Hold public referendum on closure of Sterlite unit, demand residents

Several people thronged Thoothukudi Collectorate on Monday, urging the State Government to hold a public referendum on the demand to permanently shut down the copper plant.

They later staged an agitation in front of the collectorate. Several young children took part in the protest.

M Krishnamurthy, a local resident, said the State Government is not considering the legitimate concerns of protesters. “It should convene an assembly session and enact a special law for the permanent closure of Sterlite plant,” he said.

Residents of Periyanayagipuram and those belonging to ‘Tamil Puligal’, an organisation, also submitted a petition in this regard.

Speaking to reporters, Thoothukudi Collector Sandeep Nanduri said, “Children and students should never be encouraged to participate in any form of protest.”

Asking people not to stage demonstrations against Sterlite, Nanduri said the State Government is clear in its stand on not reopening the plant and to appeal against the NGT order, which allowed the company to resume its operations.

“The government would soon move the Supreme Court challenging the NGT order. Moreover, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Friday last issued direction to maintain status quo in the case for a period of one month till January 21, 2019.” 

MDMK leader Vaiko on Monday criticised the State Government, claiming that it has been indirectly helping Sterlite to reopen its copper plant and resume operations. “The State is enacting a drama right from the beginning,” said Vaiko, in a statement. “If Sterlite tries to appeal against the Madras High Court order in the Supreme Court, the State should file a caveat petition in the case. Further, the government should pass a special resolution for permanently shutting down the plant,” the MDMK leader added. The MHC has posted the case for next hearing on January 21.