In Tamil Nadu, a fisherman protesting against the decision to upload fuel in the nuclear reactor of Koodankulam power plant, was killed today in police firing at Kulasekarapattinam near Manapadu in Tuticorin district.

Tuticorin Police told AIR that hundreds of people attacked and tried to burn down the police check-post and the police had to resort to firing in which the fisherman was killed. The protesters earlier damaged the local post office and even tried to attack the police station.

The death of a fisherman in police firing has changed the face of the protest against the Koodankulam Nuclear plant. Tension prevails in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts near the nuclear plant. Police had sealed off the entire area around the Koodankulam Nuclear plant.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has announced Rs 5 lakhs as compensation to the kin of the dead person. She has urged the people to maintain peace and calm. The issue is about the doubts raised by local people regarding the safety of nuclear power plant and the electricity needs of a state like Tamil Nadu reeling under long hours of power cuts.

Meanwhile, PMK founder leader Dr Ramadass and VCK leader Tol Tirumavalavan have condemned the police action and urged the state government to resort to dialogue with the protesters.