Hold talks with anti-nuke protesters: M Karunanidhi tells Govt

In a statement here,he referred to reports that the trial run of the first unit of the Indo-Russian venture was successful and clarifications by the authorities to allay

apprehensions of people over the tests.

He also noted that the plant director had stated that no harm would be caused to the environment or public. However,at the same time,the anti-nuclear activists had

laid siege to the KNPP employees township recently protesting against the series of pre-commissioning tests.

Karunanidhi’s remarks come amid the ongoing tests ahead of expected commissioning of the plant this month,which have led to escalated protests.

The DMK patriarch recalled his statement issued in September,2012 after the police crackdown on the agitators,in which he had suggested that Centre and state should

immediately initiate dialogue with the protesters’ leaders to find a solution.