Heavy deployment of police personnel in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, as hundreds of residents and activists stage an anti-Sterlite protest on Tuesday (Source: ANI)
At least 12 people have lost their lives and nine others were critically injured in police firing which took place as protests against Sterlite’s industrial plant intensified in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin). Residents have been demanding the closure of the plant, citing that the pollution it generates is causing serious health issues. The agitation against Sterlite Copper, which represents the copper unit of Vedanta Limited, recently escalated after the company announced the expansion of its unit in the city. Sterlite Copper, which currently operates a 400,000-tonne per annum unit in the city, maintains it has received necessary permits and has not violated any norms.
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, in an interim order, stayed the expansion of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper’s industrial unit on Tuesday. The bench insisted that the company seeks public consultation before expanding its plant.
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami on Tuesday ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who died.
Residents and activists protest against Sterlite Copper in Thoothukudi on Tuesday (Source: ANI)
To track all the latest developments from Tuticorin on Thursday, follow this
Citizens' groups and students in Delhi also protested against the killing of anti-sterlite plant agitators in Tuticorin. The protest, aimed at condemning the death of 12 people in police firing, was staged outside Tamil Nadu Bhawan at Chanakyapuri on Wednesday. The protestors raised slogans and demanded parleys with the Principal Resident Commissioner of Tamil Nadu, Jasbir Singh Bajaj.
Amnesty International India also condemned the excessive use of force by the Tamil Nadu police on the anti-sterlite protestors, saying that it is a "damning indictment" of the state government's determination to crush the protests and cannot be justified. Abhirr VP, Senior Campaigner, Amnesty International India said the Tamil Nadu police was shockingly underprepared to peacefully control protests of this magnitude.
"Despite knowing there would be a massive protest on Tuesday, the state police did little to implement crowd control measures that would have avoided the need to resort to force. This could have prevented the death of protestors," Abhirr told PTI
Centre for Science and Environment, a green body, condemning the death of anti-Sterlite protestors in Tuticorin, said the current situation is a reflection of 'complete failure' of environment governance in the country. CSE appealed to the government to look into the interests of the people and suggested shutting down the plant. It also proposed that a plan be put in place to decontaminate the site and the surrounding environment.
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is in Nilgiris district, today cut short his stay and is returning to Chennai in view of the situation at Tuticorin, PTI reported. Purohit, along with his family, had gone to Udhagamandalam on May 21 to take part in the valedictory of the annual flower show on May 22.
The state government, in its notice to the service providers ordering the suspension of internet, said "provocative messages are spread in social media violently with half truth and anti-social elements are trying to exploit the situation.'' It further read, "a public emergency has arisen which necessitates immediate action and speedy remedy for the public tranquility" and justified the need to block the internet services saying, "it felt necessary that services of internet should be stopped/curtailed to prevent spreading of such information, rumours with half truth."
Vedanta Ltd on Wednesday urged the government to ensure safety and security of employees at its copper smelter facility at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu while expressing "regret and sorrow" over incidents of people being killed during protests. The Thootukudi copper smelter at Tutico0rin is run by Vedanta Ltd's Sterlite Copper unit where 12 people have been killed in police firing in response to protests against the plant's expansion on fears of rising pollution.
Tamil Nadu government ordered the suspension of internet in Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts. The home secretary asked service providers to block internet, in a move aimed at preventing rumours from spreading in the violence-hit region.
Another death has been reported in Tuticorin which continues to face violence. Kaliappan, 23-year-old, was allegedly killed in the police firing which took place after a group of youths pelted stones at SP's vehicle.
(Express photo)
"The protests arose because of the inadequate response of the state administration to the genuine apprehensions of the people concerning air, water and ground contamination. The Politburo demands that plant should be shut down immediately. The state government should hold talks with all stake-holders," the party said in its statement.
The CPI(M) on Wednesday demanded the immediate shut down of Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin. The Left party condemned the police firing on protesters in which 10 people were killed. The party said the "brutality" of the state police is revealed in the fact that many of those killed and injured have bullet injuries in their heads and faces.
