Sterlite Row: Protesters Set Bus On Fire : 10 killed as cops fire on anti-Sterlite protesters in Tuticorin

Anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi: At least 11 people were killed on Tuesday after the Tamil Nadu Police opened fire as protests against Sterlite’s industrial plant intensified in Tuticorin.

The months-long protests for the closure of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper unit in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin took a violent turn earlier in the day, with agitators fighting pitched battles with police, prompting it to open fire on the mob.

Hurling stones and setting government vehicles and public property on fire, the agitators went on the rampage in the town, about 600 km from Tamil Nadu capital Chennai.

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.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 Tamil Nadu government requests the people to accept this (assurance) and maintain peace,” said an official statement. The district has been witnessing several protests by locals and others against the Sterlite Copper plant and its proposed expansion. Protesters have alleged that the plant was polluting ground water in their area. Sterlite Copper represents the copper unit of Vedanta Limited which operates a 400,000 tonnes per annum-plant in Tuticorin