This banyan tree has been under arrest in Pakistan for 100 years

A board hangs from it, part of it reads: "I am under arrest."

If you happen to visit Pakistan's Landi Kotal cantonment area, be ready to be baffled by a bizarre sight. A tree in chains and shackles 'to prevent it from moving', a reason many would find absurd -- Only that it's not. It has a deep-rooted story.
A board hangs from it, part of it reads: "I am under arrest."
The photo published in Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, shows the tree that was put under arrest more than a century ago. "According to the plaque fixed on the tree," the newspaper explains, "in 1898, an intoxicated British officer ordered the mess sergeant to arrest the tree as he thought that it was moving towards him. Since then, the tree has remained in chains."
Many locals say that this act by British officer James Squid, according to Scoop whoop, was in a way symbolic of the 'punishment' the tribal people would get if they went against the government.
100 years on, this banyan tree remains in captivity - rooted to its soil, silent yet punished, and shackles it still can't break free from.
 

Source: epaper.dawn.com
 

Source: samaa.tv

Source: tribune.com.pk 

• Pakistan