Chennai: Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Tuesday condoled the death of ten persons, who died in Thoothukudi. Palaniswami termed the incident unfortunate and said the police resorted to shooting as it was the last option to maintain law and order situation.
The protests for the closure of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper unit in Thoothukudi over pollution concerns turned violent, with agitators hurling stones, prompting the force to open fire. Ten people have died in police action, the CM said in a statement early evening.
He also announced a judicial inquiry into the violence. Detailing the events, he said that the government understood public sentiment and would not allow the functioning of Sterlite plant.
He also recalled that the former chief minister Jayalaithaa was against Sterlite operations that polluted water and air. The state government would follow directions laid down by the AIADMK leader Amma, the statement said.
The chief minister also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of those killed, Rs 3 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for people who suffered minor injuries and assured government jobs for the members of the deceased family.
Earlier in the day, CM, who also holds the home portfolio conducted a high-level meeting with chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan and the DGP T. K. Rajendran to review the law and order situation in Thoothukudi.
The Madras Union of Journalists also condemned the police firing. In a statement, MUJ alleged that more than six journalists were caught between the police and the agitators.
