SOURCE: AFI
The ambitious project of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to establish a missile launch center at Junput in East Medinipur district has hit a roadblock due to local opposition. Work on the center, which was initiated in July, has been abruptly halted following protests from fishermen and local residents.
The project, similar to the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha, is crucial for India’s missile development program. However, the local community has raised concerns over potential environmental impact, livelihood disruptions, and lack of transparency. Fishermen, in particular, are apprehensive about the restrictions imposed on their activities during missile tests.
The state government, on the other hand, is caught in a political crossfire. While the ruling Trinamool Congress claims to be neutral and supports the project, opposition parties, including the BJP, have accused the state government of indirectly supporting the protesters.
The issue has taken a political turn, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between the ruling party and the opposition. As the standoff continues, the fate of the DRDO project hangs in balance, raising concerns about the potential impact on India’s defense preparedness.
The incident echoes the past when the proposed nuclear power plant at Haripur faced stiff opposition, eventually leading to its abandonment. The current situation highlights the challenges faced by the government in balancing national security interests with the concerns of local communities.