Sterlite protest updates: Thoothukudi SP, collector transferred; Centre seeks report from Tamil Nadu govt

Thoothukudi police told a dying man to “stop acting”

According to The News Minute , a video shows Kaliappan — the person killed in fresh firing in Thoothukudi on Wednesday — lying on the ground, unable to get up.

When he moves his head a little in the video, one of the policemen surrounding him is heard saying, “Stop acting.”

One cop prods the man lying on the ground and says, “stop acting, leave”. #SteriliteProtest pic.twitter.com/rcp6vWcsu7

— Anna Isaac (@anna_isaac) May 23, 2018

Internet services suspended in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts for five days

Centre asks for report from Tamil Nadu govt

The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the circumstances leading to police firing on protesters demanding the closure of Vedanta group’s Sterlite Copper plant, which they claim had polluted ground water in the area, official sources said in New Delhi.

Taking cognizance of the large-scale violence, the National Human Rights Commission issued notices to Tamil Nadu chief secretary and the director general of police, asking them to submit a detailed report in two weeks. — PTI

Thoothukudi collector transferred

Sandeep Nanduri, who was Tirunelveli collector, has taken charge as Thoothukudi collector and has replaced N Venkatesh.

Input by 101Reporters

Thoothukudi SP transferred

P Mahendran, the Thoothukudi superintendent of police, has been transferred, according to reports.

Full order of the Madras High Court directing Vedanta to stop the construction of Sterlite copper plant’s Unit II

Persons behind the firing should be punished: Bishop of Tuticorin

In a letter, the bishop of Tuticorin has issued a statement on the violence so far and has said that the police opened fire without any government order.

“Over 1000 people have been protesting for over 100 days against the Sertlite plant. People are protesting in a peaceful manner; and yesterday, (were protesting) without troubling the police or other government officers. But the real question is who is responsible for the violence? People fought for their rights. Police opened fire without any government order and killed several people. Many people lost their loved ones and are afraid. The person behind the firing should be punished and they should take severe action against them. We give our condolences to the families and relatives (of those who were killed),” said the statement.

Internet services restricted in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts: Reports

Madras High Court orders preservation of bodies of those killed in police firing: ANI

A report in The Hindu furhter said that the Madras High Court has directed Vedanta to stop the construction of Sterlite copper plant’s Unit II in Thoothukudi.

Left organisations hold protest in Thoothukudi

Chennai: Left organisations held a joint protest against death of people during anti-#Sterlite protests protests in #Thoothukudi. pic.twitter.com/iRTWngZ0h3

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

State govt, police must be held responsible: Congress

State govt & Police must be held responsible for this massacre of common people, they should've been more alert. Since they had less force they had to resort to other ways for controlling crowds, they knew it was going on for 3 months: GN Azad, Congress on #Thoothukudi protests pic.twitter.com/2ym7GU1hOr

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

National Alliance of People’s Movements issues statement blaming Tamil Nadu govt

A statement released by the National Alliance of People’s Movements, signed by founder Medha Patkar and many others, laid on responsibility of the shooting on not just the police and the district administration, but the government of Tamil Nadu, Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.

“For, yesterday was a bloody culmination of over two decades of blatant disregard for the lives and well-being of the people and protecting corporate interest,” it said. “Given the scale and seriousness of the crime involved, a time bound, court-monitored judicial inquiry by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the entire incident and fix liability must be initiated at the earliest. FIR under Section 302 IPC must be registered against the senior officials as well as political leaders, without whose facilitation and orders, the planning and executed these shootings and killings would not have happened,” the statement read.

Input by 101Reporters

Visuals from the violence in Anna Nagar, where one person died

The police personnel are seen carrying the person who lost his life later. In the video, he seems to be showing signs of life.

Input by Prabakar/101Reporters

Students protest at Delhi’s Tamil Nadu House

Many students are protesting against Tamil Nadu government at Delhi’s Tamil Nadu house.

Input by Ashish Mani Tiwar​i_/The NewsCart_

Filmmaker and politician T Rajender condemns govt for not shutting down Sterlite plant

Speaking to reporters after meeting with the victims of Tuesday’s violence, filmmaker and politician T Rajender said, “I am not here as the leader of a political party, but as a Tamilian and a common man.”

Talking in his signature rhyming style, he condemned the government for not shutting down the Sterlite plant but instead turning on its own people and killing them with guns. He said the Tamil people hadn’t witnessed such brutality even under colonial rule.

