Indian N-scientists unhappy with N-bill passage

India's top nuclear scientists, on Thursday, opposed the US law for implementing the nuclear deal between the two countries, which they say goes against the nation's interests and makes it 'subservient' to Washington.

Hours after the House of Representatives approved the bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured Parliament that India would not not accept any provision beyond the July 18 agreement last year.

However, the scientists do not buy the government's explanation that the provisions of the US law were a matter between the President and the Congress. They say Washington's behaviour in its nuclear dealings with India in the past did not evoke confidence.

The scientists, who were earlier part of the Indian nuclear establishment, say the deal of July 18, 2005 would be directly subject to the US legislation and will adversely affect India's nuclear programme and strategic interests because there are several provisions that go beyond the agreement.

The scientists discount repeated assurances of Prime Minsiter Manmohan Singh in Parliament that India would not compromise on its nuclear rights and interests, saying they were not not convincing in the light of what was happening.

Former Atomic Energy Commission chairman M R Srinivasan feels the provisions of the US law are 'intrusive' and makes one feel that Wasghington is treating India as a 'subservient entity' and not not as a sovereign, responsible nuclear power.