By IANS,
Palakkad (Kerala) : A group of agitators launched a relay hunger strike Tuesday to mark the completion of six years of agitation against the Coca Cola plant at Plachimada in Palakkad district of Kerala.
The plant has not been operating for the last four years because of objections from authorities and court cases.
“Though, the plant remains closed, it is only because of technical reasons. We want permanent closure of the plant,” said Vilayodi Venugopal, chairman of the Cola Virudha Samara Samithi (Anti-Cola Agitation Council).
A group of people, including tribals, April 22, 2002 launched a stir demanding the closure of the soft drink bottling plant. The plant was poluting and expoiting ground water, they said.
“We will continue the stir till the permanent closure of the plant. We want the government to take steps to shut down the unit. The agitators will sit on fast for 48 hours in batches,” said Venugopal.
The agitators are demanding compensation from the company for polluting the environment.
Environmental activist Medha Patkar will take part in the agitation Thursday.