Biplab Kr Dey
Songsak (EGH), Dec 24: An overturned vehicle that allegedly carried betel nut smuggled through Bangladesh has brought back memories that continue to haunt residents of Garo Hills for the past 3-4 years.
Illegal betel but trade, with betel of Burmese origin being smuggled through Bangladesh had literally put the livelihoods of thousands of households at stake. The advent and quantity of the illegal trade carried our was impactful that it literally halved the cost of the local variety. The matter had been raised by several quarters, including the Tura MP, Saleng Sangma, leader of the Opposition, Mukul Sangma as well as various residents. After huge pressure from all sources, a crackdown was laid on the trade after which there was a stop to the illegal trade.
The stoppage of the illegal trade later led to prices of the local betel variety finally reaching levels that were seen prior to the advent of smuggling.
However, an FIR filed by a resident of East Garo Hills (EGH) has once again put the worry into the minds of betel plantation owners.
The FIR was filed by one Jesse Marak, a resident of Tebil Bonegre at the Songsak PS on Dec 24, where Marak stated that illegal transportation was detected near Songkama Rongre when the vehicle which was carrying the illegal product overturned. The incident was discovered at about 7 AM on the same day, Dec 24.
“It has come to light that some unknown persons are illegally transporting arecanut from Bangladesh into the Indian territory without any valid documents, permits, or customs clearance, in clean violation of the law. Such illegal activities not only amount to smuggling but are also causing huge financial losses to the local farmers, who are solely dependent on lawful cultivation and sale of their product,” said the FIR by Jesse.
Jesse added that the illegal import was already affecting the livelihoods of genuine local farmers as well as a loss to the government from the non realization of revenue.
“I strongly believe that the accused persons are involved in organized illegal trade and are intentionally harming local farmers and the economy, Hence, I request the registration of the FIR, as well as the conduct of a thorough investigation into the matter,” asserted Marak.
Marak also sought the seizure of the illegally transported goods and vehicles involved as well as strict legal action against the offenders under various sections of the law.
