Yesterday the state of Tamil Nadu witnessed the 100th day of protests against the Sterlite mining company which led to the death of nearly a dozen people in the firing that took place.
A day after eleven people were killed during firing by the Tamil Nadu police in Thoothukudi, the Vedanta group has expressed regret. The corporate has further asked the state government to ensure the safety of its employees and facilities.
Thousands of protesters participated in a rally on Tuesday which called for the closure of the Sterlite copper plant, which posed health threats besides causing damage to the environment. On the 100th day of the agitation, protesters were marching to the Collectorate. Eleven people including women have been killed and around 70 people were injured following clashes between police and demonstrators.
“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,” says Vedanata group’s statement.
Activists on the ground, however, allege that Sterlite is behind the attack on unarmed civilians.
READ ALSO: Massive protests break out, forcing police to use tear gas
Fathima Babu of the Anti Killer Sterlite People’s Movement says that the attack on protesters was an effort to protect Sterlite’s interests.
“Sterlite knew it’s end was coming. So it interfered in this rally. We were even afraid that they would infiltrate the demonstration and make it violent. And just as we feared, things turned violent. When everyone in Thoothukudi knew a huge protest will be carried out, why weren’t the police ready for it? Why did they have to resort to shooting?” she asks. “This attack shows that the state government is in under the control of the corporate. Sterlite and state government have conspired to kill innocent people,” she adds.
A human rights organization- ‘People’s Watch’ was present at the grounds, monitoring the protests. They said, ”The Government of Tamil Nadu, which was given a choice to either stand by its people or by a copper industry, chose the private entity instead.”
Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan is to reach Thoothukudi and visit the victims and the site. It was reported that other political bigwigs like DMK Stalin are to visit soon.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too, has extended her condolences to the bevered family members.
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
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 22, 2018
The Chief Minister was in the neighbouring state to witness the swearing-in of the JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy.
The latest news is that the Tamil Nadu’s student organization is to stage protests today at 04:00 PM.
Meanwhile, sections 144 which was implemented on the 21st of May has now been extended till the 25th of May.
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