Body formed to resolve Mahalchhari crisis

Khagrachhari district administration yesterday formed a seven-member probe committee to resolve the land dispute between indigenous and Bangalee communities at Maddya Karallachhari in Mohalchhari upazila in the district.

The decision came at a seven-hour meeting (from 11 am to 5 pm) held at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner. Dc Mohammad Shahdat Hossen chaired the meeting.

Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Monindra Kishor Majumder will lead the probe committee to identify real owners of disputed lands. It will give recommendations on how to set up a Buddist monastery in the area.

The meeting also decided to hold a Buddhist religious function on Friday (January 25) at Karallachhari football field, instead of a 'disputed' land at Maddya Karallachhari, decided earlier by locals.

Other member of the committee are Mohalchhari UNO Abul Hossen, Keyanghat Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Bisshajit Chakma, former UP chairman Sunil Jibon Chakma, Mohalchhari Pilot High School headmaster Md. Shahjahan Patwary, assistant teacher of Lemuchhari High School SM Hemayet Uddin and civil society leader Ananta Bihari Khsha.

Army officials, leaders of indigenous and Bangalee communities, civil society members and journalists were also present at the meeting.

Tension is prevailing between Bangali and ethnic communities at remote Maidda Karallachhari for about month over land dispute.

The district administration imposed Section 145 in the area and ordered status quo after a section of indigenous people felled trees claimed by Bangalees.

Source from-http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=20324