Anti-Sterlite protests: Death toll at 13, Section 144 in force

Thoothukudi, May 24: The death toll in the police firing on anti-Sterlite protesters mounted to 13 while life continued to remain paralysed for the third day on Thursday in this port town.
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board ordered closure of the copper smelter of United Kingdom-based Vedanta Group’s Sterlite subsidary and disconnection of power supply to it.
Police sources said Selvasekhar, 43, who had suffered serious injuries in the police lathicharge on Tuesday, passed away this morning at the Government Hospital.
More than 70 people, including police personnel, injured in the clashes and violence, were undergoing treatment at the hospital.
After two days of riots, arson and firing, an uneasy calm prevailed in Thoothukudi, .
Miscreants this morning stoned six Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation buses at Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari and Nagapattinam districts, damaging their wind screens.
All the shops and commercial establishments were shut for the third consecutive day, while government offices witnessed thin attendance.
Prohibitory orders continued in sensitive areas.
Public transport was completely off the roads and only police vehicles, besides some private cars and auto rickshaws, plied at some places.
People stayed indoors and struggled to get their essential commodities, including milk, in Thoothukudi town.
Internet services were suspended from last night following a state government advisory to the service providers to prevent provocative messages and rumours being spread on the social media.
District authorities strengthened police deployment in vulnerable areas to contain the violence and to avoid any further loss of life or damage to property.
Police said more than 130 people were arrested so far in connection with the violence.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been in touch with Tamil Nadu Government on the violence in Tuticorin, a official said in New Delhi.
‘A detailed report has been sought on the sequence of events and circumstances leading to loss of human lives on May 22,’ the official added.
Tamil Nadu Government has also been asked to provide details of the action taken to restore peace and normalcy and has also been requested to furnish a detailed report regarding the Sterlite plant, the official informed.