22-05-2025
Anti-Sterlite protest firing's seventh anniversary observed in Thoothukudi
The seventh anniversary of police firing on protestors, who opposed the Sterlite Copper Plant in Thoothukudi, was observed in the district on Thursday.
Members of various political parties and anti-Sterlite movement organisations paid floral tribute to the portraits of 13 persons killed in the firing.
The protest against the Sterlite Copper Plant in Thoothukudi, which was held on May 22, 2018, ended with a tragic police firing on the rallyists opposing the Sterlite Copper Plant. The police opened fire and conducted charges, resulting in the death of 13 people and injuries to many. Following the outrage, the State ordered the closure of the Sterlite plant, and the Supreme court later upheld the decision of the state.
To mark the seventh anniversary, a remembrance event led by Thoothukudi Corporation Mayor Jegan Periyasamy, was held. DMK party members paid floral tribute to the portraits of the deceased persons.
At the CPI(M) office in Masilamanipuram, District Secretary K.P. Arumugam led a memorial event, where the party members paid homage.
Representatives of Anti-Sterlite Thoothukudi District People Federation, co-ordinator M. Krishnamoorthy visited the gravesites. Remembrance events were also held in Kumarettiyapuram, South Veerapandiyapuram, Madaththur, Sileverpuram, Fatima Nagar and Boobalarayapuram.
In a post on 'X' Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said that, 'A dark day under the former AIADMK government's tenure, when people protesting for the closure of the Sterlite Plant were shot down to protect corporate interests. Today, we remember the 13 martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their rights. The wounds left by the bullets that shot them still remain in our hearts and will never be forgotten.'
