The South Indian Artistes' Association has once again demanded that Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi be shut down in view of the ongoing protests in the District. This latest statement from the actors' association comes after 11 people were killed in an agitation on Tuesday. By some estimates, at least one lakh protesters participated in the rally called to demand the closure of the Sterlite copper plant, which posed health threats besides causing damage to the environment. On the 100th day of the agitation, protestors were marching to the Collectorate. As per Governor Banwarilal Purohit's statement 11 people including women have been killed and over a dozen injured following clashes between police and demonstrators.
Actor and President of the Nadigar Sangam, Vishal, took to Twitter to write, "My deepest condolences. The protest is done for a social cause not for personal goals. If 50,000 ppl are protesting against Sterlite, it means there is unity among people to stop something which is against the welfare of the people of Tuticorin. Dear Prime Minsiter, please break your silence at least now. As BJP says, Protest is a form of Democracy, why can't people do the same? Govt is supposed to be "For The People" & not otherwise"
:( :( :( RIP pic.twitter.com/d10G256HAa
— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) May 22, 2018
Actor Arvind Swami, who is known to politically vocal too expressed his condolences to the families of the slain protesters. "#SterliteProtest deeply saddened to hear about the death of protesters in Tuticorin. My condolences to the families and those affected," the actor tweeted.
#SterliteProtest deeply saddened to hear about the death of protesters in Tuticorin. My condolences to the families and those affected.
— arvind swami (@thearvindswami) May 22, 2018
Actor Vijay Sethupathi said, “Law and government is to protect people and for their welfare. If they become exterminator of people, then what's their purpose? Remember, the last Tamilian's blood will only raise and not fall."
சட்டமோ அரசாங்கமோ எவையும் மக்களின் நலன்/ பாதுகாப்புக்காக வேண்டியே. அவையே மக்களின் உயிர் கொல்லியாக மாறினால எதற்கு ஒரு அரசாங்கம் ?
— Vijay Sethupathi ◽️ (@i_vijaysethu) May 22, 2018
நியாபகம் இருக்கட்டும் கடைசித் தமிழனின் ரத்தம் எழும் வீழாதே #SterliteProtest
saddened and im angered .firing innocent lives who strived only for everyones wellbeing . just because they dont create violence doesn't mean they dont know and you'll take it for granted.
— Vijay Sethupathi ◽️ (@i_vijaysethu) May 22, 2018
my deepest condolences to the families that lost their loved ones #SterliteProtest
Director PA Ranjith called for a ban of the company. He Tweeted "The Government is never for the people. Government is Violence-Power-Corporal & Terrorism. You're the government of the corporates who drink and feast on land, water and people's blood. You'll never care. You known very well that people are pros in forgetting. #banstrelite"
அரசு எப்போதும் மக்களுக்கானதாக இல்லவே இல்லை. அரசு என்பது வன்முறை-அதிகாரம்-கொடுக்கோலன் & பயங்கரவாதம். நிலம்,நீர்&மக்களின் ரத்தம் உறிந்து கொழிக்கும் கார்ப்ரேட்டுகளின் அரசே நீ ஒரு போதும் கவலைகொள்ள மாட்டாய்..உனக்கு தெரியும் மறதி கலையில் கைதேர்ந்தவர்கள் நம் மக்கள் என்று #bansterlite
— pa.ranjith (@beemji) May 22, 2018
Actor and comedian Karunakaran too condemned Government's inaction in this case
Tuticorin Firing news is deeply shocking and disappointing .Consequence of when our CM is not elected by us to be CM #IncompetentEPS Please accept 10 lakhs as compensation and go home
— Karunakaran (@actorkaruna) May 22, 2018
Sterlite protest deaths.. Sad situation.. This sacrifice shouldn’t go in vain.. The legitimate aspirations of the people should be heard and grievances addressed immediately .. Too much of darkness in TN.. Let there be light .. Soon
— Srinivas singer (@singersrinivas) May 22, 2018
What happened in Thoothukudi is absolute shock.Shooting of innocent people by police is such a shame.Some of our own lost their lives.Sad to see people’s peaceful protests ending in violence cos of fringe elements.God be little more kind to Thoothukudi and all of us in Tamilnadu.
— LKG (@RJ_Balaji) May 22, 2018