Source from-http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=30223
The present caretaker government will soon reconstitute the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Land Commission to settle the longstanding land disputes between indigenous communities and settlers in the region.
Food and Disaster Management Adviser AMM Shawkat Ali yesterday said at a roundtable titled "Land Disputes in Chittagong Hill Tracts: Ways to settling the issue".
The government will appoint a new chairman to the Land Commission and is also planning to appoint two fulltime members to facilitate the works of the commission, he said.
"The present government will finish reorganising the Land Commission so that the next government can take it forward," the adviser said during the roundtable organised by eminent citizens at the city's WVA Auditorium.
Educationist Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui chaired the event and Prof Ajoy Roy presented the keynote paper.
Asked how the government will reorganise the commission, he said they will start reorganising the commission and the land ministry would finally work on the matter.
If the commission is reconstituted in the true sense, the longstanding problem would be settled, he said.
Shawkat said that they are yet to decide whether there would be one commission for the community of indigenous people in CHT region and indigenous people on plain lands or two commissions, one for each community.
He said the government would investigate why lands in the CHT area have been handed over to settlers despite the ban on reallocation of all lands there.
Special guest of the roundtable Chakma Raja Debashis Roy, also a special assistant to the chief adviser, said no governments, including the present one, has any cohesive policy regarding CHT affairs. Neither the government nor its ministries have any policy to reorganise settlements in CHT areas, he said.
He, however, said the present government is trying to focus on CHT development issues as much as it can.
Terming the "supreme power" of the chairman of the CHT Land Commission unconstitutional, he said the chairman is the main obstacle to settling the land disputes in CHT areas. He said there could be consensus between the commission and the regional parishad in settling the disputes and work on drafting laws to this end could be started by the present government.
He said after CHT Land Commission decides on the matter, it is the duty of the government to implement the decisions. He said the issue of CHT people's rehabilitation would certainly come to fore if the commission is reconstituted.
Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui said settling the longstanding land dispute in CHT areas is must. "As a nation, we will be blamed if we do not ensure indigenous communities' birth rights and if we failed to force the government to implement it," he said calling on the government to sit with major political parties and have their pledges in this regard.
Former adviser to a caretaker government advocate Sultana Kamal said the government must look into the problems of CHT areas with a humanitarian perspective. She said strong political will and pledges coupled with united effort are required to settle the land and other disputes in the CHT areas.
Gono Forum leader Pankaj Bhattacharya suggested holding broader dialogues between the government and the civil society in this regard.
Economist Prof Abul Barakat held previous governments responsible for patronising land grabbers. He said no government took any initiative to recognise the indigenous communities. He said 30 years ago 75 percent of the people in CHT areas were indigenous people but currently the percentage stands at 47, complicating the issue.
He said political will is required to settle the land disputes. Prof Barakat urged the government not to include any people from the anti-liberation war force in the land commission. He suggested that the government rehabilitate the Bangla speaking settlers on government lands outside CHT areas.
Writer and journalist Syed Abul Maksud demanded forming a high-powered commission to settle the land disputes in CHT areas.
Barrister Sara Hossain, Rabindranath Saren, and Shamsul Huda also spoke at the roundtable among others.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Food Crisis in CHTs
By Rupayan Dewan
Councillor, CHT Regional Council, Bangladesh
Munindra Tripura, a social worker from Alikadam of south CHT reports me today over telephone that he is just back from remotest areas of Myanmar border with an alarming experience about massive food crisis. He confirms me that he has collected names of more than 1,000 starving families of remotest areas of Alikadam Upazila.
The Parothom Alo, prestigious national daily in Bangladesh reports yesterday that the starving inhabitants of Sajek have been experiencing signs and symptoms of different diseases due to their complete dependency on wild potatoes. It reports that now even wild potatoes have been exhausted.
The relief so far released from the Government and UNDP is very meager. It needs well coordinated and generous support of cash, kinds and works including medical support to help survive the starving families the way all rushed to Sidr effected areas. It is expected that the LCG, forum of all donors, chaired by the World Bank Country Director, Dhaka will give utmost importance to this issue in its meeting on 30 March 2008.
Councillor, CHT Regional Council, Bangladesh
Munindra Tripura, a social worker from Alikadam of south CHT reports me today over telephone that he is just back from remotest areas of Myanmar border with an alarming experience about massive food crisis. He confirms me that he has collected names of more than 1,000 starving families of remotest areas of Alikadam Upazila.
The Parothom Alo, prestigious national daily in Bangladesh reports yesterday that the starving inhabitants of Sajek have been experiencing signs and symptoms of different diseases due to their complete dependency on wild potatoes. It reports that now even wild potatoes have been exhausted.
The relief so far released from the Government and UNDP is very meager. It needs well coordinated and generous support of cash, kinds and works including medical support to help survive the starving families the way all rushed to Sidr effected areas. It is expected that the LCG, forum of all donors, chaired by the World Bank Country Director, Dhaka will give utmost importance to this issue in its meeting on 30 March 2008.
Opinion-exchange meeting held by Chief Advisor in Rangamati
Source: Kapaeeng Watch correspondent, The Daily Star, New Age and Prothom Alo.
