12 killed in police firing in India

International Desk:  A day after 12 people were killed in police firing during anti-Sterlite protests in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin, the opposition DMK compared the incident to the 1919 Jallianwalla Bagh massacre, in which British soldiers opened fire on crowds at a public meeting.

"Who ordered police firing on protesters," questioned DMK leader MK Stalin, targeting the AIADMK government of E Palaniswami.

Harsh criticism had pushed Mr Palaniswami to order a judicial inquiry into the violence in Tuticorin, in which the police opened fire on protesters who hit the streets yesterday.

The protesters were demanding the permanent closure of a copper smelting plant that has been accused of polluting the area.

The police claimed they had opened fire after the mob went on rampage. Chief Minister Palaniswami called it a case of "unavoidable circumstances" where the police had to act to protect lives and public property.

Calling Tamil Nadu a "fascist regime" and a "police state", DMK leader Sarvanan said, "A recent survey shows that maximum protests happen in TN.

That's because of the inefficiency of the government. This is a Jallianwallah Bagh type of massacre. The government should pack up and go". 

In a series of tweets this morning, DMK chief MK Stalin raised a number of questions, including who had ordered the police firing on protestors.

Robinson gave a brief speech at a public appearance on Tuesday afternoon in Venezuela’s western city of Merida.

“We energetically reject the accusations against me and against Brian Naranjo,” said Robinson, in comments streamed live on Facebook by local media.

“This was my first visit to Merida, but it will not be my last,” added Robinson, who assumed the charge d’affaires role in December.

In an interview on Tuesday, Venezuela’s Trade Minister Jose Vielma said the latest round of sanctions would have a “more serious” impact on the country’s financial system.

Previous sanctions were limited to assets linked to individual Maduro administration members.

Source: Agencies


risingbd/May 23, 2018/Mukul