Farmers flay suppression of voices against Jaitapur N-plant

MARGAO, DEC 23
Goenchea Xetkanracho Ekvott (GXE), an umbrella organization working closely with numerous Goan groups on agriculture and environmental issues, has strongly condemned the Government of India and the Maharashtra government for the dictatorial and unconstitutional measures being taken to suppress the legitimate struggle of residents of Jaitapur and neighbouring villages to voice their concerns regarding the proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant.                                                                                   
Denouncing the ongoing police atrocities and regime of terror unleashed by the State to silence the beleaguered farmers of Konkan, GXE has termed the measures as an attempt to undermine the Constitution.
“Retired Supreme Court and High Court judges are among thousands of villagers slapped with criminal charges and prohibitory orders in a shameful display of medieval inquisitive repression. Innocent visitors, scientists and media persons are being stopped by swarms of armed CRPF and other security forces from accessing the entire region in a blatant attempt to stifle the voices of reason and truth. The almost complete media blackout regarding the ground reality in Jaitapur is a frightening reminder of the infamous Emergency. The State seems to be keen to give a message to all Indians that it is more than willing to treat innocent residents as if they are terrorists, not just in Kashmir, but in any other part of India”, GXE added.
GXE has called upon all Goans, residents of the Western Ghats and surrounding regions, and all other Indians to rise and defend the country from this blatantly illegal and unconstitutional attempt of the Government to appease Western Countries by feeding their dying industries at the cost of the economy, society and environment, adding “if the government fails to listen to the voice of reason, it shall be up to the people, to protect our Constitution, our lives, our lands and the future generations”.