Tamil Nadu police stop Achuthanandan’s journey to Kudankulam at border

Dennis Marcus Mathew

Kerala’s Leader of Opposition V. S. Achuthanandan's attempt to visit Kudankulam and declare solidarity with the protesters ended with a message sent out through television channels after the Tamil Nadu police stopped him at Kalayikkavila at the State border here on Tuesday.

Mr. Achuthanandan, who reached Kalayikkavila at 10.20 a.m. found a large media contingent and a larger posse of police waiting for him.

A TN police team immediately informed him of their decision not to allow him beyond the border. Mr. Achuthanandan, addressing the media, said he was disappointed that he could not convey his support to the strike directly.

"The Tamil Nadu police has said my entry there would create a law and order issue, and I do not want to create issues between the two States," he said, adding that he was returning with the hope that his message would reach the protesters through the media.

The entire episode lasted a mere eight minutes. The people in the area had begun lining up on the roadside from morning. The traffic block that followed, however, slowed down traffic for nearly half an hour before and after the Leader of Opposition's much publicised visit.

Keywords: Achuthanandan, Kudankulam visit

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article3910183.ece?homepage=true