Food Crisis in Sajek: Supplies yet to reach many families

Many people of the remote Sajek union in Rangamati are yet to receive food grains from the authorities.

Out of around 2,500 families in the union facing an acute food crisis, some 1,900 families have received aid until yesterday, according to the union parishad chairman.

However, people of some hard-to-reach areas in the union, particularly New Lonkor Para, Alonkor Para, Moano Adam, Talchhara, Dari Para, Midpoint, Haduk Para, Tarabunne, Milan Pur, Olod Hoda, Gobo Chari and Dojor areas did not get any rice.

Sajek Union Parishad Chairman Nelson Chakma said the local public representatives distributed 10kg of rice each among 410 families on April 22. Besides, Rangamati district administration officials distributed five tonnes of rice among 500 families on May 1. In the last few days, around 1,000 more families were given rice.

Around 2,500 families in the union, who did not have enough jhum crops this year, are facing a severe food crisis. They need help to survive. Photo: Anvil Chakma

“We hope to distribute rice among all the people facing the crisis. But we need more allocation,” he said.

Baghaihat Army Zone Commander Lt Col Ismail Hossain Khan said they distributed five tonnes of rice among 500 families of Betling, Zupui, Gondhachhara, Arun Para, Tangnang, Konglak and Vaibonchara areas.

Talking to The Daily Star, Nayan Tripura, 30, of New Lonkor village, said, “We haven't got any rice yet.”

Suro Bala Tripura of Moano Adam and Batte Chakma of Talchhara areas echoed Nayan.

Surendro Tripura, 70, of Betling Para said he received 10kg of rice. “But that is not enough for 3-4 more months. We need more food.”

The food crisis that began three months ago stemmed from low production of rice during last season. Besides, high price of rice in local markets forced many families to go hungry.

Barha Hrishi Chakma, chairman of Baghaichhari upazila, said, “We distributed rice on behalf of our upazila parishad, but it was not enough. We need more food assistance. The government should take immediate steps so that more rice reach the affected areas quickly.”

Contacted, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Manzarul Mannan said 20 tonnes of rice would be distributed among affected families within a few days. Each family would get 20kg of rice.

Not only Sajek, food crisis also gripped Baghaichhari union.

Sunil Bihari Chakma, chairman of Baghaichhari union, said at least 300 families of 25 remote villages in the union were facing food crisis. “I contacted the authorities and they told me that they would distribute rice as soon as possible.”