3000 betel plants cut
Khasi people filed a petition with the Senior Judicial Magistrate's Court in Barlekha yesterday after criminals cut down 3,000 betel trees in the district on Sunday.
In the petition, they demanded compensation, their security, and punishment of the criminals.
According to the petition, Basu, 26, and Soltu, 35, of Rajnagor demanded Tk 1,00,000 from the Khasi people. As they refused to give the money, 30 to 40 criminals attacked Madhab punjee and cut down 3,000 betel trees.
Onebor Lyngdohkiri, head of the punjee, said locals demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the persons involved in such a heinous act. He said refusal to pay the money is the reason behind cutting down of the trees.
He added that they were passing their days in fear of attacks by organised criminals who have been allegedly trying to grab their betel leaf plantations.
“Betel leaf is our only source of income. I have lost my capital as some criminals cut my betel plants. Now how will I survive with my six-member family?” said 95-year-old Dabi Khain, the oldest woman in the village.
Victim Suk Khasia said, "Many family members of Khasis have jobs on the punjee, and they grow crops on spare land. Without this land and betel leaf, it would be impossible for the people and their families to survive," he added.
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon's Sylhet chapter General Secretary Abdul Karim Kim said it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the security of the Khasi community. The state should take urgent action against the perpetrators, he added.
After submission of the petition, the court ordered filing of First Information Report after investigation, said advocate Subimol Lyngdohkiri.
This correspondent could not contact either Basu or Soltu.
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