Won't allow reopening of Sterlite: Victims’ families

With Supreme Court clearing decks for reopening of Sterlite Copper, family members of those killed in the police firing in Thoothukudi on Thursday demanded a referendum in the port city to decide the fate of the Vedanta-owned copper smelter.

Family members of most of the 13 victims, who lost their lives in police firing during the anti-Sterlite agitation on May 22 last year, also demanded that the Tamil Nadu government pass a special resolution in the assembly resolving to close the copper smelter permanently.

Accusing the Tamil Nadu government of being “hand in gloves” with Sterlite Copper, the relatives of the victim said they were at loss to understand what is stopping the state administration from taking a policy decision not to allow any copper smelter in the state.

“Since Sterlite Copper and others claim that there is support for them, we demand a referendum in Thoothukudi to decide the fate of the company. Once a referendum is held, things would be clear. We don’t want the plant to reopen. If it reopens, what is the point in 13 people sacrificing their lives?” Stephen, brother of Gladston who was shot in the head, told a press conference here.

The family members’ media interaction came a day after supporters of Sterlite Copper held a rally in Chennai demanding the opening of the plant. They reiterated their demands – permanent closure of Sterlite in Thoothukudi, erecting a memorial for the victims and a policy decision on not allowing copper smelters in Tamil Nadu.

“What was my son’s mistake? He went to the protest just to participate and he returned home as a body. He was shot dead just two months after his marriage. We are firm on our decision not to allow Sterlite to function again,” Maheshwari, mother of another victim Raghu, said.

Sterlite Copper was shut permanently on May 28, 2018, by the Tamil Nadu government through an order based on report from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. However, the GO was struck down by the NGT last month paving the way for re-opening of Sterlite.

The Supreme Court also refused to stay the NGT order on Tuesday.