Input by Prabakar/101Reporters

Vaiko gets emotional while meeting those injured in the firing

Input by Saminathan/PTI

Raja Dhileeban, the policeman who opened fire, is a member of Special FP commando team of Thoothukudi**: Sources**

Watch: People gather outside mortuary at Government Medical College

The people urged those capturing videos to share it on social media so that others would join the protests.

Input by Prabakar/101Reporters

Visuals of firing outside the government hospital earlier

The police, while dispersing crowds outside the government hospital in Thoothukudi, got involved in an angry confrontation with the reporter. Over-hearing him narrating the scene before him, where he says the police are ganging up and attacking young boys, some of the police officers argued with the reporter, saying they too have been subject to attacks and injuries because of stone-pelting. ‘Who is shooting people? Am I shooting anyone?’ an angry cops shouted at the reporter. The reporter then said the police has refused to divulge who gave them the orders to resort to this fresh lathicharge.

Input by Prabakar/101Reporters

Resident of Anna Nagar who died in fresh firing

Visuals of injured being brought to the general hospital

Federation of Traders’ Association president says businesses will be shut across Tamil Nadu tomorrow

Federation of Traders’ Association president T Vellaiyan has announced that businesses will be shut across Tamil Nadu on Thursday to condemn Tuesday’s killings in Thoothukudi.

Input by Prabakar/101Reporters

MK Stalin meets those injured in the firing

#TamilNadu: DMK Working President MK Stalin meets people who were injured in #SterliteProtest yesterday, at General Hospital in #Thoothukudi. pic.twitter.com/P7Lg3KiSC0

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Shame on Tamil Nadu’s visionless, spineless govt: Actor Prakash Raj

KILLING of CITIZENS protesting .. SHAME on Tamilnadu s Visionless .. spineless government.. couldn’t you hear people’s cry of protest.. couldn’t you foresee citizens anguish over pollution concerns OR are you busy dancing to CENTER s tunes to hold on to power .. #justasking

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) May 23, 2018

Is the chief minister also accountable?

It was not as if the government was unaware of the 100th day protest. The question is whether the judicial probe by retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan will fix culpability of only the district administration or from the CM, chief secretary and DGP downwards. Did Edappadi Palaniswami brief the district minister and the collector on how to handle the situation? All we know is that EPS was inaugurating a flower show in Ooty last week.

Rahul_ji_, we will gift you a 6th standard Civics textbook: BJP

“Rahul Gandhi is milking a situation which is sad and in which 11 people have died. In a federal structure, law and order is a state subject,” said BJP’s Sambit Patra in a press conference.

“Rahul_ji_, we will gift you a 6th standard Civics textbook,” he further said. “We have seen as to how Rahul Gandhi is the cause of Congress’ loss.”

Stalin arrives at general hospital in Tuticorin

DMK leader Stalin has arrived at the general hospital in Tuticorin to meet the injured.

One person killed in fresh firing

News reports have said that at least one person has died in fresh firing.

Protests planned near Chepauk guest house

Student Federation of India, Democratic Youth Federation of India and All India Democratic Women’s Association are planning to protest near Chepauk guest house at around 4.30pm.

Input by Krithika Srinivasan/The NewsCart

Three more injured in police firing in Thoothukudi’s Anna Nagar

Fresh firing was reported in Thoothukudi’s Anna Nagar area at around 2.30 pm. Sources said, three policemen, including SP Mahendran, are injured.

At least, one should die: Policeman caught saying on tape

In a video released by The News Minute , two policemen are seen getting on top of a van and taking aim at protesters to shoot them down. While even the visuals enraged activists and the public, the audio heard in the background is even more chilling. As a policeman is on top of the van, a voice in the background can be heard saying, “At least one should die.”

Protesters torch vehicles in Thoothukudi’s Byrant Nagar

Kamal Haasan meeting victims earlier during the day

Police says strict action against those inciting violence

வன்முறையை தூண்டுவோர் மீது கடும் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும்- காவல்துறையினர் #ThoothukudiShooting #Thoothukudi #SterliteProtest #SterliteProtestMay22nd2018 pic.twitter.com/eEKcU6UE1v

— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) May 23, 2018

Forces deployed outside General Hospital in Tuticorin 

The government deployed forces outside the General Hospital in Thoothukudi after protesters set vehicles ablaze outside the hospital.

Kamal Haasan booked for violating Section 144

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan booked for violating Section 144. He visited the hospital to meet victims with at least 20 people despite the imposition of Section 144.

