Thoothukudi anti-Sterlite protests funded by foreign firms; people demand re-opening of copper plant

Thoothukudi: A large number of people came out in protest against the Sterlite copper smelter plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, last year. The protests took an ugly turn and 13 innocent lives were lost. This was allegedly after much instigation by certain extremists groups, say some politicians. MyNation has accessed documents that reveal shocking details of funding received by organisations abroad. After 11 months of the sacrifices made by them, and eight months post the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) order to shut down the Sterlite copper smelter plant, Thoothukudi now gears up to demand that the plant be reopened. Here's a ground report.