The Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy, which claimed 50 lives due to illicit alcohol consumption, has sparked widespread outrage in the state. Several prominent figures, including Edappadi Palanisamy, Seeman, Vijay, Kamal Haasan, and Vishal, have strongly criticized the state government for its failure to prevent the incident.

Today, actor Suriya expressed deep concern about the issue and strongly criticized the government for its inaction that led to the tragedy. His latest statement includes powerful and eloquent criticisms of the government, which are currently making significant waves on the internet. Below is a rough translation of his statement addressing the Kallakurichi issue:

50 consecutive deaths in a small town is a tragedy that does not happen even during calamities such as storms, rains and floods. It is alarming that more than a hundred people are still in the hospital. The subsequent deaths and the cries of the victims are heart-wrenching.

What words can be used to comfort those who are crying after losing their loved ones to the poisonous hooch? At present, the attention, concern and anger of all parties such as political parties, movements, media and people have increased. It is comforting that the government and the administration are acting quickly and fighting to reduce the loss. But this conventional approach of a short-term solution to a long-term problem will definitely not work.

Last year, 22 people died after drinking poisonous hooch mixed with methanol in Villupuram district. The government promised to take serious action. Now, in the neighbouring district, people have died in huge numbers after drinking the same poisonous alcohol mixed with methanol, and, sadly, no change has taken place till now.

The people of Tamil Nadu, who voted to improve their lives, are constantly watching the plight of the governments that have ruled us for more than twenty years prompting the people to consume alcohol by running Tasmac. 'Liquor exemption policy' ends up being nothing more than an election-time buzzword for all political parties.

Drug addicts who drink for 150 rupees in Tasmac buy toxic illicit liquor for 50 rupees and drink it when they have no money. When will we all realize that the problem of alcoholism is not individual, but a problem of each family, and the whole society?

Governments themselves have been perpetrating against their own people for years by encouraging alcoholism. They should immediately stop this violence. Rehabilitation centres should be started in every district to recover the addicts from alcoholism. Just as the government implements visionary action plans for the advancement of students in education, similarly exemplary programs for the rehabilitation of alcoholics should be devised and implemented as a movement.

Only if the government and political parties act with foresight, such tragic deaths can be prevented in the future. Along with the people, I hope that the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu will make decisions in the interest of the people on the alcohol prohibition policy after passing the short-term solution.

Strongly condemning the ruling government's administration for failing to stop the illegal sale of toxic liquor. Deep condolences to the deceased victims. Praying for the recovery of those in the hospital.

Henceforth, let us make a new law..! We will protect it forever.!!

With love,
Suriya.

இனி ஒரு விதி செய்வோம்..! அதை எந்நாளும் காப்போம்..! #Kallakkurichi pic.twitter.com/z3lTZLtdYs

— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) June 21, 2024