★ クダンクラムの人々へのメッセ−ジ A heartfelt message of solidarity from No Nukes Asia Forum Japan to the people opposing the Koodankulam nuclear power plant. We are late in sending this message, although we learned about the fantastic struggle of the people opposing the Koodankulam nuclear power plant from many emails sent to us by Dr. Udayakumar. In Japan widespread radioactive contamination from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident and exposure to radioactivity of both adults and children is still going on and is likely to continue for more than twenty or thirty years. In Fukushima, there are a million people who were unable to evacuate and who are living in areas where there are radiation levels of 5 mSv or more per year, radiation levels that can cause serious health damage to children and adults. Why, we ask ourselves, didn’t we stop the operation of such nuclear power plants? Why didn’t we give our all to stopping them, before it was too late？ In Japan there has been an active anti-nuclear power movement throughout the country for 50 years. There are more regions in Japan that have rejected the construction of nuclear power plants than regions where they are operating. And yet the Fukushima nuclear accident occurred. Nakate Seiichi, who is head of the Fukushima Network for Saving Children from Radiation, and who delivered a lecture on July 30 at “No Nukes Asia Forum 2011”, said the following to the 45 participants from Asia. “As an adult living in Fukushima, I stand here before you feeling regret and repentance.” “Children bear no responsibility whatsoever for the damage from the nuclear accident.” “We have to put our bodies on the line and stop those people who are advocating for nuclear power.” On September 19 some 60,000 people took part in an anti-nuclear power rally and demonstration in Tokyo. Today there are movements all over Japan to shut down and decommission nuclear power plants. Indian people and Japanese people feel the same about opposing nuclear power in order to protect our children’s future. You who are opposing a Koodankulam nuclear power plant, please do not waver in your struggle against those who value money more than life. We are sure that you will win in the end. From faraway Japan we pray for your victory. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　September 30, 2011　　　No Nukes Asia Forum Japan [目次へもどる]