TN Govt doubles solatium to anti-Sterlite protest victims

The Tamil Nadu Government today doubled the solatium to families of the 13 people killed in police firing last week during anti-Sterlite plant protests, from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

The solatium for those seriously injured has also been increased to Rs five lakh from Rs three lakh and for those with minor injuries, to Rs 1.50 lakh from Rs one lakh.

An official release quoting Chief Minister K Palaniswami said he issued the orders to increase the solatium (from the earlier amounts announced on May 22) after considering requests to the government from various sections and to the Commission of Inquiry probing the violence.

The months long protests demanding closure of UK-based Vedanta Ltd, Sterlite-Copper Smelting plant over pollution concerns turned violent last week, prompting police to open fire, killing 13 persons.

The state government constituted a Commission of Inquiry, headed by retired Madras High Court Judge Aruna Jagadeesan, to probe the violence.

Meanwhile, DGP T K Rajendran today termed the incidents of violence as 'very unfortunate' and said suitable action would be taken once the Commission of Inquiry submits its report.

Speaking to reporters after visiting families of the deceased and injured at a government hospital in Tuticorin district, he said the public and traders were "cooperating" to maintain peace and added that deployment of police personnel would be gradually reduced after assessing the situation.

He said internet service in the district would be restored from midnight.

The Opposition DMK had sought resignation of the Chief Minister and DGP for alleged failure to maintain law and order in the district.