The Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office Mr. V. Narayanasamy on Tuesday met the locals who are protesting against the Koodankulam nuclear project. He went to Idinthakarai, the venue of the protest, is 10 km from Koodankulam.

The locals expressed their fears over the safety measures in the nuclear plant. They insisted on the closure of the plant in the list of demands placed before the minister. Mr.Narayanasamy assured them that their anxiety would be conveyed to the Prime Minister on Wednesday and consoled the 127 protestors who are on an indefinite fast.

Speaking to reporters at Tirunelveli before meeting the protestors, Mr.Narayanasamy said that the Centre is very much concerned about the welfare of the people more than anything else. He assured that safety measures in the plant are intact and there should be no fear or confusion over it.

Mr.Narayansamy who was deputed by the Prime Minister is on a two day visit to the State to ascertain the situation on the Koodankulam issue. He was sent on the mission after Chief Minister Ms.J.Jayalalithaa appealed to the Prime Minister to intervene and convince the people.

Earlier on Tuesday he held discussions with the State Chief Secretary Mr.Debendranath Sarangi at Chennai. He would also meet the Chief Minister Ms.J.Jayalalithaa on Wednesday and discuss the issue.

Meanwhile the Consul General of the Russian Federation in South India, Mr.Nikolay Listopadov said that there is no need to panic or become nuclear phobic on the issue of Koodankulam nuclear plant project.