MDMK General Secretary Vaiko and a group of people were arrested today after they attempted to lay siege to Sterlite Copper Plant here demanding its closure following alleged noxious gas leak, police said.
Vaiko said he had been fighting for the past 18 years for closure of the plant to protect the residents.
Farm lands had turned non-cultivable and fishery resources badly affected owing to pollution, Vaiko told reporters, adding that there is no alternative, but to close the plant immediately.
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Residents in Tuticorin were complaining of breathlessness and eye irritation for the last few days and they suspected leakage of noxious gas from the plant.
However, the company officials had yesterday said that its plant operations were "absolutely safe" and they adhered to highest standards of safety.