Sterlite protest: Fishers blame Makkal Adhikaram lawyers for May 22 violence

After submitting a petition to AWD Tilak, president, Thoothukudi Bar Association and the Thoothukudi District Legal Services Authority in this regard, F Robert Villavarayar, President, Threspuram Country Boat Fishermen Association said that the unruly mob that triggered violence belonged to Makkal Adhikaram and were ‘anti-social elements.’

“The coastal community in large numbers participated in the rally only to extend support to the anti-Sterlite protest like it was done by the traders’ associations but did not organise the rally which turned violent after the mob set fire on many public and private vehicles. Two lawyers, Hariraghavan and Vanjinathan of Makkal Adhikaram, had brainwashed local youth and women and led the violent protests. But, now they claim that they are not involved in any way to the anti-Sterlite rally which is not true,” Villavarayar told DT Next.

The fishermen claimed that Hariraghavan and Vanjinathan had earlier penetrated the villages using their outfit and convinced villagers to form a massive gathering against Sterlite. “During the talks organised on May 20 with the police officials & also during the gathering at SAV ground on May 22 to create awareness for the government, we provided our fullest support to merchants. But these lawyers instigated the public, including women, to protest against the District Collector’s office which went out of control,” another fisherman who arrived at the District Integrated Court said. The fisherfolk sought action against those responsible for the violence and protection for fishermen from police action. 

The Thoothukudi police had earlier arrested S Vanjinathan, for engineering anti-sterlite protests when he arrived at the Chennai airport on June 20 while the other lawyer accused Hariraghavan is currently absconding.

Reacting to the allegation, Milton, a Makkal Adhikaram functionary from Thoothukudi told DT Next that the May 22 protest was by the people of Thoothukudi. “Sterlite had planned the murder and is now trying to put the blame on the organisation. It was the police who instigated the protesters by carrying out lathicharge. When the protestors revolted, they shot them. 

All statements blaming Makkal Adhikaram are sponsored by Sterlite,” he said.