8,000 betel nut trees cut in Moulvibazar, 65 indigenous families fear livelihood crisis

Fear and uncertainty have gripped 65 indigenous families in Nursery Panpunji in Moulvibazar after unidentified attackers allegedly cut down thousands of betel leaf and betel nut trees that provided the community’s primary source of income.

The overnight destruction of nearly 8,000 trees has not only dealt a severe blow to the families’ livelihoods but has also raised fresh concerns over their security and future in the traditional jhum-based community.

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Jhum cultivation of betel leaf trees is their only source of income, and some are trying to destroy that, said indigenous locals.

Kulaura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahirul Islam Munna said he received information about the cutting of betel nut and betel nut trees in Nursery Panpunji on Tuesday night. Police have been sent to the spot today to investigate the matter.

Jony Pohtam, headman of the punji, said that about 65 indigenous families have lived in Panpunji since the British period. "We are innocent people. We run our family by cultivating betel leaves," he said.

Paila Pohtam said, "My five-member family only depends on this garden. Some unidentified people cut down betel nut trees planted by indigenous people on the south side of Panpunji on Tuesday night. Now we are scared."

He said thousands of trees and shrubs in these betel gardens also play an important role in mitigating climate change. "Up and down the hills there are different types of plants, animals; these plants, animals, and through us, find a way of life based on nature made with love," he added.

Flora Babli Talang, general secretary of the Kubraj Inter-Punji Development Organization, said that miscreants attacked Saheb Tila Punji a week ago and cut down betel leaf plants; furthermore, last night, over 8,000 betel leaf plants were destroyed in Nursery Punji.

Subimol Lindokiri, advocate of Judge Court Moulvibazar and a resident of the community, said, "Our harassment has no end. Who will give our livelihood security? Why are the livelihoods of indigenous people repeatedly attacked? I have doubts whether the perpetrators will be prosecuted."

Kulaura UNO Sanjida Akter said, "No one informed me about the betel leaf plants that were cut down a week ago. However, I was informed about this incident: several betel nut trees and some betel nut trees in the Panjums of Nursery Panpunji have been cut down by someone. Those involved in the incident will be brought to justice."