Black flag protest against Sterlite

The agitating villagers sought the state government to enact a special law for permanent closure of the Sterlite. On the other hand, a large number from various villages under the banner of ‘Vazhvathara Iyakkam’ rallied up to Collectorate and submitted petitions seeking early reopening of the industry.

The Collector said adequate police force has been deployed to maintain law and order. Superintendent of Police Murali Rambha, said petitions seeking permission for conducting demonstrations for and against Sterlite had been received, but permission has not been given to any organisation or group. While two petitions were submitted by protestors against the NGT order, other two petitions came up for reopening the industry, the SP said.

Meanwhile, Henri Tiphagne of People’s Watch, moved the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court seeking to quash the NGT order allowing Sterlite to resume operation. A Division Bench of Justices K K Sasidharan and P D Audikesavalu directed the petitioner to file anaffidavit.

According to Tuticorin Stevedores Association President, T. Velshankar, the local economy has been hit hard following closure of the Sterlite and stakeholders relying on it were left in the lurch. Over 10,000 worker’s dependent on truck transportation have been rendered jobless and their livelihoods is in peril. Further, Velshankar said a petition seeking early reopening of the industry was submitted to Thoothukudi Collector Sandeep Nanduri.