Thousands of Betel Leaf Plants Destroyed; Khasi Families Left Facing an Uncertain Future

Thousands of betel leaf plants belonging to Khasi families at Nursery Khasi Punji in Karmadha Union of Kulaura Upazila, Moulvibazar, have allegedly been cut down by unidentified people in the midnight of 30 September 2026, leaving several families facing a serious livelihood crisis.

The incident reportedly took place during midnight, with around 8,000 betel leaf plants destroyed. Some estimates put the number closer to 10,000. The affected families are believed to have suffered losses of around Tk 50 lakh.

The damaged betel leaf gardens were the primary source of income for the affected Khasi families, who depend heavily on the cultivation to support their households. The destruction has therefore left them concerned not only about their immediate financial situation but also about their long-term livelihood and food security.

The affected families include Paila Potam, Joni Potam, Nasrin Potam, Shiuli Azim, Tiuli Azim, Distan Potam, Likin Khongpda, Sama Tongper, Nistar Patuat, Retention Patuat, Probul Potam and Shyamoli Khama.

Years of work destroyed overnight

For the Khasi community, betel leaf cultivation is a labour-intensive process requiring years of care before the plants become productive. Families invest significant amounts of time and money in maintaining their gardens, making the destruction particularly devastating.

Nasrin Potam, one of the affected jhum owners, said they had no idea who was responsible for the destruction.

“We do not know who did this. But those responsible know that cutting down betel leaf plants is an easy way to destroy the livelihoods of Khasi people,” she said.

The farmers spend most of the day working in their jhum fields, she said, suggesting that the perpetrators took advantage of their absence to enter the gardens and cut down the plants at night.

Joni Potam, head of Nursery Khasi Punji, said the families had been depending on betel leaf cultivation for generations.

“We are simple and peaceful people. Our families survive on betel leaf cultivation. It takes nearly four years of care before a betel leaf plant begins producing. Yet, with a single stroke of a machete, four years of hard work and investment can be destroyed,” he said.

He said the destruction had severely affected the livelihoods of several families in the punji within a single night.

“We are living in fear. Betel leaf cultivation is our main source of income,” he added.

Fear and uncertainty among residents

The incident has created widespread anxiety in the Khasi settlement. Residents fear that the destruction of their crops could leave them without a stable source of income for years.

Flora Babli Talang, general secretary of the Kubraj Inter-Punji Development Organization, said Khasi communities had repeatedly faced threats to their livelihoods.

“Our harassment seems to have no end. Who will ensure the security of our livelihoods? Why do the livelihoods of Khasi indigenous people repeatedly come under attack?” she said.

She also expressed concern over whether the perpetrators would ultimately be identified and brought to justice.

Residents say the latest incident is particularly alarming because betel leaf cultivation is closely tied to the economic survival of the Khasi families. Replanting the destroyed gardens and bringing them back to production will require years of work.

Police and administration investigating

Following the incident, police visited the area and began investigating the destruction.

Kulaura Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahirul Islam Munna said police had been sent to the scene to gather information and investigate what had happened.

Officials from the local administration also visited the affected area and conducted an on-site inspection.

The authorities are investigating who may have been involved in the destruction. However, no one has yet been publicly identified as responsible.

Calls for justice and support

The affected families, local residents and many rights activists including Indigenous peoples organizations and activists have demanded a swift and impartial investigation to identify those responsible and bring them under the law.

They have also called for immediate government assistance to help the affected families recover their livelihoods.

The destruction of the betel leaf plants has left the families facing more than a financial loss. With their principal source of income destroyed, they now face uncertainty over daily earnings, food security, household expenses, the education and well-being of their children, and their long-term economic future.

For families who spent years nurturing their betel leaf gardens, the damage represents the loss of not only thousands of plants but also years of labour, investment and economic security. As the investigation continues, residents of Nursery Khasi Punji are waiting for the authorities to identify those responsible and ensure that such attacks on their livelihoods do not happen again.

News links:

Kapaeeng Foundation

Thousands of Betel Leaf Plants Destroyed; Khasi Families Left Facing an Uncertain Future

Quick links

Get involved

Contact us