No nukes on board Nimitz: Ministry

Seeking to douse protests and claims of 8216;safety issues8217; with the visit of USS Nimitz, the Defence Ministry today said the American supercarrier is not known to be carrying nuclear weapons.

Seeking to douse protests and claims of 8216;safety issues8217; with the visit of USS Nimitz, the Defence Ministry today said the American supercarrier is not known to be carrying nuclear weapons. With AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa joining the Left to protest about the port call on environmental grounds, ministry officials said the warship posed no danger to people and would be anchored in waters 8220;some distance away8221; from land.

8220;USS Nimitz is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and is not known to be carrying weapons with nuclear warheads,8221; a Defence Ministry spokesperson said. He added that the ship would not be entering the berths at Chennai port.

The Left has threatened to stage a protest demonstration in Chennai if the Centre allows USS Nimitz to dock there. CPIM General Secretary Prakash Karat said on Tuesday that the USS Nimitz was involved in hostile operations against Iraq and also in US military posturing to threaten Iran. He questioned the clearance for docking the carrier saying it went against India8217;s stated position of not hosting nuclear powered warships.

Asked about Defence Minister A K Antony8217;s remarks downplaying it as nothing new while the US embassy terming it as a landmark move, Karat said: 8220;At least the US is honest about it.8221;

But, the Defence Ministry clarified that while ships carrying nuclear weapons were still not welcome, nuclear-powered vessels have been visiting the country regularly. 8220;In the past also nuclear powered ships or submarines from France, USA and UK have visited India,8221; a ministry spokesperson said.

AIADMK chief Jayalaithaa, too, urged the Centre not to allow the vessel, as it would be hazardous to the city of Chennai. 8220;This is a serious issue and the possible radiation hazards to the people of Chennai cannot be taken lightly,8221; she said.

However, the ministry spokesperson said all permissions were given following procedures, including the mandatory environmental clearance.