Protesters torch police vehicles outside Thoothukudi hospital

Over 50 police vehicles have been rallying through Thoothukudi to ensure peace following violence that erupted after police fired two rounds to disperse protesters outside the Thoothukudi Hospital. Two police vehicles, including one in Byrant Nagar, were burnt down by unidentified miscreants.

Tamils are assassinated because they refuse to subscribe to RSS sidhanta: Rahul Gandhi

Tamils ​​are assassinated because they refuse to subscribe to RS Siddhanta. The bullets of the RSS and Modi can never crush the feelings of the Tamil people. Brothers and sisters, we are with you.

தமிழர்கள் படுகொலை செய்யப்படுகின்றனர், ஏனென்றால் அவர்கள் ஆர் எஸ்.எஸ் சித்தாந்தத்திற்கு அடிபணிய மறுக்கின்றனர். ஆர்.எஸ்.எஸ் மற்றும் மோடியின் தோட்டாக்களால் ஒருபோதும் தமிழ் மக்களின் உணர்வுகளை
நசுக்க முடியாது. தமிழ் சகோதர சகோதரிகளே , நாங்கள் உங்களுடன் இருக்கிறோம்.#SterliteProtest

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 23, 2018

Bus was set ablaze by protesters outside General Hospital in Tuticorin

TamilNadu: A bus was set ablaze by protesters outside General Hospital in Tuticorin #SterliteProtest pic.twitter.com/kmX4tn9G3v

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

No amount of compensation is enough, says Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan met with the relatives of the injured and the deceased at the government hospital in Thoothukudi, consoling them. Speaking to reporters, he said no amount of compensation given to those who had died would be enough and that it seemed like the shooting was engineered to satisfy someone. The truth about who instigated the cops to shoot at the protestors should be brought out, he said.

Input by Prabakar/101Reporters

Rajnikanth shares video message amid stir over police firing

Actor and politician-in-waiting Rajnikanth released a video message condemning that brutal action of the government machinery in Thoothukudi and expressed his sympathies for the families of the people killed yesterday.

#SterliteProtest pic.twitter.com/XPKov0Ln2O

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 23, 2018

Six-member team starts medical examination of the deceased in presence of four judges

22 arrested for road block protest

Road block protest by Tamil Desa Makkal Munnani started by 9.30 am and lasted for half an hour. About 22 protesters have been arrested so far. 

Input by Krithika Srinivasan/The NewsCart

DMK and allies to stage massive protest on 25 May

The DMK and its allies will stage a massive protest across all district capitals on 25 May against the killings on Tuesday and calling for the permanent closure of the Sterlite plants.

The Tamil Nadu government has appointed retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to head the inquiry into Tuesday’s firing incident.

Input by P Marisami/Team 101Reporters

Protesters, including relatives of those injured in the police firing, demonstrate outside the district hospital

They have refused to accept the bodies of those killed in yesterday’s police firing till their demands are met. They want the government to close down the Sterlite plant and take stringent police action against officers involved in Tuesday’s firing.

Image procured by A Joseph/NewsCart

Watch: Policeman chases away onlookers by hurling stones at them

As Section 144 remains in force in several parts of Thoothukudi, the policement are chasing away onlookers.

Police fire in air outside Thoothukudi hospital to disperse protestors

Police fire in the air outside the Thoothukudi government hospital to disperse relatives of the deceased and other protesters who had gathered there. They also resorted to lathi charge and hurled tear gas to attempt to control the crowd.
 

Input by Team 101Reporters

NHRC takes suo motu cognisance of Tuesday’s incident

National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the Tuesday’s incident and also gave two weeks to the chief secretary and DGP to explain the police firing.

Police again uses brutal force to disperse crowd

Collector N Venkatesh visits the Thoothukudi Medical College Hospital. Police fired to disperse protesters, including relatives of the deceased. Venkatesh has refused to meet the media.

Retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been appointed by the Tamil Nadu government to probe police firing during anti-Sterlite protest in Thoothukudi

Retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been appointed by the #TamilNadu government to probe police firing during anti-sterlite protest in #Thoothukudi that claimed 11 lives

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Protesters were misled by groups with vested interests, claims Sterlite Copper CEO P Ramnath

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In an exclusive interview with Sterlite Copper CEO P Ramnath, Business Today in this report quoted the CEO as saying, “I totally regret what happened today. It was totally uncalled for and is really unfortunate. We had, in fact, taken all the precautionary steps by getting the court order for section 144. The police and the collector had also taken precautionary steps by calling for a peace meeting with the protestors but only one faction agreed to abide by what the collector and the superintendent of police had to say and they were allowed to conduct protests but there was one more faction which did not agree to this and they went ahead and took the law in their own hands. They started attacking the police, the collectorate, damaged and burnt a lot of vehicles. Our property was also attacked. In the township lot of employee vehicles were burnt. So, there was complete lawlessness, including perhaps infiltration of number of nefarious elements, who probably had their own interests and it all took a violent turn, which we completely regret. Although we expected it to be peaceful given Section 144 and considering the efforts made by the police and the collectorate.”

Petition in Madras HC filed by R Fatima of Thoothukudi

The petition to halt construction work at the new smelter plant was filed by R Fatima of Thoothukudi. Following the interim order, she told Puthiya Thalaimurai, “Although this is an interim stay, there are possibilities of it becoming a permanent stay.” In her petition, Fatima stated that Sterlite Industries obtained environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for a second copper smelter plant in 2009. It was renewed in 2015 and 2016 by allegedly misrepresenting the project location. Sterlite claimed that it was within a notified industrial complex. 

But according to the petitioner, SIPCOT Industrial Estate Phase II, where the proposed copper smelter plant was to be commissioned, itself was yet to obtain  environmental clearance from the authorities. Fathima had alleged that the environmental clearance was given to the second copper plant without any public hearing, one of the requirements for the grant of clearance.

Madras HC ordered to conduct a people’s referendum on the expansion of Sterlite Industries

The Madurai bench of Madras High Court has ordered a stay on the expansion works of Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi. The court’s order has been passed based on a petition filed by Professor Fathima against the expansion works. The petitioner claimed that the plant’s expansion works are carried out at a place different from the permitted one.

The bench, consisting of judges Sundar and Anitha Sumanth, also ordered to conduct a people’s referendum on the expansion. The court also directed the Centre to consider the petition by Vedanta Resources for environmental clearance and take a decision in four months.

Input by Marisami/101Reporters

Thoothukudi incident wasn’t just a tragedy, it was also unavoidable: Environment Support Group

Environment Support Group India released a citizen’s statement according to which “not only was this tragedy totally avoidable, it appears that the Police have even given hot pursuit and shot at women and others in fishing hamlets like Theresepuram.”

“The Government of Tamil Nadu, Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Thoothukudi District Administration are squarely responsible for allowing the situation to get to this unfortunate state by allowing Vedanta Sterlite to violate environmental and land use planning laws with impunity for over two decades, the statement read. It called for, at the very least, the resignation of senior minister who failed to “read the signs and take preventive measures”.

Vedanta shares plummet, at its lowest since 5 July, 2017

Vedanta shares are at a 10-month low. It was down as much as 5.50 percent in morning session. The fall comes a day after at least 11 people were killed as residents of Tuticorin protested Sterlite Copper’s industrial unit in Tuticorin. Sterlite is controlled by Vedanta, a majority-owned subsidiary of London-listed Vedanta Resources.

Thoothukudi reels from Tuesday’s shock: Bus services suspended, normal life hit

For the second day, all buses from Thoothukudi heading towards cities like Thiruchendur, Tirunelveli, and Madurai have been suspended. Both new and old bus stands in the city remained empty.

As a sign of protest against yesterday’s police firing, businesses are shut across Thoothukudi today.

Input by Marisami/101Reporters

Lawyers submit oral appeal in Madras HC to order investigation in Sterlite protests

Lawyers at the Madras High Court have made an oral appeal to the court to proactively order an investigation into the police firing on Tuesday which claimed 11 lives and injured more than 60. The four lawyers which include, advocates Rajini and Kannan, made the appeal to the bench comprising JusticeKrishnakumar and Justice Suresh Kumar.

They also insisted that those injured should be given the best of medical care. The bench asked the lawyers to submit a formal petition in this regard.

Input by Marisami/101Reporters

Madurai bench of Madras High Court stays construction of a new copper smelter by Sterlite industries in Thoothukudi

#Madurai bench of Madras High Court stays construction of a new copper smelter by #Sterlite industries in #Thoothukudi pic.twitter.com/K4TZpffArv

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Watch: Policemen take aim during Tuesday protests in Thoothukudi

The video shows policemen in plain clothes taking aim from top of a police van and firing at protesters. 

