AMN /Chennai
The death toll in police firing against Sterlite factory protesters in Thuthukkudi in Tamil Nadu has gone up to 10. The incident occurred today when protesters started pelting stones at the police and disobeying Section 144 orders.
Sources said, 65 protesters and 30 police officials were reportedly injured in the incident. Protesters have also picketted the district administration head quarters. Traffic has also been disrupted on the Thuthukkudi Tirunelveli highway. Additional police forces have been rushed to Thuthukkudi.
Tuesday marked the 100th day of the latest round of protests against the company, which has been accused of being responsible for air and water pollution leading to health hazards.
Violence broke out when a large number of protesters, who took out a rally from various places of Thoothukudi, moved up to the four-road intersection close to the traffic signal on Palayamkottai Road.
Since prohibitory orders were in force they were denied permission by police personnel to proceed further. Angry protesters started to hurl stones and footwear at policemen, who carried shields with protective outfit.
All attempts to stop the protesters failed and they marched ahead after breaking the barricades and toppling a striking force vehicle near the traffic signal. The police made yet another attempt near the Third Mile bridge on the Palayamkottai Road to control the protest. Tear gas was used to quell the rioting mob, which continued to regroup. An explosive substance was thrown at the police.