1st Japan reactor goes online since nuclear crisis

DHAKA: Dozens of protesters shouted and danced at the gate of a nuclear power plant set to restart on Sunday.

The first plant to go back online since all reactors were shut down for safety checks following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, reports The Straits Times.

Ohi nuclear plant’s reactor No. 3 is returning to operation despite a deep divide in public opinion.

Last month, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda ordered the restarts of reactors No. 3 and nearby No. 4, saying people’s living standards can’t be maintained without nuclear energy.

Many citizens are against a return to nuclear power because of safety fears after Fukushima.

BDST: 1430 HRS, JUL 1, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor