Anti-Sterlite protests: Section 144 lifted in Thoothukudi

The Thoothukudi district administration on Sunday lifted Section 144 (prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) which had been imposed in the city after the Sterlite Protest.

Section 144 was imposed on Wednesday after 13 people were killed and over 60 injured in a violent protest against Sterlite Industries in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi. After the incident, security was strengthened and police personnel were directed to keep a tight vigil in several parts of the city.

The protests were going on since last three months but violence took place on May 22 (Tuesday) when agitators allegedly hurled stones at police forces, prompting it to open fire.

The locals have alleged that the Sterlite copper plant is responsible for pollution and they have been demanding its closure.

On Thursday, the Madras High court in its interim order had stayed the expansion plans of the plant. It also asked the state government to preserve the bodies of those killed on May 22 protests. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was also filed in the Supreme court seeking a court-monitored CBI probe into the deaths of the protestors. The apex court is scheduled to hear the matter on May 28.