Anti-Sterlite Thoothukudi District People's Federation Pays Tribute to 2018 Protest Victims

On May 22 and 23, 2018, violence erupted during the protest against the proposed expansion of Sterlite Corporation's Copper Smelter plant in Thoothukudi.

During the tribute, a member of Anti-Sterlite Thoothukudi District People's Federation called for the police involved in the shooting to face the same verdict as in the Sathankulam case. ( Image Source :X/@ANI )

The Anti-Sterlite Thoothukudi District People's Federation paid tribute to honour 13 individuals who lost their lives during the 2018 anti-Sterlite Copper plant protest in Tamil Nadu.

During the tribute, Federation member Kabisten voiced the community's ongoing demands. Member of Anti-Sterlite Thoothukudi District People's Federation, Kabisten said, "Our request to the government is that the police involved in the shooting should give the same verdict in the case of Sathankulam case...The authorities have not been punished yet.."

"A bell tower should be built in the centre of the town for all those who lost their lives in the firing and the Sterlite plant should be completely removed," he said. 

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Anti-Sterlite Thoothukudi District People's Federation pay tribute to the 13 persons who were killed during the anti-Sterlite Copper plant protest in Tamil Nadu in 2018. pic.twitter.com/WRwO5GzHIT

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2024

On May 22 and 23, 2018, violence erupted during the protest against the proposed expansion of the Sterlite Corporation's Copper Smelter plant in Thoothukudi. Amidst the alleged violence, police opened fire on the protesters, resulting in the deaths of 13 people and injuring 102 others.

The incident took place on the morning of May 22, marking the 100th day of the anti-Sterlite protests, when thousands of people marched towards Thoothukudi Collectorate defying legal prohibitory orders issued by the district administration.

Following this, a working group of United Nations human rights experts condemned the "apparent excessive and disproportionate use of lethal force by police", as reported by The Wire.

In November 2018, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered cases against several unidentified police personnel and revenue department officials of Tamil Nadu for the deaths of the 14 protesters, including charges of criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy.

Based on the recommendations of Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission of Inquiry, Tamil Nadu government has initiated "departmental action" against 17 police personnel.