3 Khasis hurt by land grabbers

Three Khasi people were seriously injured in an attack allegedly by a group of Bangalee land grabbers at Sahebtila Punjee in Kulaura upazila yesterday.

The injured were admitted to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.

Khasi people cultivated betel leaf on 36 acres of land in the area, said Protush Asakra, headman of Sahebtila Punjee, a locality of indigenous community.

At least 22 poor Khasi families live at Sahebtila Punjee, he said.

Eight people, led by Ismail Mia of Lakkhipur village, went to collect betel leaf to occupy the land around 11:00am yesterday, said Protush, adding that Ismail has been claiming ownership of the land for long.

When the trio resisted the land grabbers, they attacked them with lethal weapons, he said.

Protush demanded immediate arrest of the attackers.

Despite repeated calls, this correspondent could not contact Ismail for his comment on the issue as his cellphone remained switched off.

Father Joseph Gomes, central committee member of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, said some land grabbers often attacked the indigenous people.

Eardous Hasan, officer in charge of Kulaura Police Station, said stern action will be taken against the culprits after investigating the incident.