CHT accord is to uphold hill people's rights and signed in full accordance with country's sovereignty, says Chief Advisor
On 27 March 2008 an opinion-exchange meeting was held by Chief Advisor of Caretaker Government Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed with the government officials and people of different professional groups of the region at Rangamati Tribal Cultural Institute auditorium in Rangamati. Mr. Nurul Amin, Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati district presided over the meeting. Chairman of the CHT Regional Council Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma, Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed and General Officer Commanding of 24 Infantry Division Major General Mohammad Abdul Mobin were present at the meeting. Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong division Mr. Hossain Zamil delivered welcome speech in the meeting.
Among others, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) affairs and Forest and Environment affairs Raja Devashish Roy, Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council (HDC) Mr. Jagat Jyoti Chakma, Chairman of Bandarban HDC Prof. Thanzama Lusai, Chairman of Khagrachari HDC Mr. Manidra Lal Tripura, President of Rangamati Headmen Association Mr. Binoy Kumar Dewan, Member of CHT Regional Council Mr. K S Mong, Member of Advisory Committee of CHT Affairs Ministry Md. Nurunnabi Chowdhury, leader of permanent Bengali resident Mr. Kazi Nazarul Islam, women rights activist Ms. Indrani Chakma, women entrepreneur Ms. Shefali Chakma, journalist Osman Goni spoke in the meeting. Besides, women rights activist Ms. Donai Prue Nelly, development activist Mr. Mongthowai Marma, former district education officer Mr. Anjulika Khisa, advocate Mostafa Kamal, among others, took part in the exchange of opinions during open discussion.
In his initial speech in the opinion-exchange meeting, Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said that CHT Accord of 1997 was signed in full accordance with the country's sovereignty and integrity and for upholding the political, social, cultural, educational and economic rights of the peoples living in the hilly region. He also added that in conformity with the Accord, some government steps have already been taken and the process is on.
He said the CHT Regional Council, three Hill District Councils (HDCs) and the Land Commission have been formed through formulating appropriate laws. Of them, the Regional Council and the three HDCs are carrying on with their activities, and the HDCs are gradually turning into central points of development of the hill districts. He also said that many transferable matters have been given to the HDCs and the process of transferring six more affairs is being expedited.
About land-related problems in CHT, he said due to various problems and limitations, the Land Commission has not so far been able to work properly. The post of Chairman of the Land Commission fell vacant recently and the government is going to fill the vacancy soon. The government would take effective measures to recast the Land Commission to make it functional. He urged all have to work unitedly on the basis of mutual trust and confidence regarding land-related matters.
He said that as per the Accord, 65,000 repatriated refugees were rehabilitated under the agreed 20-point package facilities and other financial facilities. Task Force on rehabilitation of returnee refugees and internally displaced persons was formed in order to rehabilitate them.
Referring to various measures for the development of the CHT, he said the amount of annual allocation for the CHT has been increased after the CHT Accord. TK 2600 millions of Annual Development Programme (ADP) have been allotted for current fiscal year. He mentioned various development projects of the development partners for the development of this region, including the schemes undertaken by ADB, UNDP and UNICEF. He, however, said all had to be careful so that duplication did not take place in the development works of the government and NGOs to avoid misuse of resources.
On education, he stressed the need for establishing boarding schools at a greater rate in the hilly region to spread education and increase the literacy rate.
Referring to the recent infestation of rats in some upazilas of Rangamati and Bandarban, he assured the affected people of government steps to compensate them.
He put emphasis on further expansion of solar electricity in the CHT region. In this regard, the CA mentioned activities of the state-owned Infrastructure Development Company's project work in remote hilly areas for providing solar electricity.
On tourism, he said it is possible to build world-class tourist centres in the panoramic CHT region. He said the government would take all possible measures for the development of tourism in this area and ask the tourism ministry to soon prepare a comprehensive report consulting private sector in this regard.
On food-processing industry, he said the government would take all possible steps to create a favourable environment so that the private sector can come forward to invest in this sector.
Dr. Fakhruddin announced the following government decisions at an opinion-exchange meeting-
(a) introduction of mobile phone network in CHT, primarily in the three municipalities of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. Setting up digital telephone exchanges in upazilas of the three hill districts would be considered provided availability of resources.
(b) within next month, a final decision on manpower would be taken for establishing three judge courts in the three hill district headquarters.
(c) to increase the allowance of indigenous headmen.
He said objective of the present government was to ensure socioeconomic and cultural progress of the CHT people, who need to maintain peace and discipline. He observed that the unfortunate situation that was created in the CHT in the past was overcome to a large extent today. He noted that all people of this region irrespective of ethnicity, language and culture and religious beliefs are citizens of Bangladesh. He said that present government wanted to create such an environment wherein all people would contribute to the advancement of the country by maintaining cordial relations, mutual trust and confidence. He sought cooperation from indigenous hill peoples and Bengali peoples of the region to make a success the transition to democracy through holding free, fair and neutral election next December to build a corruption-free prosperous and enlightened Bangladesh.
After closing the meeting, Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed visited Rangamati Raj Bana Bihara (Buddhist temple) and called on Venerable Sadhananda Mahastabir alias Banabhante. He later left Rangamati in the afternoon for Bandarban where he stayed overnight and visited some indigenous villages this morning before return to Dhaka.
