History will not forgive us if we don't have deal: Kakodkar

Bangalore, Jul 5 (PTI) Atomic Energy Commission Chief Anil
Kakodkar has a yet again made a strong case for the Indo-U.S.
nuclear deal, saying "history will not forgive us" if it is
not clinched.

His strong statement came on Friday after the Left parties
said they would vote against the United Progressive Alliance
government in Parliament if it moves towards operationalising
the deal.

"Here is a chance. Without compromising on our principles,
we can bridge energy security for the future," Kakodkar said
while delivering a public lecture on "Evolving Indian nuclear
programme: Rationale and perspectives," organised by the
Indian Academy of Sciences.

Saying the Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear deal will be
beneficial for energy security of the country, he said: "If we
don't do now, history will not forgive us."

He termed it (the deal) "one of the most promising and
viable way of bridging energy security for the future."

Later, responding to reporters' queries on time-line for
approaching the IAEA for a safeguards agreement and if the
deal can be wrapped up year-end, Kakodkar said: "The sooner,
the better. But things are not in my hands."

Kakodkar also underlined that there was uranium shortage
in the country and Indian nuclear reactors are operating at
half level of the plant capacity. PTI RS