The ongoing protest against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) claimed one more life today. Forty-two-year old fisherman Sagayam died allegedly after a coast guard flight, which was patrolling at the protest site, flew close to the ground and caused damaged to his brain.
The tension in and around KNPP has intensified again. On Monday a fisherman from Tuticorin district was killed during the clash between the protesters and Police.
According to protesters, a coast-guard flight which was patrolling to watch the Idinthakarai villagers' movements, was flying as close as 10 meters from the sea level, where the protesters are in Jal Satyagraha from Thursday.
The Coast Guard aircraft and ships maintained surveillance at sea off nearby Idinthakarai as the villagers stood in waist and neck deep water.
The sound of the flight had apparently affected Sagayam's brain and he collapsed in the water after he become unconscious on Thursday, according to the protesters. He was rushed to Nagercoil hospital and was admitted in emergency. Today, he was declared dead.
Police officials were not available for comment immediately.
Hundreds of anti-nuclear protesters had entered into the sea waters to create a human chain demanding for immediate stoppage of fuel loading into the nuclear reactor at Kudankulam.
The local villagers have been protesting against the project for the last 397 days stating that it will affect their livelihood and will be a threat to their life.
Today's protest was withdrawn after Sagayam's death. The villagers went on a silent procession, across the village.