BEING COMMITTED to the democratic precepts and values of the Republic of India, and having faith in the Indian legal system, the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) has decided to wait for the judgment of the Madras High Court to decide its future course of action.

 
In the meantime, the PMANE condemned the undemocratic, authoritarian and unconstitutional decision of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to grant clearance for the fuel loading of Unit-1 of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP). The PMANE supports all legal efforts that bring contempt of court charges against the AERB and other related bodies.
 
Lamenting the Indian nuclear establishment’s decision as an insult to the Madras High Court, which violates the Indian Constitution and pawns Indian independence with the Russian government and corporations by granting liability waiver to them and promoting their interests at the cost of Indian citizens, the PMANE has decided to commemorate August 15, 2012 as a Black Day. The activists will hoist black flags on their homes and public places.
 
“From today onwards, fishermen from several coastal villages in Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Thoothukudi districts will boycott their work until the Madras High Court judgment is announced on the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP). The shopkeepers in and around these villages would also close their shops in support of the struggle,” it said in a statement.
 
The first anniversary of the current phase of our struggle will be commemorated on August 16, 2012 at Idinthakarai. Several political and social leaders along with writers, artists and activists will be participating in the day-long event, the statement added.