thol Thirumavalavan (Member of Parliament) that he is in a different location. Besides the people detained yesterday in a bid to prevent their participation, Mr. Mani said more than 400 people were being held back by the police in Thiruvallur. Supporters from Tirunelveli and southern districts have been detained in Tindivanam. In Villupuram, activists of the Makkal Vazhvurimai Katchi (People’s Livelihood Party) have been detained.

Chennai: Protestors tell us that there are close to 3000 people gathered at the protest site. There is sloganeering and talks. They will start the rally in half hour.

Bangalore: Arati Chokshi, 4 other women and 6 men were picked up before the start of their anti- nuke rally towards Raj Bhavan. They are now at the Cubbon Park police station and they plan to go to Raj Bhavan and submit petition once they are released. The police are saying that they will be released after their names are taken.

Update from THE HINDU:

Anti-Kudankulam stir: Vaiko, Thirumavalavan held

Chennai on Monday. Photo: K. Pichumani” width=”564″ height=”309″ /> The Hindu Members of different political parties being arrest after participating in a protest against Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Chennai on Monday. Photo: K. Pichumani

MDMDK general secretary Vaiko being arrested after participating the anti-Kudankulam protest in Chennai on Monday. Photo: K. Pichumani

The Hindu Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan being arrested after taking part in the anti-Kudankulam protest in Chennai on Monday. Photo: K. Pichumani

Hundreds of anti-nuclear activists and leaders of different political outfits were detained in Chennai on Monday when they attempted to lay siege to the State Assembly demanding scrapping of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

MDMK leader Vaiko, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan, pro-Tamil leader P. Nedumaran along with hundreds of activists and fishermen were detained by a heavy posse of police when they tried to take out a march towards the Secretariat.

Strongly opposing the Indo-Russian project, Mr. Vaiko alleged that India had secretly agreed to provide power to Sri Lanka from the Kudankulam Project.

Mr. Thirumavalavan said not only Kudankulam, Kalpakkam and all nuclear power stations in the country should be closed. He said Chief Minister Jayalalithaa should make all efforts to close the project.

To coincide with the Assembly-siege, anti-nuclear activists formed a human chain in the sea off Idinthakarai, the focal point of the year long stir in support of the demand.

S.P. Udhayakumar, convenor of People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy spearheading the protest, told reporters at Idinthakarai that on October 31, their supporters would submit memoranda to various embassies in New Delhi and Chennai highlighting the “need” to stop nuclear power plants.

Fishermen from 13 coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and nine in Kerala and Puducherry would join the protest on that day.

Mr. Udhayakumar claimed 25,000 people have joined the protest in Chennai and it was a big victory.

Commissioning of the first unit of the KNPP was originally scheduled for December last year but has been delayed due to the protests.