Copper ore-laden lorries to Sterlite plant blocked

The protesters also petitioned Thoothukudi port officials to not permit the import of the mineral by Sterlite Copper. This action by the protesters was preceded by them blocking the mineral-laden vehicles, belonging to the private company, from entering the plant the previous night. 

The anti-Sterlite protesters had gathered outside the plant at around 11pm, after receiving information that the mineral was being transported in lorries. They demanded the vehicles to return to the Port.

Thoothukudi Sipcot police, who were alerted, soon rushed to the spot. Inspector, Hariharan, held talks with the protesters and pacified them. The protesters argued that when the plant had been shut down, why was the raw materials being transported inside. This raised suspicion whether the copper unit is functioning illegally, they claimed. 

After being pacified by the Inspector, who assured that action would be taken against the plant if it was found to be operating illegally, the protesters dispersed from the spot. 

Veteran CPI leader, Nallakannu, along with other party cadre were arrested on Wednesday, after they staged protest near VVD signal, in Thoothukudi. During the protest, for which the police denied permission, he said that state government had rejected the consent to operate for Sterlite Copper, but there is suspicion that it might not be a lasting measure, adding that his only demand is the plant’s permanent closure. 

Condemning the arrest, a road roko was staged by few other CPI cadre on the Thoothukudi-Palayamkottai main road. In total, 127 protesters were taken into police custody.