Sterlite violence: Section 144 imposed in Thoothukudi, cops caught on camera targeting protesters – 10 updates
Day after massive violence in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin that claimed 11 lives, tight security arrangements have been made in the protest-hit to avoid any re-run on Tuesday.
Even as the top political leaders came out in support of Tuticorin victims, the Union Home Ministry has sought report from the state government over the issue.
Here are 10 major updates from this story:
1: On Wednesday, the Sterlite Copper issued a statement expressing sorrow over violence in Tuticorin. In a late night statement, Sterlite Cooper said it has appealed to the government and the authorities to ensure safety of its employees and the surrounding communities. It added that the plant is currently non-operational as the company was awaiting approval for it.
2: The statement came after 100-day-old protest turned violent in Tuticorin. The protesters have been demanding the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin over pollution concerns
3: Nearly 70 people were injured in the clashes between agitated protestors and police officials. The protestors tried to gherao the collector's office and torched vehicles inside the premise. Police officials resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd to contain the tense situation.
4: In fact, in a disturbing video, cops were seen taking aim at protesters. One of them reportedly said, ‘at least 1 must die.’
5: All eyes will be on Chennai, where the Madra High Court will hear un urgent plea on Tuticorin violence later today.
6: Political parties have slammed the state government over failure in stopping the violence. In a tweet, DMK working president MK Stalin said, ‘Why was there not adequate police presence to maintain law and order during #SterliteProtest? Is it accurate to say that there was a total failure of State intelligence which led to these unfortunate deaths? Did IG-Intelligence brief police and @CMOTamilNadu on the situation?’
7: ‘Where does the final accountability lie for the brutal murder of at least 11 Tamils? Will @CMOTamilNadu take action against DGP for failing to maintain law and order? Will Chief Secretary explain her role in this entire episode? Will there be justice for #SterliteProtest(sic),’ he asked in another tweet.
8: Condemning the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led State government for the unrest and the deaths, Kamal Hasaan's Makkal Needhi Maiam blamed the government for the unrest in the state.
9: The party in its statement said, "The peaceful protest by the people of Tuticorin against Sterlite, demanded justice was ignored by the Governments. Negligence of the Governments is the reason for all the unfortunate incidents. Citizens are not criminals. They are the ones who lose their lives, earlier due to Sterlite and now due to the Government's orders."
10: The protest that began opposing setting up of the smelter plant continued to be fought in various courts and forums by the local people and the activists, but the plant continued its operation except for temporary shutdowns.
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