Vijay announces extra Rs 5 crore for families of TN Sterlite protest victims

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered an additional relief of Rs 5.25 crore to families of those killed and injured during the 2018 anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi, following appeals from the affected families seeking further compensation.The protests against the Sterlite Copper plant in May 2018, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, while 40 others sustained grievous injuries. The government had earlier provided compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the 13 killed and Rs 5 lakh each to the 40 injured persons.According to the latest order, the families of those killed will receive an additional Rs 25 lakh each, taking the total additional compensation for them to Rs 3.25 crore. The 40 injured persons will receive a further Rs 5 lakh each, amounting to Rs 2 crore. The total additional relief sanctioned by the government is Rs 5.25 crore.The decision follows representations made by families affected by the police firing, who approached Chief Minister Vijay seeking additional compensation. After considering their requests, the Chief Minister approved the disbursement based on the recommendations of the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission, which investigated the circumstances surrounding the firing. The anti-Sterlite protests were part of a prolonged agitation by residents and environmental activists in Thoothukudi demanding the closure of the copper smelting plant. Protesters had raised concerns over alleged environmental pollution and its impact on the health and livelihoods of people living in the surrounding areas. The agitation intensified after plans for the expansion of the plant, operated by Vedanta Group's Sterlite Copper, triggered further opposition.May 2018 marked the 100th day of the agitation. Thousands of protesters marched towards the Thoothukudi district collector's office demanding the plant's closure. Police firing during the protests killed 13 people over May 22 and 23, triggering widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu. The incident subsequently became a major flashpoint in the state's debate over industrial pollution, the right to protest and police accountability. The Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission, constituted to investigate the police firing, examined the circumstances surrounding the deaths and made recommendations for action against officials involved.Welcoming the latest compensation announcement, environmental organisation Poovulagin Nanbargal said the additional Rs 5.25 crore would provide relief to the families affected by the police violence.However, the organisation stressed that financial compensation alone would not amount to full justice for the victims. It urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that all those accused in the incident receive appropriate punishment and that the Sterlite plant is completely demolished and removed.The latest announcement brings the total additional relief sanctioned for the 53 affected individuals and families to Rs 5.25 crore, over and above the compensation provided earlier.- Ends