Arttimez : The police in Tamil Nadu have denied permission for a protest seeking to reopen the Sterlite Copper’s factory in Thoothukudi. Around 30,000 people were planning to protest at Thoothukudi on February 20, 2025 asking the State Government to reopen the factory as unemployment in the district is growing. Various trade unions planned the protest to draw the state government’s attention to the plight of unemployed workers in the district and to demand the reopening of closed industries, including Sterlite. The Vedanta factory was forced to shut in 2019 after police killed 13 demonstrators protesting against the plant. The Supreme Court in February 2024 declined permission to reopen the factory, citing “serious environmental violations and repeated breaches”.
The protest was called by various associations including INTUC, Tamilnadu Eluchi Tholilalar Nala Sangam, Thoothukudi Makkal Vazhvathara Padhukappu Iyakkam, Thoothukudi Contractors Association, Thoothukudi Industrial Suppliers Association, Tamil Nadu Hindu Traders’ Association, Tamirabharani Pasana Vivasayigal Munnetra Sangaml, Lawyer’s Association, PMT Makkal Pathukappu Sangam, Aadhi Dravidar Nala Sangam, Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kalagam, Al Muslim League Party and the local fishermen among others.