The CPI(M) has demanded that all those responsible for this "merciless shooting" down of protesters be held accountable and immediate legal proceedings initiated against them. The enquiry announced to probe these brutal killings should be headed by a sitting judge of the Madras High Court, it said.
Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary inquiring about the violence in Tamil Nadu. The Central Forces have also been kept on standby to provide any assistance if required
Protesters have set ablaze a bus in Tuticorin. The incident has taken place outside the General Hospital where several, who were wounded in the protests yesterday, are being treated, reports ANI.
(Source: ANI)
The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and Director general of police (DGP) over police firing during anti-sterlite protest in Thoothukudi on Tuesday. 11 people died in the firing. The commission has asked the police to submit the report within two weeks
Retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been appointed by the Tamil Nadu government to probe the Tuesday's police firing in Tuticorin. The state government had announced a judicial inquiry yesterday.
Kamal Haasan meets those wounded in protests at a local hospital in Tuticorin.
The DMK has called for an all-party meeting on Friday over the anti-Sterlite protests. In a string of tweets this morning, DMK working president MK Stalin questioned the police firing that killed 11 people. 'Who ordered the police firing on protestors? Why were automatic weapons used to disperse the crowd and under what law is this permitted? Why were rubber/ plastic bullets or other means NOT used to avoid fatal injuries? Why was no warning given before firing?' he asked.
Members of the CPI(M) are holding a protest in Coimbatore over the deaths of 11 people during the anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin.
Fatima Babu, a retired professor who led the protests against the expansion of the plant for 25 years said that she will continue the fight until the final closure. She also fought the case in Madras HC against the expansion "Even if it is an interim stay, court ordered for public consultation within four months time for any further expansion. We welcome this order," she told The Indian Express.
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has stayed the expansion of Sterlite Copper's industrial unit in Tuticorin. The bench has also insisted that the company seeks public consultation before expanding further. Read full report here.
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has arrived in Tuticorin. He is visiting those wounded in the protests at a local hospital to "comfort them". There are nearly 50 people admitted in hospital, reports ANI. Yesterday, his party Makkal Needhi Maiam had condemned the incident and demanded justice for the people the AIADMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the Centre.
Vedanta shares are at a 10-month low. It was down as much as 5.50 per cent in morning session. The fall comes a day after at least 11 people were killed as residents of Tuticorin protested Sterlite Copper's industrial unit in Tuticorin. Sterlite is controlled by Vedanta, a majority-owned subsidiary of London-listed Vedanta Resources.
The Home Ministry has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to file a report on the incident yesterday, reports ANI.
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court will deliver an interim order on a petition against the expansion of Sterlite Copper's industrial plant in Tuticorin. The company began operations in the coastal city nearly two decades ago, but in February this year announced expansion of the plant, entailing a doubling of the capacity of the smelter to 800,000 tonnes per year.
Several people from Kollywood have spoken out about the protests in Tuticorin yesterday. Actor Siddarath, for instance, called it a "dark day in our history" while Arvind Swamy said he was deeply saddened to hear of the deaths. Radikaa said she was shocked to hear of the incident.
MP Subramanian Swamy tweets on the Sterlite issue. He tells ANI that former finance minister P Chidambaram, who was a paid director in the company for many years, should answer questions on the issue. "All documents are available. He should now speak up on behalf of Sterlite," he adds.
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court is expected to deliver an interim order on the ongoing construction of a new copper smelter by Sterlite industries in Tuticorin, reports ANI. The case pertains to the expansion of the plant, entailing a doubling of the capacity of the smelter to 800,000 tonnes per year.
The company has two units in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. It operates a 400,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) copper smelter as well as a 160 MW coal-based power plant. Tuticorin, a coastal city, hosts one of the biggest ports in the country, aiding the company’s operations. Read more here.
