The actor referred to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and suggested that if the terrorists had received proper education, they might not have resorted to violence.
However, it was his comparison of the situation to historical tribal conflicts that triggered a massive backlash.
Vijay said, "Terrorist Kodukulaku Saraina Education ippiste.. ila brain wash avvakunda untaru. 500 years kritam tribals kottukunnatlu ila buddhi lekunda, common sense lekunda ilanti panulu chestunnaru."
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This statement that was met with strong criticism. Tribal communities were particularly offended by his use of the term "tribes" to describe terrorists, deeming the comparison highly inappropriate.
Tribal representatives demanded an apology from the actor, accusing him of disrespecting their rich history and culture.
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In response, the Tribal Joint Action Committee (TJAC) issued a statement, calling for a public apology. They warned that failure to apologize would lead to unforgiven disrespect from the tribal community, which felt that Vijay's comments misrepresented their struggles.
Immediately after the event, the clip of Vijay Deverakonda's statement went viral. While many appreciated his candid and bold stance against terrorism, others slammed him for being very casual, careless, immature, and irresponsible, especially given his stature as a star.
However, Vijay's fans had a different perspective. They defended him by asserting that they became his fans precisely because of his rowdy, unapologetic, and fearless attitude.