Hydrocarbon extraction: Joint action committee formed to oppose survey

A committee meeting was organised by the CPI in Tiruvarur district late on Monday, in which Tirukalar Panchayat union ex-president R Natarajan claimed that more than 100 sites were identified in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts alone. "People from all walks of life have commenced their protest in the State against the hydrocarbon extraction," he said.

The CPI, which is leading a campaign, has proposed to stage a mega human chain protest across the coastline of Tamil Nadu where Vedanta and ONGC have decided to drill the land in search of oil and gas. Participants at the meeting resolved to express their solidarity to the CPI and ensure huge participation in the human chain protest. Leaders from various political parties, including the DMK, the AIADMK, the CPM and the Congress took part in the meeting.

Later speaking to media persons, CPI Tiruvarur district secretary V Sivapunniyam said the joint action committee members have decided to meet the leaders of various political parties and seek their support.

“We will never allow the extraction of hydrocarbon project at any cost. The government should not suppress our protest," he said.