Karallyachari situation

DC holds meeting to decide the fate of 25 Jan religious gathering

CHTnews.com
News No. 06/2008, January 23, 2008

The Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari is holding a meeting with the local Jumma elders of Karallyachari to decide the fate of a Buddhist religious gathering slated to be held on 25 January at Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir in Mahalchari of the district.

The details of the meeting are yet to be known.

Motor bikes seized
In another development, the military personnel have begun seizing motor bikes at two points - Bizitola and Mahalchari - on Khagrachari-Rangamati road since yesterday without prior announcement.

The reason for the army action could not be known. However, the army authorities asked the bike drivers to contact them after three days.

Around 80 to 90 motor bikes have been held so far, informed a source from Khagrachari. He further said that motor bikes of Ashish Chakma, lecturer of Panchari College, Monotpol Chakma, lecturer of Mahalchari College and Nantu Chakma, a Jumma businessman, were also seized.

Bhantes (monks) barred from alms round
Another source said Rev. Aryo Joti Bhikkhu and other monks and samanas dwelling in Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir at Karallyachari were barred from visiting lay people's houses for collecting alms-food early in the morning today.

The military halted them on the bank of the river Chengi, flowing between two villages - Karallyachari and Paujjyachari.

Later, the army forced them back to the Kuthir and videoed them.

Raid on the house of Biddya Binod Chakma
Army personnel carried out two successive overnight raids on the house of Biddya Binod Chakma, headman of Kiang-ghat Mouza, on 22 January.

The general feeling is that the army wanted to intimidate the people by the raids.

Mr. Chakma was not at home and evaded arrest.

Army put up poster
According to sources, army personnel were seen today putting up posters at village kiosks at Bodanala calling upon the general people to help nab "terrorist Chonchu Moni Chakma".

However, chtnews.com could not verify the report.

Mr. Chonchu Moni Chakma is a young Jumma entrepreneur in Khagrachari. He lives in Mahajonpara at district headquarter not far from Khagrachari army brigade office.

The reason for military's wrath against him is obvious. He is one of those helping to organise the 25 January religious programme.