It is observed by the Kapaeeng Watch that during his first visit to CHT region since his assumption of office, the head of the Caretaker Government Dr. Fukhruddin Ahmed showed positive attitude to the CHT issues in his speech. However, it is also observed that he did not mention even single word on the burning issues of CHT, such as, withdrawal of temporary camps and de facto military rule 'Operation Uttoron' as per CHT Accord, Bengali settlers' issue and continuous land grabbing by the Bengali settlers, fresh settlement programme of Bengali settler families even during his period, preparation of voter list only with permanent residents of CHT as per CHT Accord, appointment of Chairman of CHT Development Board among from indigenous community and bringing it under overall supervision of CHT Regional Council as per CHT Accord etc. In other word, he indirectly supported to the ongoing land grabbing by the Bengali settlers in his speech by urging "to work unitedly on the basis of mutual trust and confidence regarding land-related matters". Even he did not clearly mention whether his government would undertake immediate initiative to amend the controversial provisions of the CHT Land Dispute Settlement Commission Act 2001. It is also worth mentioning that he used the derogatory term 'tribe/tribal' rather than 'indigenous people'.
It is reported that in organizing the opinion-exchange meeting, the government authority did not involve key institutions of the special administration system of CHT, namely, CHT Regional Council and three HDCs. The Chairmen and Members of these councils were invited as guest, but not host. It is one of the dishonor attitudes to the CHT institutions by the government.
CHT accord is to uphold hill people's rights and signed in full accordance with country's sovereignty, says Chief Advisor
On 27 March 2008 an opinion-exchange meeting was held by Chief Advisor of Caretaker Government Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed with the government officials and people of different professional groups of the region at Rangamati Tribal Cultural Institute auditorium in Rangamati. Mr. Nurul Amin, Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati district presided over the meeting. Chairman of the CHT Regional Council Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma, Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed and General Officer Commanding of 24 Infantry Division Major General Mohammad Abdul Mobin were present at the meeting. Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong division Mr. Hossain Zamil delivered welcome speech in the meeting.
Among others, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) affairs and Forest and Environment affairs Raja Devashish Roy, Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council (HDC) Mr. Jagat Jyoti Chakma, Chairman of Bandarban HDC Prof. Thanzama Lusai, Chairman of Khagrachari HDC Mr. Manidra Lal Tripura, President of Rangamati Headmen Association Mr. Binoy Kumar Dewan, Member of CHT Regional Council Mr. K S Mong, Member of Advisory Committee of CHT Affairs Ministry Md. Nurunnabi Chowdhury, leader of permanent Bengali resident Mr. Kazi Nazarul Islam, women rights activist Ms. Indrani Chakma, women entrepreneur Ms. Shefali Chakma, journalist Osman Goni spoke in the meeting. Besides, women rights activist Ms. Donai Prue Nelly, development activist Mr. Mongthowai Marma, former district education officer Mr. Anjulika Khisa, advocate Mostafa Kamal, among others, took part in the exchange of opinions during open discussion.
In his initial speech in the opinion-exchange meeting, Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said that CHT Accord of 1997 was signed in full accordance with the country's sovereignty and integrity and for upholding the political, social, cultural, educational and economic rights of the peoples living in the hilly region. He also added that in conformity with the Accord, some government steps have already been taken and the process is on.
He said the CHT Regional Council, three Hill District Councils (HDCs) and the Land Commission have been formed through formulating appropriate laws. Of them, the Regional Council and the three HDCs are carrying on with their activities, and the HDCs are gradually turning into central points of development of the hill districts. He also said that many transferable matters have been given to the HDCs and the process of transferring six more affairs is being expedited.
About land-related problems in CHT, he said due to various problems and limitations, the Land Commission has not so far been able to work properly. The post of Chairman of the Land Commission fell vacant recently and the government is going to fill the vacancy soon. The government would take effective measures to recast the Land Commission to make it functional. He urged all have to work unitedly on the basis of mutual trust and confidence regarding land-related matters.
He said that as per the Accord, 65,000 repatriated refugees were rehabilitated under the agreed 20-point package facilities and other financial facilities. Task Force on rehabilitation of returnee refugees and internally displaced persons was formed in order to rehabilitate them.
Referring to various measures for the development of the CHT, he said the amount of annual allocation for the CHT has been increased after the CHT Accord. TK 2600 millions of Annual Development Programme (ADP) have been allotted for current fiscal year. He mentioned various development projects of the development partners for the development of this region, including the schemes undertaken by ADB, UNDP and UNICEF. He, however, said all had to be careful so that duplication did not take place in the development works of the government and NGOs to avoid misuse of resources.
On education, he stressed the need for establishing boarding schools at a greater rate in the hilly region to spread education and increase the literacy rate.
Referring to the recent infestation of rats in some upazilas of Rangamati and Bandarban, he assured the affected people of government steps to compensate them.
He put emphasis on further expansion of solar electricity in the CHT region. In this regard, the CA mentioned activities of the state-owned Infrastructure Development Company's project work in remote hilly areas for providing solar electricity.
On tourism, he said it is possible to build world-class tourist centres in the panoramic CHT region. He said the government would take all possible measures for the development of tourism in this area and ask the tourism ministry to soon prepare a comprehensive report consulting private sector in this regard.
On food-processing industry, he said the government would take all possible steps to create a favourable environment so that the private sector can come forward to invest in this sector.
