Thoothukudi: Stating that main demand of shutting down Sterlite plant has already been met, the newly appointed Thoothukudi district collector Sandeep Nanduri has appealed to the people to cooperate with the government to restore normalcy in the district, rocked by violence for the past three days.
Speaking to mediapersons, in the presence of senior IAS officers P.W.C. Dawidar and Gagandeep Singh Bedi, IG (South Zone) Shailesh Kumar Yadav and SP Murali Rambha, in Thoothukudi on Thursday Nanduri said the major demand of the people was closure of Sterlite unit. Already, power connection and water link to the industry have been snapped. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has ordered the closure of Sterlite Copper Smelter plant with immediate effect and disconnected electricity supply to the unit on Thursday morning. He appealed the people to cooperate with the district administration in bringing back normalcy in Thoothukudi.
The government has been making arrangements to provide basic amenities, including drinking water, and milk to the people. Amma Canteen will work round the clock and Aavin parlour opened for the benefit of the people. Farm Fresh outlet operated by Tamil Nadu Cooperative Society will supply fresh vegetable. Ration shops will also work 24 hours in the coastal town.
He said 13 persons, including 2 women, died and 102 persons injured and of them 19 were sustained seriously injuries. And, 24 police personnel including 10 women sustained injuries.
Listing out damages following the violence in Thoothukudi, Sandeep Nanduri said according to preliminary estimate properties including vehicles were damaged. A total of 98 vehicles including 24 cars were totally destroyed and 46 vehicles damaged partially. He also said properties worth '29 lakh were damaged.
Later, IG (South Zone) Shailesh Kumar Yadav said passenger bus service has been restored in rural areas in the district. The district administration and the police are holding talks with representatives of various associations, including trader unions and hotel association. Soon normal bus service will be restored in Thoothukudi also.
The IG said 65 persons were arrested for causing violence. On Thursday, the police arrested 68 persons for causing violence. He said post-mortem on four bodies of the victims was conducted on the request of their family members. Based on the direction of Madras high court efforts were taken to preserve the victim bodies.
