The government is taking measures to prevent further trouble in the port city of Tuticorin, also known as Thoothukudi, where 13 protesters have died over the last two days. The government has cut-off power supply to the Sterlite copper smelter. People of the city have been protesting for more than 100 days against the smelter and its expansion. The city also went off the internet grid late Wednesday night. The services will be remain suspended until the administration issues further instructions.
ALSO READ: Tuticorin death toll rises to 13; Rahul blames RSS, BJP volleys back
After discovering that the unit was carrying out activities despite being told not to till its license is renewed, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board asked the district collector to dismiss the power supply to Sterlite copper’s smelter, which a part of the Vedanta group, until further notice. The plant has been operating the Tuticorin for more than 20 years.
On Wednesday 9 PM, internet services were also suspended in three districts on the orders of the administration.
ALSO READ: Does Tuticorin need an Erin Brockovich? After protests turn violent, probe ordered
The city administration has also filed cases against Kamal Haasan, MK Stalin, Vaiko as they visited Tuticorin when Section 144 was in place. Meanwhile, DMK leader, Stalin is holding massive protests outside the Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai against the violence in Thoothukudi.