Dr. Fakhruddin announced the following government decisions at an opinion-exchange meeting-
(a) introduction of mobile phone network in CHT, primarily in the three municipalities of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. Setting up digital telephone exchanges in upazilas of the three hill districts would be considered provided availability of resources.
(b) within next month, a final decision on manpower would be taken for establishing three judge courts in the three hill district headquarters.
(c) to increase the allowance of indigenous headmen.
He said objective of the present government was to ensure socioeconomic and cultural progress of the CHT people, who need to maintain peace and discipline. He observed that the unfortunate situation that was created in the CHT in the past was overcome to a large extent today. He noted that all people of this region irrespective of ethnicity, language and culture and religious beliefs are citizens of Bangladesh. He said that present government wanted to create such an environment wherein all people would contribute to the advancement of the country by maintaining cordial relations, mutual trust and confidence. He sought cooperation from indigenous hill peoples and Bengali peoples of the region to make a success the transition to democracy through holding free, fair and neutral election next December to build a corruption-free prosperous and enlightened Bangladesh.
After closing the meeting, Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed visited Rangamati Raj Bana Bihara (Buddhist temple) and called on Venerable Sadhananda Mahastabir alias Banabhante. He later left Rangamati in the afternoon for Bandarban where he stayed overnight and visited some indigenous villages this morning before return to Dhaka.
It is observed by the Kapaeeng Watch that during his first visit to CHT region since his assumption of office, the head of the Caretaker Government Dr. Fukhruddin Ahmed showed positive attitude to the CHT issues in his speech. However, it is also observed that he did not mention even single word on the burning issues of CHT, such as, withdrawal of temporary camps and de facto military rule 'Operation Uttoron' as per CHT Accord, Bengali settlers' issue and continuous land grabbing by the Bengali settlers, fresh settlement programme of Bengali settler families even during his period, preparation of voter list only with permanent residents of CHT as per CHT Accord, appointment of Chairman of CHT Development Board among from indigenous community and bringing it under overall supervision of CHT Regional Council as per CHT Accord etc. In other word, he indirectly supported to the ongoing land grabbing by the Bengali settlers in his speech by urging "to work unitedly on the basis of mutual trust and confidence regarding land-related matters". Even he did not clearly mention whether his government would undertake immediate initiative to amend the controversial provisions of the CHT Land Dispute Settlement Commission Act 2001. It is also worth mentioning that he used the derogatory term 'tribe/tribal' rather than 'indigenous people'.
It is reported that in organizing the opinion-exchange meeting, the government authority did not involve key institutions of the special administration system of CHT, namely, CHT Regional Council and three HDCs. The Chairmen and Members of these councils were invited as guest, but not host. It is one of the dishonor attitudes to the CHT institutions by the government.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Changing Life in a Murung Village
chtnews.com
March 26, 2008
Recently, our reporter visited Kapru Para in Bandarban to investigate the impact of outside interaction on the life of Murung nationality, the second largest ethnic group in Bandarban district of Chittagong Hill Tracts. We are releasing the findings in a series of photographic expositions. Please find attached the last of the six-picture series.
Photo 6 of 6: Long Drun Murung: a torture victim
Last year, members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) from Neelgiri camp picked up Long Drun Murung and tortured him mercilessly. No body, except perhaps the BDR men, knows what his crime was. From Neelgiri camp he was sent to Thanchi police station and from there to Bandarban Thana. Later on, the village elders of Kapru Para pleaded with the district administration and got him released.
As a result of the torture, Mr. Long Drun Murung lost his mental balance. He cannot recall what really happened after the arrest, falls into delirium and gets frightened out of his wit when he sees any soldier. The army and BDR often come to visit him to enquire about his physical and mental condition. One wonders whether the BDR is testing any drug on him. His relatives said he was completely healthy - both physically and mentally - before the arrest. They specifically accused Md. Jashim, the camp commander, for the mental illness of Mr. Long.
The Murungs are a simplistic and over credulous people. They do not understand ethnic cleansing, nationalism and politics. Such words are alien to them. But they are quite worried about their future and conscious of the conspiracy to grab their land.
March 26, 2008
Recently, our reporter visited Kapru Para in Bandarban to investigate the impact of outside interaction on the life of Murung nationality, the second largest ethnic group in Bandarban district of Chittagong Hill Tracts. We are releasing the findings in a series of photographic expositions. Please find attached the last of the six-picture series.
Photo 6 of 6: Long Drun Murung: a torture victim
Last year, members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) from Neelgiri camp picked up Long Drun Murung and tortured him mercilessly. No body, except perhaps the BDR men, knows what his crime was. From Neelgiri camp he was sent to Thanchi police station and from there to Bandarban Thana. Later on, the village elders of Kapru Para pleaded with the district administration and got him released.
As a result of the torture, Mr. Long Drun Murung lost his mental balance. He cannot recall what really happened after the arrest, falls into delirium and gets frightened out of his wit when he sees any soldier. The army and BDR often come to visit him to enquire about his physical and mental condition. One wonders whether the BDR is testing any drug on him. His relatives said he was completely healthy - both physically and mentally - before the arrest. They specifically accused Md. Jashim, the camp commander, for the mental illness of Mr. Long.
The Murungs are a simplistic and over credulous people. They do not understand ethnic cleansing, nationalism and politics. Such words are alien to them. But they are quite worried about their future and conscious of the conspiracy to grab their land.
Recently, our reporter visited Kapru Para in Bandarban to investigate the impact of outside interaction on the life of Murung nationality, the second largest ethnic group in Bandarban district of Chittagong Hill Tracts. We are releasing the findings in a series of photographic expositions. Please find attached the fifth of the six-picture series.
Photo 5 of 6: filling pots with water at a reservoir near the village
The Murung children help their parents with household chores. They even work at the Jum fields. However, nowadays the children go to school. In Kapru Para, there is a primary school built by Mrochet, a local NGO dedicated exclusively to the overall development of the Murung nationality. The Christian missionaries are also active in the area. They have built schools and churches in almost every Murung village. Caritas, a Christian NGO, has one school in Emoy Para in Chimbuk area. In Niak Para village there is one Buddhist temple, but no school.
The literacy rate of the Murungs is not known. In Kapru para, our reporter did not meet any one who passed Secondary School Certificate exam. However, if the current enthusiasm for education in Murung society continues, in the next 10 years the CHT will see a dramatic increase in the literacy rate of the Murung people. But with one BIG caveat: they are not displaced by the government plan to acquire 2,400 acres of land for military purposes.
Photo 5 of 6: filling pots with water at a reservoir near the village
The Murung children help their parents with household chores. They even work at the Jum fields. However, nowadays the children go to school. In Kapru Para, there is a primary school built by Mrochet, a local NGO dedicated exclusively to the overall development of the Murung nationality. The Christian missionaries are also active in the area. They have built schools and churches in almost every Murung village. Caritas, a Christian NGO, has one school in Emoy Para in Chimbuk area. In Niak Para village there is one Buddhist temple, but no school.
The literacy rate of the Murungs is not known. In Kapru para, our reporter did not meet any one who passed Secondary School Certificate exam. However, if the current enthusiasm for education in Murung society continues, in the next 10 years the CHT will see a dramatic increase in the literacy rate of the Murung people. But with one BIG caveat: they are not displaced by the government plan to acquire 2,400 acres of land for military purposes.
Changing Life in a Murung Village
Recently, our reporter visited Kapru Para in Bandarban to investigate the impact of outside interaction on the life of Murung nationality, the second largest ethnic group in Bandarban district of Chittagong Hill Tracts. We are releasing the findings in a series of photographic expositions. Please find attached the fourth of the six-picture series.
Photo 4 of 6: Climbing up and down hills a part of everyday life
Life is quite hard in the mountainous region of Chimbuk. The Murung people have to trek long distances to reach a market place. If their village and their traditional jum land are taken away, they would have no other place to go. The only option open for them is to cross over to Mayanmar.
The government is tight-lipped about the possible land acquisition in Chimbuk. Our correspondent inquired with the government Land Office in Bandarban. But unfortunately the office was not forthcoming. One Jumma office clerk informed: "as far as I know the process has already begun to acquire land in Chimbuk." But he refused to show the documents or divulge details. The village elders in Kapru Para said that in 2005, the commander of Ruma garrison held a meeting with Headmen, Karbaris (village chief) and village elders and made known the plan to acquire lands in four Mouzas, namely Sepru Mouza (500 acres), Galenga Mouza (900 acres), Lemupalong Mouza (500 acres) and Lulain Mouza (500 acres). He urged them to accept compensation and leave the area.
But the Murungs refused to accept such blatant disregard of their life and livelihood lying down any further. On 14 December 2005, they submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban to scrape the plan. Mr. Ranglai Murung, Headman of Raingkong Mouza and chairman of Sualok Union, played a leading role in organising opposition to the said land acquisition plan. This is because of this that the joint forces arrested him on 23 February 2007, immediately after the imposition of state of emergency in Bangladesh.
On the other hand, the army put an embargo on Jum cultivation in these areas in 2005. Since then, Murungs have not been able to cultivate jum in the designated areas. This year many Murung families tried to prepare their land for jum farming, but the soldiers prevented them. The government did not arrange any alternative to jum cultivation for them. Deprived of the right to jum farming, many Murung families now find it hard to make both ends meet. Many go starving. Their economic life has begun to shutter.
Photo 4 of 6: Climbing up and down hills a part of everyday life
Life is quite hard in the mountainous region of Chimbuk. The Murung people have to trek long distances to reach a market place. If their village and their traditional jum land are taken away, they would have no other place to go. The only option open for them is to cross over to Mayanmar.
The government is tight-lipped about the possible land acquisition in Chimbuk. Our correspondent inquired with the government Land Office in Bandarban. But unfortunately the office was not forthcoming. One Jumma office clerk informed: "as far as I know the process has already begun to acquire land in Chimbuk." But he refused to show the documents or divulge details. The village elders in Kapru Para said that in 2005, the commander of Ruma garrison held a meeting with Headmen, Karbaris (village chief) and village elders and made known the plan to acquire lands in four Mouzas, namely Sepru Mouza (500 acres), Galenga Mouza (900 acres), Lemupalong Mouza (500 acres) and Lulain Mouza (500 acres). He urged them to accept compensation and leave the area.
But the Murungs refused to accept such blatant disregard of their life and livelihood lying down any further. On 14 December 2005, they submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban to scrape the plan. Mr. Ranglai Murung, Headman of Raingkong Mouza and chairman of Sualok Union, played a leading role in organising opposition to the said land acquisition plan. This is because of this that the joint forces arrested him on 23 February 2007, immediately after the imposition of state of emergency in Bangladesh.
