Pabna, Jan 07 (V7N) — Farmers and livestock owners in Bharara Union of Pabna Sadar upazila staged a human chain and road blockade on Tuesday to protest the increasing theft of cattle from their farms and to demand action from authorities.

The protesters blocked the Pabna-Sujanagar regional road, holding demonstrations from Koladi Chara Bottola and Borotola up to Seolibazar, causing traffic congestion on both sides of the road. Local farmers reported that over the past one and a half years, since August 5, nearly 100 cows and goats belonging to about 40 farmers have been stolen, and the incidents are on the rise.

The demonstrators claimed that despite having evidence, police have taken little action against the thieves, leaving the community frustrated. The protest was called off after police officers arrived on the scene and assured the locals of arrests and strict action.

Speakers at the demonstration included Abdul Aziz Khan, Shamsur Rahman Master, UP member Korban Ali Khan, Abdul Khalek Khan, Saidul Islam Chhappan, Abdul Bari, Abdullahil Kafi, Wahiduzzaman Swapon, and anti-discrimination student leader Mostafizur Rahman Jisan.

Pabna Sadar Police Station OC Md. Dulal Hossain confirmed that a complaint has been filed regarding cattle theft, specifically six cows stolen from a farmer in Koladi. He stated that the case is under investigation and emphasized the importance of self-protection of farms alongside police vigilance. He also cautioned against road blockades during protests.

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