The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)

Successive govts promoted drinking, anger rising: Suriya

WITH THE death toll in the Kallakuric­hi hooch incident rising to 48 Friday, actor Suriya blamed the successive government­s in Tamil Nadu of “perpetuati­ng” alcohol addiction in the state and called for immediate implementa­tion of “long-term plans” to prevent similar eventualit­ies.

In a letter in Tamil released on social media, the actor said the number of deaths in a single incident was “unimaginab­le” “even during cyclones, rains or floods” and that the “cries of the affected send chills down the spine”.

“How can we offer comfort in words to those grieving the loss of loved ones to poisonous liquor?” he wrote.

Saying that the “concern, worry, and anger of political parties, the media and the public have all intensifie­d”, the actor wrote that the MK Stalin government’ s“swift actions to minimize the loss is some so lace” but that “the usual short-term solution for a long-term problem is certainly not effective.”

Pointing to a similar incident last year in Viluppuram district, where 22 people died after consuming methanol-laced toxic liquor, the actor said despite the government’s assurances of taking stringent steps, people were “still dying from the same cause”.

“It is deeply saddening that no change has occurred until now,” said the actor, who is known for his outspoken views

on social issues and has often criticised government policies.

Putting the blame on the Government’s door, Suirya wrote: “For over two decades, the people of Tamil Nadu have witnessed successive government­s, whom they believed would improve their lives, continue to encourage the population to drink through TASMAC (government-run retail liquor outlets). The ‘Prohibitio­n Policy’ ends up being a mere electionti­me talking point for all political parties.”

Urging the Stalin government to immediatel­y implement long-term plans for the rehabilita­tion of alcohol addicts, akin to their efforts in educationa­l advancemen­t for students, Suriya said he hoped that the CM would take decisions in public interest on prohibitio­n policy.

“Government must immediatel­y cease the violence they have perpetuate­d against their own people by encouragin­g drinking habits for many years. Rehabilita­tion centers should be establishe­d in each district to save those addicted to alcohol and help them recover from the addiction... Only if the Government and political parties act with a long-term vision can such tragic deaths be prevented in future,” he said.