On the other hand, the army put an embargo on Jum cultivation in these areas in 2005. Since then, Murungs have not been able to cultivate jum in the designated areas. This year many Murung families tried to prepare their land for jum farming, but the soldiers prevented them. The government did not arrange any alternative to jum cultivation for them. Deprived of the right to jum farming, many Murung families now find it hard to make both ends meet. Many go starving. Their economic life has begun to shutter.
Changing Life in a Murung Village
Recently, our reporter visited Kapru Para in Bandarban to investigate the impact of outside interaction on the life of Murung nationality, the third largest ethnic group in Chittagong Hill Tracts. We are releasing the findings in a series of photographic expositions. Please find attached the third of the six-picture series.
Photo 3 of 6: Murung women at work
Murung women are hard working. They work both at home and in the Jum field. In the Jum they grow rice, cotton, sesame, chilli, ginger, turmeric and vegetables. They also grow different kinds of fruit orchards such as pineapples, orange, papaya and jackfruit. Nowadays many of them have turned to teak and other cash yielding tree plantations. In the area bamboo grows abundantly - however this year the bamboos have begun to die out.
The Murungs also tend cows, buffalos and pigs; and rear poultry at home. Generally, they live in a subsistence economy.
There is a rumour in the village that their lands will be taken away for expansion of military facilities. This has made them worried about their future. None save one has documents concerning ownership of their lands.
Of the 38 families, only Lachyong Murung got documents for his land. He was a commander of a militia formed in the days of "insurgency" to counter the Shanti Bahini guerrillas. He used his clouts to register his land with the government land office. None others of village have been granted land settlement. It is quite irony that the government should deny them the right to have documents in relation to their lands while thousands of illegal Bengali settler families have been provided so-called khas lands along with title documents. It would be singularly inhumane if they are forced to leave their ancestral village in order to make room for expansion of military facilities.
Generally, the Murungs are not familiar with the idea of private ownership of land. Their society is a kind of communistic society in which land is own by the whole community. There is a increasing demand that the government of Bangladesh respect this customary land laws of the Jumma nationalities including Murungs.
Changing Life in a Murung Village
Recently, our reporter visited Kapru Para in Bandarban to investigate the impact of outside interaction on the life of Murung nationality, the third largest ethnic group in Chittagong Hill Tracts. We are releasing the findings in a series of photographic expositions. Please find attached the second of the six-picture series.
Photo 2 of 6:
Nowadays Murung girls and women wear western dresses alongside their traditional ones. The males also no longer grow long hair. Most of the Murungs have converted to Christianity. Previously, they were either Buddhist or followers of a homegrown faith called Krama. The new religion has begun to change their lifestyle thanks to the influence of the Christian NGOs.
But the Murungs are still lagging far behind in education. One of the causes for this scenario is language problem. The Murungs cannot and do not communicate in Bangla. In Kapru Para, there are two churches and one primary school established by Mrochet, a local NGO.
Neither the government, nor the local representative bodies takes care of the needs and interests of the Murung people. The Regional Council has only one seat for Tanchangyas and Murungs combined. It is now held by Nilu Tanchangya. The Murungs allege that he has never enquired about their well being, nor visited any of their villages. Around 80 percent of the Murungs did not even hear his name.
Photo 2 of 6:
Nowadays Murung girls and women wear western dresses alongside their traditional ones. The males also no longer grow long hair. Most of the Murungs have converted to Christianity. Previously, they were either Buddhist or followers of a homegrown faith called Krama. The new religion has begun to change their lifestyle thanks to the influence of the Christian NGOs.
But the Murungs are still lagging far behind in education. One of the causes for this scenario is language problem. The Murungs cannot and do not communicate in Bangla. In Kapru Para, there are two churches and one primary school established by Mrochet, a local NGO.
Neither the government, nor the local representative bodies takes care of the needs and interests of the Murung people. The Regional Council has only one seat for Tanchangyas and Murungs combined. It is now held by Nilu Tanchangya. The Murungs allege that he has never enquired about their well being, nor visited any of their villages. Around 80 percent of the Murungs did not even hear his name.
Two innocent villagers arrested in Naniachar
chtnews.com
News No. 55/2008, March 22, 2008
On 20 March 2008, two innocent villagers were arrested in Naniachar under Rangamati disctrict.
Sources said Dipon Chakma (20) s/o Rabi Joy Chakma and Ushamoy Chakma (27) s/o Sumongol Chakma were arrested during an army raid in the village of Rangipara under Sabekshyong Union, about 10km north-east of Naniachar sub-district headquarters.
A group of army personnel from Naniachar zone conducted the raid, said a UPDF leader from Naniachar town and added that "the victims are poor day labourer. Both of them were arrested from their houses."
After the arrest, local village elders including a Union Council member and the chief of the village pleaded with the zone commander to release them as both of them were the sole wage earners of their families. They also argued that there was no justification whatsoever for their arrest because both of them are innocent and none of them committed any crime.
"But the army refused to listen to us. They were not prepared to listen to any reason" said one of the village elders who were present during the meeting with the army officer.
He said the army commander bluntly warned them saying "those who will recommend for their (Dipon Chakma and Ushamoy Chakma) release will be treated as terrorists".
Afterwards, the army handed the arrested Jummas over to the Naniachar police and filed "a Ganja case" against them alleging that the soldiers found hashish from their possession.
Another source informed that the military had been conducting operations in a large swath of Mahalchari and Naniachari Thanas since 19 March. "Such operations invariably involve raids, arrest, torture and harassment of innocent people" he said.
News No. 55/2008, March 22, 2008
On 20 March 2008, two innocent villagers were arrested in Naniachar under Rangamati disctrict.
Sources said Dipon Chakma (20) s/o Rabi Joy Chakma and Ushamoy Chakma (27) s/o Sumongol Chakma were arrested during an army raid in the village of Rangipara under Sabekshyong Union, about 10km north-east of Naniachar sub-district headquarters.
A group of army personnel from Naniachar zone conducted the raid, said a UPDF leader from Naniachar town and added that "the victims are poor day labourer. Both of them were arrested from their houses."
After the arrest, local village elders including a Union Council member and the chief of the village pleaded with the zone commander to release them as both of them were the sole wage earners of their families. They also argued that there was no justification whatsoever for their arrest because both of them are innocent and none of them committed any crime.
"But the army refused to listen to us. They were not prepared to listen to any reason" said one of the village elders who were present during the meeting with the army officer.
He said the army commander bluntly warned them saying "those who will recommend for their (Dipon Chakma and Ushamoy Chakma) release will be treated as terrorists".
Afterwards, the army handed the arrested Jummas over to the Naniachar police and filed "a Ganja case" against them alleging that the soldiers found hashish from their possession.
Another source informed that the military had been conducting operations in a large swath of Mahalchari and Naniachari Thanas since 19 March. "Such operations invariably involve raids, arrest, torture and harassment of innocent people" he said.
BDR searches house of a UPDF member in Logang
chtnews.com
News No. 57/2008, March 24, 2008
On 23 March 2008, a group of para-military Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) raided and searched the house of Shukra Sen Chakma, a member of the United People's Democratic Front, in Logang under Panchari Thana in Khagrachari district, sources said.
No further details are available. Mr. Chakma is also an ex-member of Logang Union Council.
Another source said military operations are still underway in Lakshimichari, Mahalchari, Naniachar and Longudu Thanas.
News No. 57/2008, March 24, 2008
On 23 March 2008, a group of para-military Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) raided and searched the house of Shukra Sen Chakma, a member of the United People's Democratic Front, in Logang under Panchari Thana in Khagrachari district, sources said.
No further details are available. Mr. Chakma is also an ex-member of Logang Union Council.
Another source said military operations are still underway in Lakshimichari, Mahalchari, Naniachar and Longudu Thanas.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Sajek: the heaven turns to hell
Sajek, abode of Chakma, Tripura, Pankho and Lushai peoples is famous for beautiful blue mountains, highest altitude and high quality oranges, lies in the north eastern part of Rangamti Hill District of CHT, shares international border with Mizoram in the east and Tripura in the north through the famous Jompui Hill range of Mizoram and Tripura of India. Kaptai Lake looks like an egg from the highest Konglak peak (approximately 2,300 feet). The cultural uniqueness and exciting beauty of carpets of blue mountains and high hills make the area a heaven. It beckons many Jumma youths from other parts of plain CHT and increases their lamentation while they fail to visit her.
Chakmas are absolute majority while Lushai and Pankhos are most small with the households of 10 and 50 respectively and Tripuras have 300 families and Chakmas are 1,000 families in Sajek Union, a rough estimate claims. During Pakistan period the population of Lushai and Pankhos in Sajek was prominent. Unfortunately, now they form the smallest position in CHT for having a place of their peoples in India, a separate territory- Mizoram, a state upgraded from Union Territory through a peace deal with MNF president, Pu Laldenga, after an armed movement of about 22 years. 31 ethnic peoples of Mizoram are included in the “unified nation”- the Mizo Nation and Lushai and Pankhos are two of them.
Sudarshan Chakma, a PCJSS district committee member from Baghaichari Upazila claims this morning at my home that Sajek is heading towards a valley of sure death due to famine this year and this can be prevented if government and donor assistance reaches there in time. He tells- rodents now even have started attacking crops of valley lands and families of Upazila headquarters. Potato fields have been under recent attacks.
Sudarshan, 35 years, tells “I’ve even trapped 10 to 12 large size rats in a night, which I haven’t seen in my life.” He also tells me that recently he has narrowly escaped from a sure death as he was not aware of naked wire of his television’s AC cord on the back; the poly-coating has been bitten off by rodents and he caught it while he was putting the antenna jack on its socket. Sudarshan also tells that Mr. Nakul Bikash Chakma, Senior Staff Nurse, Baghaichari health complex was surprised finding the missing of about five kg of potatoes, all large sizes, from his vegetable basket at his kitchen, in a morning just one and a half month back. Nakul finally discovered some of the potatoes in a hole close to his home.
He further confirms me that the inhabitants of Sajek have been passing through a massive food crisis because of massive rodent attacks on all Jum crops. All most all the families have been starving and some can hardly manage one meal a day and it is even mixed with wild potatoes. They have collected some relief materials and sent those to Sajek mountain area.
