TUTICORIN, July 9: A total bandh supported by the MDMK, CPI and the PMK was observed in Tuticorin today in demand of the permanent closure of the Sterlite copper smelter unit, in the wake of a gas leak that led to hospitalisation of about 100 girls employed in a nearby factory. Shops, business and educational establishments remained closed, and town buses did not ply. Mild tension prevailed as some students participating in a procession tried to gate-crash into the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus depot, and police pickets had to use force to control the mob.

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