Anti-Sterlite protest: Authorities mull ways to combat crisis

Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 24 (ANI): In the wake of the ongoing anti-Sterlite protest, a meeting is being held here to mull on the measures to combat the current situation.

The officials from various departments are present in the meeting, which is being chaired by monitoring officers, Davidhar and Gagandeep Singh Bedi.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, earlier in the day, took cognisance of the situation and has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has also appealed to the people to remain calm and maintain peace and tranquillity in the region.

At least 13 people have died in the protest until now, and over 60 have been injured.

The people in the city have been contending that the plant would further pollute the water and pose environmental hazards.

Police have been deployed in large numbers in the sensitive coastal areas.

Till now, 67 people have been arrested for indulging in violence and will be produced in front of the magistrate for causing damage to public property and indulging in violence

Internet services have also been temporarily shut down in Thoothukudi and will remain suspended for another five days in the city.

The agitation turned violent after protesters were barred from marching up to the plant following which they began to pelt stones and toppled police vehicles. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI