Assam Tea Tribes Fight Deadly 'Sulai' Liquor

In Assam's Demow tea gardens, the Assam Tea Tribes Students' Association (ATTSA) has launched a significant campaign against the consumption of 'sulai,' a locally brewed country liquor. This initiative, led by senior members, aims to address the detrimental health and social impacts of 'sulai,' which is widely consumed due to its affordability and easy availability.

ATTSA members are conducting awareness sessions, emphasizing that regular consumption of 'sulai' can lead to serious health issues such as liver and kidney damage, shortened life expectancy, and harm to pregnant women and unborn children. The association also highlighted the risks associated with illicit brewing and the adulteration of the liquor, which has historically led to tragedies. In 2019, a similar incident involving contaminated 'sulai' resulted in the deaths of at least 158 individuals, primarily tea garden workers, in the Golaghat and Jorhat districts.

The campaign's core message focuses on protecting families and preventing the disruption of children's lives and education, aiming to break a cycle of generational hardship. ATTSA stated that the drive is ongoing and will extend to more tea estates within the Demow region, underscoring their commitment to addressing the issue at its roots.