"Severe food shortage grips remote areas of Thanchi, lives disrupted"

In the remote Remakri Union of Thanchi, situated on the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar, several villages are facing a severe food crisis. The area is network-deprived, making communication challenging. About 95% of the residents here rely on jhum cultivation. Last year, the crops were heavily damaged due to floods, resulting in insufficient rice yield. According to local residents, this year's crops have yet to ripen, and many families are already struggling with food shortages.

In response, the Thanchi Upazila administration, with support from local representatives, has sent one ton of rice, lentils, oil, salt, and other essential items to the Sangu Reserve villages of Ward 6 and Ward 9 in Remakri Union, which are most affected by the food shortage.

Sources have reported that the remote hills of Ward 6 and Ward 9 in Remakri Union are home to Mro and Tripura communities. Specific villages like Menhat Mro Para (20 families), Bulu Mro Para (14 families), Tangkhwa Mro Para (16 families), Mrakshyong Jhiripara (5 families), Kongkong Tripura Para (8 families), and Yongnong Mro Para, among others, are facing severe food shortages, affecting over a hundred families.

It has also been revealed that due to the food crisis, some indigenous families in the remote areas of the upazila are surviving by cooking a mix of bamboo shoots and a handful of rice. The crisis has led to severe hunger and, due to a lack of vitamins, young children are falling ill, raising health concerns. These families have appealed for support from the wealthy until the jhum rice can be harvested.

Bidrajoy Tripura, a member of Ward 9 in Remakri Union, stated, "About 20 families in my ward are suffering from food shortages. Even if the monsoon season hasn't arrived yet, health workers now visit regularly, and we have access to basic healthcare services, including courtyard meetings. However, during the monsoon season, there is a significant risk of water shortages and various illnesses among children and the elderly."

Muishai Thui Marma (Roni), the chairman of Remakri Union Parishad, said, "We have received reports of food shortages in the remote areas of Remakri Union. Through the UNO, we are sending rice, lentils, oil, and salt as relief."

Thanchi Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Mohammad Mamun stated, "Due to the lack of mobile network in the border villages, communication is almost cut off. After informing higher authorities about the food shortage, they immediately advised for assistance. One ton of rice, along with lentils, salt, and oil, has been sent as relief, and more relief efforts will be arranged in phases."