13 dead in protests against Sterlite

Tamil

Nadu has witnessed a number agitations from the Jallikattu protest on Marina Beach in 2017, to the long battle against Kundankulam nuclear power plant, agitation for the Cauvery waters, and the latest against the Sterlite copper smelting plant.

May 22 marked the 100th day of protests by the people of the port town Thoothukudi ( Tuticorin) district, against the copper unit. The agitation by the farmers struck a chord with the people and the anti- Sterlite campaign intensified, which resulted in the deaths of 13 people. This is, not the first time that Thoothukudi has erupted in anger against Sterlite. Protesters want the smelting unit shut down.

The company has been accused of being lax regarding environmental regulations, affecting the health of the locals in and around Thoothukudi. Vedanta has previously denied that the smelter is responsible for air and water pollution. But, worldover smelter plants are notorious for toxic emissions that can pollute air, water and soil. There are court cases against such plants in various parts of the world. In case of Sterlite it has been endorsed by various studies, and even the Supreme Court.

The repercussions of the protests were heard in the UK, when UK's Opposition, Labour Party, called for Vedanta to be delisted from the London Stock Exchange following the death of 13 people.

Four days on, Tuticorin is limping back to normalcy with the operation of state- buses and availability of essential goods. However, authorities are maintaining a tight vigil to prevent any fresh flare up.