South Indian Artistes’ Association Calls for Ban of Sterlite Plant

The statement from the actors’ association comes after 11 people were killed in the agitation on 22 May.

Police personnel tackle the agitators demanding the closure of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper unit in Thoothukudi, as protest entered the 100th day on Tuesday, 22 May.

(Photo: PTI)

The South Indian Artistes' Association has once again demanded that the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, be shut down in view of the ongoing protests in the district.

This latest statement from the actors' association comes after 11 people were killed in an agitation on Tuesday, 22 May.

By some estimates, at least one lakh protesters participated in the rally called to demand the closure of the Sterlite copper plant, which posed health threats besides causing damage to the environment.

On the 100th day of the agitation, protesters were marching to the Collectorate. As per Governor Banwarilal Purohit's statement, 11 people, including women, have been killed and over a dozen were injured following clashes between the police and demonstrators.

Actor and president of the Nadigar Sangam, Vishal, tweeted:

My deepest condolences... Dear Prime Minsiter, please break your silence at least now. As BJP says, protest is a form of democracy, so why can’t people do the same? Government is supposed to be “For The People” and not otherwise. 

Actor Arvind Swami, who is known to be politically vocal too, expressed his condolences to the families of the slain protesters.

Actor Vijay Sethupathi said, “Law and government is to protect people and for their welfare. If they become exterminator of people, then what's their purpose? Remember, the last Tamilian's blood will only raise and not fall."

Director PA Ranjith called for a ban of the company. He tweeted "The Government is never for the people. Government is Violence-Power-Corporal & Terrorism. You're the government of the corporates who drink and feast on land, water and people's blood. You'll never care. You known very well that people are pros in forgetting. #banstrelite."

Other famous names in the industry also expressed their outrage and shock against the situation in Tuticorin, saying that the “sacrifices” shouldn’t go in vain.

(This article was first published on The News Minute and has been republished here with permission)