India: Strike planned in Tamil Nadu state May 25 /update 1

Event

Opposition parties have called for a 12-hour, dawn-to-dusk bandh (strike) in Tamil Nadu state on Friday, May 25, in protest of the recent police killings of demonstrators in Thoothukudi. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) opposition party announced the action on the evening of Wednesday, May 23 (local time), denouncing the perceived insufficient state response to the killings and the alleged lack of punishment given to the police officers involved in the killings. Consequent business and transportation disruptions are expected in Tamil Nadu state on Friday. Associated protests and gatherings are also possible; a heightened security presence is expected around related demonstrations.

Tamil Nadu authorities have also reportedly ordered telecommunications providers to cut internet and data services until Sunday, May 27, in the districts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari to quell related protest activity.

Context

On May 22, around 20,000 people gathered in the port city of Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu state) demanding the closure of a copper smelting plant. According to government officials, demonstrators threw stones at police officers and set several vehicles on fire. Officers responded by firing live ammunition to disperse the crowd, killing at least ten protesters. Dozens of others were also wounded in the clashes.

Activists claim that the smelting plant is causing environmental issues in the city. Residents have denounced a planned expansion of the plant and have called for the plant to close over the past 100 days. Officials in Tamil Nadu reportedly ordered the closure of the plant on May 23.

Advice

Individuals in Tamil Nadu state are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and other gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.