Chennai: Despite the massive backlash against the use of force against protestors in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin on Tuesday, forces once again resorted to firing live rounds – killing 1 and injuring 3 on Wednesday afternoon.
Demanding closure of a copper plant of Sterlite Industries, a three-month long protest reached tipping point on Tuesday when a group of 5000 clashed with security forces. At least 11 people died in preventive firing – inviting nation-wide outrage. Nonetheless, similar measures were once again adopted by police personnel on Wednesday when another round of firing – this time in Thoothukudi’s Anna Nagar – resulted in one protestor being killed.
While it is not clear if the person killed was part of protests, ground reports suggest police did resort to firing yet again.
Meanwhile, a Madurai bench of Madras High Court issued a stay order on the construction of Sterlite’s copper smelter plant after locals urged it is causing massive pollution in the area.
