Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit-out at All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led State government after protestors were killed in a violence. 

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At least 11 people were killed in police action at Tuticorin and ordered a judicial inquiry into the police action.

Rahul Gandhi said people were murdered in Tuticorin for protesting against injustice.

"The gunning down by the police of 9 people in the Sterlite protest in Tamil Nadu is a brutal example of state-sponsored terrorism. These citizens were murdered for protesting against injustice. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these martyrs and the injured," Gandhi said on Twitter.

About 20,000 people took out a procession towards the district collectorate and the copper plant with the intention of picketing them, demanding for its permanent closure, and resorted to violence, it said.

"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," said Governor Banwarilal Purohit in a statement.

"At this critical hour, I appeal to all sections of society to be calm and help in maintaining the peace in the state,"  he added.

The police action followed months-long protests for the closure of Vedanta's Sterlite copper unit in Tuticorin, about 600 km from Tamil Nadu capital Chennai, over pollution concerns.

The agitation turned violent today, with protesters fighting pitched battles with police, prompting it to open fire.

Hurling stones and setting government vehicles and public property on fire, the agitators went on the rampage in the town.

The government underlining its pro-people commitment in the Sterlite issue, assured them further legal action would be taken, "respecting" their feelings.

"The Tamil Nadu government requests the people to accept this (assurance) and maintain peace," it said.

(With agency inputs)