THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Latin Archbishop Soosai Pakiam, during his Good Friday message, has expressed his empathy towards the protestors of Koodankulam nuclear plant and Vilappilsala waste treatment plant.
In the concluding address of Good Friday observance, held at the St Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Palayam, Soosai Pakiam said that the strike against the nuclear plant at Koodankulam was legitimate.
“The government should not suppress the anti-nuclear strikes at Koodankulam. The concern of the fishermen, that the project may endanger the marine resources and thereby affecting the livelihood of fisherfolk, is legitimate. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, there has been a rethinking on nuclear plants even by advanced countries such as Germany.
But here, our country is going ahead with nuclear projects,” he said.
Remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, the Archbishop said that the villagers were victimised both at Koodankulam and Vilappilsala for the vested interests of a section of the society. He also said that it was not acceptable to dump the city waste in villages. Along with Soosai Pakiam, Samuel Mar Irenios, Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram and Archbishop Baselios Mar Cleemis, head of Syro Malankara Church led the Good Friday rituals.
Hundreds observed Good Friday, commemorating the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, by holding special prayer sessions and taking out Way of the Cross processions, which started and concluded at St Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Palayam. Archbishop Baselios Mar Cleemis delivered the inaugural message.