On May 22nd, the protest against Sterlite industry took a drastic turn when the police began open firing at the protestors in which 12 people died and more than 22 were seriously injured. The Tamil Nadu film directors association has given a statement regarding the issue and stated their condolences to the people of Thoothukudi.
 

The head of the members of Tamil Nadu Film Directors Association, Vikraman gave an official statement about the open firing in Thoothukudi.
 

"On 22nd May 2018, 13 innocent people in the Sterlite protest have been killed in the open firing by the police in Thoothukudi. We provide our deepest condolences to the families and the people of Thoothukudi. For 20 years now, there have been protests against Sterlite industry. A proper judgment should have been given by our state government instead of going on an open firing. When the same issue was a major concern back in 2013, Chief minister Amma Jayalalithaa declared a temporary closing of the industry and cut off electricity connection on 29-03-2013.

But, the company soon got a verdict favourable to them issued by the high court of Madras. If a permanent closure of the industry was declared back then, we would not have lost these 13 lives.

Due to the open firing, the ongoing protest cannot be stopped hence, the only way forward is the closure of the industry. It is extremely essential for the government to take immediate and effective measures about this issue. This statement is on behalf of all the members of Tamil Nadu Film Directors Association"