Palaniswami alleged that some political parties and leaders had misguided the agitators against Sterlite
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Thursday defended the police firing against anti-Sterlite protesters at Tuticorin and said that it was a natural reaction taken in defence.
"When someone hits you, you naturally tend to defend yourselves. so on such situations, no one acts in a pre-planned manner, Palaniswami tweeted.
He alleged that some political parties and leaders had misguided the agitators against Sterlite and continue to instigate innocent people to agitate.
"State government continues to respect views of people on Sterlite issue. Opposition parties instigating innocent people to agitate. Thoothukudi administrators met agitators 14 times about govt stand. TN pollution control board didn't renew license for Sterlite," the Chief Minister said.
He said some anti-social elements had infiltrated the agitators on May 22 and attacked the police, torched the police vehicles. "Under tense situation, police resorted to firing and the firing was not pre-plannned," he said.
He added that the state government has been taking steps to close down Sterlite plant, through legal means.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed to the people of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu to remain calm and maintain peace in the wake of the violence that has claimed 11 lives. The Home Ministry has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the police firing and the prevailing situation in the port city, the minister said.
"I am deeply pained at the loss of precious lives during the agitation at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
"I appeal to the people in Tuticorin to remain calm and maintain peace and tranquility in the region," he said in a statement here.
11 people were killed in police firing during protests demanding the closure of Vedanta group's Sterlite Copper plant over pollution concerns in Tuticorin.
The protests have been going on for over three months, but violence first erupted on Tuesday with agitators fighting pitched battles with police, prompting it to open fire.
The DMK and other opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have called for a dawn-to-dusk bandh tomorrow, condemning the police action against protesters in Tuticorin.
(With PTI inputs)
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