Anti-Sterlite stir claims two lives, TN calls for shutdown of copper unit

Agitation crosses 100 days, was initiated after company, which represents Vedanta's copper business, announced expansion of its unit

Two people reportedly died after police opened fire on protesters demanding the closure of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. The protest turned violent when agitators started pelting stones and attacked police vehicles after they were prevented from marching towards the plant.

The state government on Tuesday in a statement said that Sterlite plant is operating in Tamil Nadu for over 20 years and that the administration continues to support the stand taken by late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

On March 29, 2013, J Jayalalithaa ordered the factory to close after people complained of eye irritation following alleged