Anti-sterlite protest: DMK, allies call for bandh on Friday

Chennai, May 24

The DMK and other opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have called for a dawn-to-dusk bandh on Friday, condemning the police action against protesters in Tuticorin, in which 11 people lost their lives.

The DMK had on Tuesday called for an all-party protest in all district headquarters on May 25 to condemn the police firing in Tuticorin district.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the DMK said that instead of the all-party protest, a state-wide bandh would be observed on May 25 to condemn the police action and demand closure of the sterlite copper smelter plant in Tuticorin district.

People living in Tuticorin and its neighbouring districts were angered by the police action against the agitators, the release said, adding, “The bandh will also reflect the feelings of Tamils.”

“The DMK, the All India National Congress, the Dravidar Kazhagam, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the CPI, the CPI(M), the Indian Union Muslim League, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi will participate in the day-long state-wide protest,” it said. PTI