Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan Slam TN CM Edappadi Palaniswami For Tuticorin Violence

Rajnikanth, fondly known as "Thalaiva", asserted that TN government's inaction was the reason behind the violent outbreak.

Actor Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan | (Photo credits: Twitter)

Thoothkudi, May 22: Actor-turned-politician and south superstars Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan reacted over the Tuticorin violence, which claimed nine people's lives and left 20 people injured on Tuesday. Rajnikanth, fondly known as "Thalaiva", asserted that TN government's inaction was the reason behind the violent outbreak. Also,  he added that the state government should accept the responsibility for the violence and loss of life. Rajni also slammed Tamil Nadu state CM Edappadi Palaniswami for the cause. Several agitators who are against the Sterlite copper unit over pollution concern at Thoothkudi held a protest march at district collectorate office. However, the month-long protest turned violent early today.

TN CM Palaniswami in his statement claimed that the protesters torched police vans and other vehicles parked inside the collectorate office, despite section 144 (unlawful assembly), which was imposed in view of the scheduled protest. He further alleged that the crowd pelted stones on police, hence, to control the situation firing was carried out.

Reportedly, cops also used tear gases to disperse the crowd who refused to move out from the Sterlite employees residential quarters today. Also, special police battalion was deployed by the Tamil Nadu government to control the law and order situation in the region, which became tense after the protest took a violent turn. Over 4,000 police personnel from the nearby district areas were called for backup.

Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan's new political party named Makkal Needhi Maiam also condemned the Thoothukudi shooting. In an official press release, the party said, "The protests against the Sterlite plant were taken lightly by the Tamil Nadu government, and that attitude is the reason for today's unfortunate events. The citizens are not criminals. They have always been dying, first because of the plant now because of the government's attitude. Everyone, please stay calm."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2018 06:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

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