Chennai: As the fast by the anti-nuclear activists at Kudankulam entered the sevent day, Centre on Sunday asked them to withdraw the protest in the "interest of nation and Tamil Nadu," saying the plant would be helpful in addressing the state`s power shortage.
"The fast should be withdrawn immediately and they (protestors) should help the government put an end to the power shortage in the state," Union Shipping Minister GK Vasan said.
Speaking to reporters here on the sidelines of a function, he said the power from the plant would help in solving the acute power situation in the state. Tamil Nadu is scheduled to receive 925 mw power from the Indo-Russian joint venture.
"The fast should be withdrawn in the interest of the nation and Tamil Nadu (especially)," Vasan added.
The core group of agitators are on the fast since Tamil Nadu Government on March 19 gave its go ahead for the commissioning of the project, work on which had remained stalled since September last following protests by the locals citing safety concerns.
PTI
