From Our Correspondent
SONGSAK (EGH), Dec 30: An overturned vehicle allegedly carrying betel nut smuggled through Bangladesh has revived memories that have haunted residents of Garo Hills for the past three to four years.
The illegal betel nut trade, involving nuts of Burmese origin smuggled through Bangladesh, had previously put the livelihoods of thousands of households at stake. The scale of this illegal trade was so significant that it halved the cost of the local variety.
The matter had been raised by several quarters, including Tura MP Saleng Sangma, Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma and various residents. Following immense pressure from all sources, a crackdown was launched, bringing the illegal trade to a halt.
This stoppage eventually allowed prices of the local betel variety to recover to levels seen prior to the influx of smuggling.
However, an FIR filed by a resident of East Garo Hills (EGH) has once again reignited concerns among betel plantation owners.
The FIR was filed by Jesse Marak, a resident of Tebil Bonegre, at the Songsak Police Station on Wednesday.
In his complaint, Marak stated that illegal transportation was detected near Songkama Rongre when a vehicle carrying the illicit product overturned. The incident was discovered at about 7 am on the same day.
“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.
Marak added that the illegal import was already affecting the livelihoods of genuine local farmers and causing a loss to the government due to the non-realisation of revenue.
“I strongly believe that the accused persons are involved in organised 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.
He also sought the seizure of the illegally transported goods and the vehicle involved, as well as strict legal action against the offenders under relevant sections of the law.
