Many participate in first anniversary of Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi

The first anniversary of the police firing during the anti-Sterlite protests, which left 13 people dead last year, was observed here today with scores of locals turning up to remember the victims.

Security was beefed up in the district though there were no reports of any untoward incidents so far.

The victims were remembered by their near and dear ones and others who lit candles before their portraits at events held in different parts of the district.

On 22 May 2018, an anti-Sterlite protest turned violent with the agitators fighting pitched battles with the police, who opened fire.

Thirteen people were killed in the firing on 22-23 May last year.

The protesters were demanding the closure of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper unit in Thoothukudi over pollution concerns. The incident had triggered widespread outrage and criticism against the Tamilnadu government even as the ruling AIADMK later announced ‘permanent’ closure of the copper smelter plant here.

Leaders of various political parties and Tamil groups expressed solidarity with the victims and the anti-Sterilite movement.