Government must compensate Khasias
Rajmoni Wahengbam, Kathal Bangan, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
I was deeply shocked after reading a news in The Daily Star on the 20th of October that the local timber traders attacked on the innocent Khasia people at the National Park in Magurchhara, Moulavibazar. The Khasia people venerate the trees as God. They are also against deforestation. They want to live in the jungle peacefully. But the local mastans don't want them to lead a peaceful life. The local illegal timber traders attacked on the Khasias because they were trying to stop protecting their betel leaf gardens. We know that the Khasias grow betel leaves to earn a livelihood. Instead of helping the Khasia people, the forest authority joined with local people and attacked on them. They destroyed many valuable properties. The gang looted many household besides smashing the houses. The local gang also damaged vehicles of Khasia headmen. I work with the Khasia people. But was not around at that time. We are in the 21st century. We don't want to be attacked by each other. Instead of attacking each other, we should use our energy for the development of the country together. I hope the authorities concerned would take stern actions against the real culprits and compensate the Khasia people.
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