Thoothukudi
People from various organisations thronged the Collectorate on Monday demanding the permanent closure of the Sterlite plant and a special resolution be passed against the industry in the Assembly.
Members of the Anti-Sterlite Tamils Federation, led by M. Krishnamoorthy, demanded that a special session be convened in the Assembly to adopt the resolution.
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“We will meet the MLAs in Thoothukudi soon with a demand to raise the issue in the Assembly,” said Mr. Krishnamoorthy, alleging that the State government seemed to be acting in collusion with the company.
People from many other organisations like All India Democratic Women’s Association, SFI, DYFI, CITU, led by T. Kalaiselvi, M.S. Muthu and R. Russel, also raised slogans against the plant.
“There’s considerable improvement in the environment since the closure of Sterlite, which has been polluting for the last 22 years. The residents surrounding the plant say that they can feel the change,” said Mr. Russel.
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Around 100 members of Thoothukudi People’s Federation, including residents from villages near the plant, also raised slogans against the industry. They said that certain persons were stage-managing crowds in favour of the plant.
Carrying placards, pictures and wearing surgical masks, the protesters condemned the report of the committee set up by the NGT, which seemingly favours the industry.
A few, out of around 400 persons who came to the Collectorate, went on to submit petitions to the District Revenue Officer, as the Collector was not available.
Tight security was arranged with around 500 police personnel, led by Superintendent of Police Murali Rambha, deployed inside and outside the Collectorate, following prior information about the plan of submitting petitions spread.
The police conducted thorough checks before allowing people inside the premises. Ambulance, police vans and fire service vehicles were kept ready.