Anti-Sterlite protests updates: At least 11 dead and several injured in police open firing as the protest triggers violence in Tuticorin; CM Palaniswami announced a judicial inquiry
Anti-Sterlite protests updates: At least 9 dead and several injured in police open firing as the protest triggers violence in Tuticorin; CM Palaniswami announced a judicial inquiry
In a protest against Sterlite's industrial plant that intensified in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) in a demand for the closure of the plant, that is causing pollution which is causing serious health issues. The protests drastically turned into violence after which Tamil Nadu police opened fire killing at least 9 people and several others injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami announced a judicial inquiry into the violence. He also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased.
The agitation of the resident against the Sterlite Copper industry that represents the copper unit of Vedanta Limited, reached the peak when it announced the expansion of the company's unit in the city.
As per orders of the Madras High Court, Section 144 has been imposed in and around the Sterlite unit in Tuticorin, preventing the assembly of people.
DMK working president and Leader of Opposition M K Stalin condemned the “police atrocities” in Tuticorin that took place during the protest and several people lost their lives. He is among many other political leaders who have lent their voice to the anti-Sterlite protests.
“The expansion (of Sterlite Copper) should not at all be allowed. If possible it will be good to close down the (existing) unit,” Makkal Neethi Mayyam chief Kamal Haasan was quoted as saying by PTI. “What is the necessity to put up the plant near residential and agricultural zone? …to say that the location is close to the port is not acceptable.”
Here are important updates of the Anti-Sterlite protest:
10:10 (IST)23 May 2018: Will there be justice, asks DMK's M K Stalin08:55 (IST) 23 May 2018: Vedanta expresses regret over the situations:
In a statement, Vedanta Limited said: “It is with great sorrow and regret that we witnessed today’s incidents around the protest at Tuticorin. The company has appealed to the government and authorities to ensure the safety of our employees, facilities and the surrounding community. The Sterlite Copper plant is currently non-operational as we await approval for the Consent to Operate.”
07:48 (IST)23 May 2018: Mamata condoles the death of nine
At least nine people were killed on Tuesday after police opened fire at protesters staging a demonstration against Sterlite Cooper in Tuticorin. Protests against the company's industrial unit have been on for nearly two decades but intensified earlier this year after the firm announced an expansion of its plant. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami said the protesters had defied prohibitory orders clamped in the area.
19:23 (IST)22 May 2018: CM Palaniswami's statement on Tuticorin police firing
18:47 (IST) 22nd May: Tamil Nadu Governor condoles deaths, appeals for calm
My heart is filled with grief on knowing about the loss of lives of eleven persons in Tuticorin district today. My condolences to each one of the bereaved families. At this critical hour, I appeal to all sections of society to be calm and help in maintaining the peace in the state: Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Tamil Nadu