10 Questions People of Tuticorin Have for the Govt & Sterlite Co

People of Tuticorin say there was no violence till the police arrived, so who is to be blamed?

The people of Tuticorin have a few hard-hitting questions to ask the government, police and Sterlite Co.

(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/The Quint)

(This article was originally published on 1 June 2018 and has been reposted on the anniversary of the shooting that took place in Thoothukudi during the anti-Sterlite protests.)

22 May 2018

A day that will always be remembered by the people of Tuticorin. That fateful day was supposed to be a day of victory, as their agitation against the Sterlite copper smelter plant was entering its 100th day. But it turned out to be one of agony and violence.

On the 100th day of their protests, as they marched towards the Collectorate, violence broke out between the people and the police. Soon, the cops opened fire, killing 13 and injuring at least 70.

A few days later, the state government was forced to order the permanent closure of the plant, factoring in the people’s concerns. Amidst all this chaos, the CEO of Sterlite Copper P Ramnath said in an interview to IANS, “False propaganda dominated over the truth about the company, we will continue to bring out the truth to the general public and explore all options.”

But residents are in no mood to be gullible and say they will remain firm on their stand — ‘No more Sterlite.’

The people demand answers from the company and the government for a few hard-hitting questions.

Vanitha’s 18-year old daughter was shot during the agitation on May 22.(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)

A bullet grazed past Vinoba’s head and his back is completely bruised because of lathi beatings.(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)

Nelson saw his best friend shot right in front of his eyes. Before he could save him, a bullet pierced through his leg.(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)

Michael says he has sleepless nights everyday watching little children suffer.(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)

Mary’s sister was selling fish in her hamlet. The police indulged in a stand-off with local boys and her sister was killed in the misfiring.(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)

“For one Agarwal family to live, the CM has sent an entire town to the hospital. They are saying 13 were killed, but I can tell you it is more than 30. I don’t know why they are messing with the figures?”(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)

Mani wants the police officers who opened fire to be held accountable.(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)

Amutha, who lives just a few kilometres away from the Sterlite plant, has had major uterus issues because of the pollution.(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)

Residents of Tuticorin don’t want to be seen as SC, ST, Nadars, Fernandez, but as people of Thoothukudi fighting for a cause.(Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)

People of Tuticorin say every time there are protests, everything has been peaceful until the police have arrived at the scene. So they ask, who is to be blamed? (Photo Courtesy: Smitha TK/ The Quint)