To quell the protesters, police had tried tear gas shells, lathi charge, and several other means. Sterlite Copper, which currently operates a 400,000-tonne per annum unit in the city, maintains it has received necessary permits and has not violated any norms. Reports state that it has been responsible for various health hazards, harming the people and the environment, thus prompting locals to protest against it.
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
So far, Makkal Needhi Maiam’s leader Kamal Haasan is in Thoothukudi meeting families of the victims.
Tamil Nadu: Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan arrives at General Hospital in #Thoothukudi to meet people who were injured in #SterliteProtest yesterday pic.twitter.com/NBpUfXU9pd
— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018
Many celebrities from Kollywood have also been speaking about the firing at Thoothukudi, condemning the whole incident and loss of life.
Stunt master Silva had even lost his brother-in-law, who was shot dead by the police at the protest. He shared a heartfelt note.
எனது அன்புத்தங்கையின் கணவர் ஆருயிர் மாப்பிள்ளை J. செல்வராஜ் ஸ்டெர்லைட் போராட்டத்தில் அநியாயமாக போலீசாரால் சுட்டு கொல்லப்பட்டார் .மிக்க வேதனையோடு பகிர்கிறேன் 😭 pic.twitter.com/4QNYJfcKwW
— silva stunt (@silvastunt) May 22, 2018
Vishal appealed to the Prime Minister, urging him to break his silence.
🙁 🙁 🙁 RIP pic.twitter.com/d10G256HAa
— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) May 22, 2018
Upcoming politician Rajinikanth blamed the government for the loss of innocent lives at the protest.
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
“The whole idea of a peaceful protest is to ensure that no one gets hurt..and yet so much violence,” wrote Varalaxmi Sarathkumar.
Shocked to hear what happened. The whole idea of a peaceful protest is to ensure that no one gets hurt..and yet so much violence.. innocent people shot..#SterliteProtest #shameonTNgovt it’s truly a black day..prayers and strength to the families of the victims..#RIP change needed pic.twitter.com/LjpFe5aS3T
— varu sarathkumar (@varusarath) May 22, 2018
While her step-mother Radhika Sarathkumar took a similar stand.
Shocked #ThoothukudiShooting , unacceptable to the mind. Condolences will become mere words, heart&spirit goes out to the people and their loved ones
— Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) May 23, 2018
Composer and actor GV Prakash, too, condemned it, calling it a ‘historical error’.
சில நூறு பேர் கொண்ட உங்களுக்கு முன்னால் நிற்கும் பல்லாயிரம் கணக்கான எம் மக்களின் நியாயமான உணர்வுக்கு மதிப்பளித்திருக்க வேண்டும்… வரலாற்று பிழை செய்து விட்டீர்கள் #SterliteProtestMay22nd2018 #SterliteProtest pic.twitter.com/Z7CTJA6F3k
— G.V.Prakash Kumar (@gvprakash) May 22, 2018
In early April, Kollywood had assembled at Chennai’s Valluvar Kottam to protest against the expansion of the Sterlite Copper plant. Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan attended the protest with Nadigar Sangam’s President, Nasser, and General Secretary, Vishal Krishna, spearheading the protest.