NTK chief coordinator Seeman said recurring explosions at firecracker factories and shops have turned into a grim routine, alleging that government inaction and official negligence have cost many lives.
In a statement, he expressed grief over the explosion at a privately run firecracker unit in Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar district, in which 20 workers were killed and six others were seriously injured. He conveyed condolences to the families.
Seeman argued that violations and inadequate safety measures are often behind such incidents, and said authorities frequently treat them as mere “accidents” instead of addressing systemic lapses. He noted that over the past 25 years, blasts at factories, shops and storage units have killed more than 500 people and left hundreds with severe injuries.
Calling for steps to prevent further tragedies, he urged the Tamil Nadu government to create alternative employment for workers dependent on the firecracker industry as a lasting solution. He also demanded an immediate judicial inquiry into the Kattanarpatti incident and statewide safety inspections of firecracker factories and shops.
Seeman further asked the state to provide ₹50 lakh compensation to each family of the 20 deceased workers, and ₹10 lakh to each of the injured, along with appropriate advanced medical care.