Video procured by Naveen Nair

Watch: Video shows protesters scamper for cover as police resort to lathicharge at anti-Vedanta protesters

Video procured by Naveen Nair

Was the police firing pre-planned?

Tuesday’s incident has triggered speculations that the police firing during the protests against Sterlite Industries was planned in advanced. “It is pre-planned, cold blooded murder,” The Wire quoted Thamizhaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi leader T Velmurugan as saying. The report quoted sources and said that the police had intended to kill the organisers of the protest.

MHA seeks report from Tamil Nadu govt over Thoothukudi police firing

The Ministry of Home Affairs has  sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government over the Thoothukudi police firing during protests against Sterlite industries on Tuesday, reports  ANI .

MDMK chief Vaiko meets the injured at Tuticorin general hospital

Image procured by A Joseph/NewsCart

Section 44 imposed in Thoothukudi and adjoining areas till Friday

District Collector N Venkatesh has ordered the extension of Section 144 in various parts of Thoothukudi, including Arumugamangalam, Vadanatham, Ottapidaram, and Alappuzha till 25 May. A gathering of over five persons in these areas will be a violation of law.

Fishermen protest against Thoothukudi firing

Strongly denouncing police firing which killed at least nine people in Thoothukudi on Tuesday, over 3,000 fishermen from 10 villages have not gone out in the sea saying that the policemen who opened fire should be shot dead.

Meanwhile, relatives of the victims have refused to accept their bodies and demanded that the Tamil Nadu government close down Vedanta’s Sterlite copper plant. State transport buses are off roads in all parts of the district.

WATCH: Public heckles crowd, says ‘beat them, chase them and beat. Throw stone. This is how they should be treated…’

As anti-Vedanta protesters and police clashed in Thoothukudi, the public was heard heckling the crowd saying, “beat them, chase them and beat. Throw stone. This is how they should be treated….”

Video by A Joseph/NewsCart

Watch: Tamil Nadu police and anti-Vedanta protesters clash in Thoothukudi

Video by A Joseph/NewsCart

Plant is currently ’non-operational’, says Vedanta Limited, expresses regret over Tuesday’s incident

In a statement, Vedanta Limited said: “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.”

MK Stalin won’t attend HDK’s  swearing in

“I am not going to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony tomorrow. I cancelled it due to the incident which took place in Tuticorin,” says DMK working president MK Stalin.

Kamal Haasan cancels trip to Bengaluru to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony. Instead, heads to Thoothukudi

News18 reports that actor and MNM chief Kamal Haasan cancelled his visit to Bengaluru, where he was supposed to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony. Instead, the actor-turned-politician is headed to Thoothukudi.

Security heightened; Section 144 imposed in Thoothukudi

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Security tightened in Thoothukudi after eleven people were killed in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries. Section 144 which prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area has been imposed in the city.

Decision on ongoing construction of a new copper smelter in Thoothukudi today

Madras High Court’s Madurai bench to today deliver interim order on the ongoing construction of a new copper smelter by Sterlite industries in Thoothukudi 

Madras High Court's Madurai bench to today deliver interim order on the ongoing construction of a new copper smelter by #Sterlite industries in #Thoothukudi . 11 people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against the construction of the new copper smelter

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Why was there not adequate police presence to maintain law and order, asks DMK working president MK Stalin 

Why was there not adequate police presence to maintain law and order during #SterliteProtest? Is it accurate to say that there was a total failure of State intelligence which led to these unfortunate deaths? Did IG-Intelligence brief police and @CMOTamilNadu on the situation?

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) May 23, 2018

Nearly 5,000 agitators had gathered on Tuesday, says police

Hurling stones and setting government vehicles and public property on fire, the agitators went on the rampage in the town, about 600 kilometres from Tamil Nadu capital Chennai. Police said nearly 5,000 protesters gathered near a local church and insisted on taking a out a rally to the district collectorate after they were denied permission to march to the copper smelter plant.

Initial pushing and shoving soon led to violent clashes, after agitated locals began hurling stones at police and overturned a vehicle. Security personnel used batons and burst teargas shells to break up the protest.

Many were injured in stone-pelting by the agitators, who also set some vehicles on fire. Windscreens of some government cars were smashed and bank premises were attacked by the rampaging mobs.

Killings are a reflection of the ‘government’s apathy towards people’, says Congress

“The brutal killing of 9 people during the Sterlite Protest in Tamil Nadu is a reflection of the government’s apathy towards people and their concerns. The protests have been going on for over 100 days now. Why didn’t the Govt open channels for a dialogue?” the party said on Twitter .