M K Stalin, DMK working president and Leader of Opposition, has questioned police action against the protesters in Tuticorin. Taking to Twitter this morning, he asks, "Who ordered the police firing on protestors? Why were automatic weapons used to disperse the crowd and under what law is this permitted? Why were rubber/ plastic bullets or other means NOT used to avoid fatal injuries? Why was no warning given before firing? #SterliteProtest"
Several leaders are rushing to Tuticorin, a city around 600 kilometres south of Chennai, to visit families of the victims of police firing and speak to protesters. Among those who visited the city today s MDMK chief Vaiko. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, who heads Makkal Needhi Maiam, is also likely to visit the city today, reports ANI.
A day after nine people were killed in police firing, security has been heightened in Tuticorin. Section 144, which prohibits assembly of more than 4 people, remains imposed in the area. Many commercial establishments in the city remain closed today.
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.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of nine people in Tuticorin. She tweeted last night, "I just landed in Bengaluru to the shocking news about incident near the Sterlite Tuticorin plant. My thoughts and prayers with the people of Tamil Nadu at this hour of grief. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and hope the injured recover soon."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of nine people in Tuticorin. She tweeted last night, "I just landed in Bengaluru to the shocking news about incident near the Sterlite Tuticorin plant. My thoughts and prayers with the people of Tamil Nadu at this hour of grief. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and hope the injured recover soon."
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 expansion of its plant. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami said the protesters had defied prohibitory orders clamped in the area.
Palaniswami said he has ordered constitution of a one-man commission under a retired high court judge to go into the incident. The chief minister also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of those killed, Rs 3 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for people who suffered minor injuries. He also assured government jobs for one family member of each of those who lost their lives in accordance with their qualifications. The chief minister instructed the Tuticorin district administration to ensure those wounded got good medical treatment.
'The police had to take action under unavoidable circumstances to protect public life and property as the protesters resorted to repeated violence... police had to control the violence,' Palaniswami, who holds the Home portfolio, said. 'I was grieved to know nine persons were unfortunately killed in this incident,' he said, and expressed his sympathies and condolences for the families of those killed.
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
I am not going to attend Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy's swearing-in ceremony tomorrow. I cancelled it due to the incident which took place in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin): MK Stalin, DMK Working President
The death toll in Tuticorin police firing has risen to eight, while many are critical with bullet injuries. Police sources report fresh round of firing after a group of people tried to protest before the residence of Tuticorin SP, no casualty learnt.
As the death toll rises in Tuticorin police firing, CM Edappadi K Palaniswami appeals people to maintain peace. More than five people feared dead already while over 15 severely injured are fighting for life, say top Govt sources.
At least four people have been killed in the clashes this morning and four others are in critical condition, reports The Indian Express. The police has denied reports of firing at protesters and claim the four were killed in stone-pelting. The police claim they used only teargas shells ad not bullets to dispurse the people. The identities of those killed is being ascertained.
Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan's party Makkal Needhi Maiam has condemned the violence in Tuticorin and blamed the government for its "negligence". It has asked people to maintain peace. "The peaceful protest by the people of Tuticorin against Sterlite, demanding justice was ignored by the Governments. Negligence of the Governments is the reason for all the unfortunate events," a statement issued by the party reads.
Sterlite Cooper represents the copper unit of Vedanta Limited. It operates an industrial plant in Tuticorin. In March end, the plant closed down for maintanence work. This is when protests intensified as residents were told they were expanding the unit. Residents allege the water in the area has been contaminated due to the plant's operations. They claim they are facing severe health problems due to the unit.
There are several leaders who have lent their voices to the anti-Sterlite protests. This morning DMK working president and Leader of Opposition M K Stalin condemned the “police atrocities” that took place, reported news agency ANI. Actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, who recently announced their entry into politics, have expressed solidarity with the protesters and demanded that the ruling AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu take action.
“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.”
“One can’t understand why the government, which gave the nod for the plant, is not taking any action and is just watching,” Rajinikanth, meanwhile, had tweeted earlier this year.
Several shops and commercial establishments remain closed in Tuticorin today, in light of the protest. Residents had planned to intensify the agitation today. Residents claim that the industrial unit has polluted the ground water in the area, leading to severe health problems among the residents.