Movie actor Siddharth offers condolences for the ‘murdered innocents and their families’

“Each and every bullet in the chests of dead protestors will come back to haunt this sham of a government in Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Security tightened in Tuticorin; Section 144 imposed in the city

Security tightened in #Thoothukudi after eleven people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries. Section 144(prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in the city. #TamilNadu #SterliteProtest pic.twitter.com/cyOUFrxCGC

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018

Visuals from Tuticorin show police using assault rifles to disperse protesters on Tuesday

#WATCH Local police in Tuticorin seen with assault rifles to disperse protesters demanding a ban on Sterlite Industries. 9 protestors have lost their lives. #TamilNadu. (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/hinYmbtIZQ

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

Protests in Tuticorin have been underway for over three months

The protests were going on in Tuticorin for over three months now, but violence erupted on Tuesday with agitators fighting pitched battles with police, prompting it to open fire. Palaniswami said in a statement in Chennai that the protesters took out a procession towards the collectorate in defiance of the prohibitory orders clamped in the specific area in Tuticorin.

The violence in Tamil Nadu is a ‘brutal example of state sponsored terrorism’, says Congress president Rahul Gandhi

The gunning down by the police of 9 people in the #SterliteProtest in Tamil Nadu, is a brutal example of state sponsored terrorism. These citizens were murdered for protesting against injustice. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of these martyrs and the injured.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 22, 2018

Govt doesn’t respect sentiments of the people: Rajinikanth

“It is sad to condemn the deaths of civilians today as a result of this government’s neglect that does not respect the sentiments of the people. The Tamil Nadu government is responsible for the ongoing violence and public mortalities,” tweeted Rajinikanth.

மக்களின் உணர்வுகளை மதிக்காத இந்த அரசின் அலட்சியப்போக்கின் விளைவாக இன்று பொதுமக்கள் சுடப்பட்டு உயிரிழப்புகள் ஏற்பட்டிருப்பது மிகவும் வருந்தத்தக்கது, கண்டிக்கத்தக்கது.நடந்த வன்முறை மற்றும் பொது ஜன உயிரிழப்புகளுக்கு தமிழகஅரசே பொறுப்பு.

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 22, 2018

TN govt was negligent, says Kamal Haasan’s MNM

Kamal Haasan’s party Makkal Needhi Maiam blamed the government for its “negligence” in the Tuticorin violence. It has asked people to maintain peace. “The peaceful protest by the people of Tuticorin against Sterlite, demanding justice was ignored by the Governments. Negligence of the Governments is the reason for all the unfortunate events,” a statement issued by the party said.

#MakkalNeedhiMaiam pic.twitter.com/RErkNDefFl

— Makkal Needhi Maiam | மக்கள் நீதி மய்யம் (@maiamofficial) May 22, 2018

CM Palaniswami’s statement on Tuticorin police firing

Hon'ble CM-Press Release-Thoothukudi dt sterlite industry-violence-death-Date 22.05.2018 pic.twitter.com/ItkoFoMIZn

— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) May 22, 2018

CM Palaniswami announces judicial inquiry into Tuticorin violence
 

Palaniswami said he has ordered constitution of a one-man commission under a retired high court judge to go into the incident. The chief minister also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of those killed, 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 chief minister instructed the Tuticorin district administration to ensure those wounded got good medical treatment.

Mamata Banerjee tweets about ‘shocking news’

“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”

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

Videos show cops taking aim and shooting at protesters

As people marched ahead, breaching the barricades and entered the Collectorate, the police retaliated and fired at the crowds. 

The News Minute reports: ‘Though the Tamil Nadu government maintains that the police action was unavoidable, visuals being telecast by Tamil TV channels Puthiya Thalamurai and News18 Tamil Nadu show policemen in plain clothes taking aim from top of a police van and firing at protesters. In a sequence of events caught on video, a policeman in a yellow T shirt is standing on top of the van and firing a rifle. Later, another policeman in a black T shirt climbs to the top of the van, lies down and takes aim to shoot. The protesters don’t seem to be in the near vicinity of the police. Other reports say that police took aim from vantage points on roofs of buildings too.’

Nine dead after police open fires on anti-Vedanta protesters

Nine people were killed in police firing after protests for the closure of Vedanta group’s Sterlite Copper plant over pollution concerns turned violent in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin, with the police action drawing opposition criticism.