Sajek, one of the most backward areas of Rangamati Hill District with the presence of all development indicators was without any road communication until last year. The road which is in progress now can be used during dry season and is partially operative by public transports- the “Chander Gadis”, goes through the Kassalong reserve forest, the last remaining rainforest in the CHT.
The PCJSS, all through its armed movement and parallel governance asked its supporters to help choose a non-Chakma candidate for the Union Parishad Chairmanship of Sajek Union and encouraged the non-Chakmas to have leaders of their own, based on the PCJSS policy towards ethnic minorities. This “reservation” is still alive and the Union is presently led by a Pankho while his predecessor was a Tripura.
Ms. Reneta Lok Dessallien, UNDP Resident Coordinator writes me that she had meeting with the western diplomats today and she would press them for additional support for negotiating the crisis. WFP is also seeking a buyer for its 6-month long food aid programme for the rodent hit people.
Barrister Raja Devasish Roy, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser visits Sajek on 23rd to witness the rodent hit crisis. He will visit Ruilui and Konglak villages of Sajek mountain area. Very recently, his ministry allotted 700 and 500 metric tons of food grains purely for the rodent hit people of Rangamati and Bandarban Hill Districts respectively against Test Relief (food for works) programme.
Rupayan Dewan
Councillor, CHT Regional Council, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-351-63165
Chakmas are absolute majority while Lushai and Pankhos are most small with the households of 10 and 50 respectively and Tripuras have 300 families and Chakmas are 1,000 families in Sajek Union, a rough estimate claims. During Pakistan period the population of Lushai and Pankhos in Sajek was prominent. Unfortunately, now they form the smallest position in CHT for having a place of their peoples in India, a separate territory- Mizoram, a state upgraded from Union Territory through a peace deal with MNF president, Pu Laldenga, after an armed movement of about 22 years. 31 ethnic peoples of Mizoram are included in the “unified nation”- the Mizo Nation and Lushai and Pankhos are two of them.
Sudarshan Chakma, a PCJSS district committee member from Baghaichari Upazila claims this morning at my home that Sajek is heading towards a valley of sure death due to famine this year and this can be prevented if government and donor assistance reaches there in time. He tells- rodents now even have started attacking crops of valley lands and families of Upazila headquarters. Potato fields have been under recent attacks.
Sudarshan, 35 years, tells “I’ve even trapped 10 to 12 large size rats in a night, which I haven’t seen in my life.” He also tells me that recently he has narrowly escaped from a sure death as he was not aware of naked wire of his television’s AC cord on the back; the poly-coating has been bitten off by rodents and he caught it while he was putting the antenna jack on its socket. Sudarshan also tells that Mr. Nakul Bikash Chakma, Senior Staff Nurse, Baghaichari health complex was surprised finding the missing of about five kg of potatoes, all large sizes, from his vegetable basket at his kitchen, in a morning just one and a half month back. Nakul finally discovered some of the potatoes in a hole close to his home.
He further confirms me that the inhabitants of Sajek have been passing through a massive food crisis because of massive rodent attacks on all Jum crops. All most all the families have been starving and some can hardly manage one meal a day and it is even mixed with wild potatoes. They have collected some relief materials and sent those to Sajek mountain area.
Sajek, one of the most backward areas of Rangamati Hill District with the presence of all development indicators was without any road communication until last year. The road which is in progress now can be used during dry season and is partially operative by public transports- the “Chander Gadis”, goes through the Kassalong reserve forest, the last remaining rainforest in the CHT.
The PCJSS, all through its armed movement and parallel governance asked its supporters to help choose a non-Chakma candidate for the Union Parishad Chairmanship of Sajek Union and encouraged the non-Chakmas to have leaders of their own, based on the PCJSS policy towards ethnic minorities. This “reservation” is still alive and the Union is presently led by a Pankho while his predecessor was a Tripura.
Ms. Reneta Lok Dessallien, UNDP Resident Coordinator writes me that she had meeting with the western diplomats today and she would press them for additional support for negotiating the crisis. WFP is also seeking a buyer for its 6-month long food aid programme for the rodent hit people.
Barrister Raja Devasish Roy, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser visits Sajek on 23rd to witness the rodent hit crisis. He will visit Ruilui and Konglak villages of Sajek mountain area. Very recently, his ministry allotted 700 and 500 metric tons of food grains purely for the rodent hit people of Rangamati and Bandarban Hill Districts respectively against Test Relief (food for works) programme.
Rupayan Dewan
Councillor, CHT Regional Council, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-351-63165
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Five PCP activists walk out of ctg jail
chtnews.com
News No. 54/2008, March 20, 2008
Five activists of the Hill Students Council, a front organisation of the United People's Democratic Front, have been released on bail today.
Sujan Chakma Ekalokkyo, Bergu Chakma, Paithoi Marma, Chungku Chakma and Beauty Chakma were arrested on 20 May 2006 from Moghachari in Lakshmichari while they were returning from Khagrachari after attending their organisation's founding anniversary.
The army halted the jeep carrying them back, interrogated and singled them out for arrest. They were taken to the camp, tortured and then handed over to the Lakshmichari Thana police. A false arms case was filed against them.
They spent 13 months in Khagrachari jail before being transferred to Chittagong prison on 7 June 2007.
On 5 March 2008, the High Court granted them bail.
News No. 54/2008, March 20, 2008
Five activists of the Hill Students Council, a front organisation of the United People's Democratic Front, have been released on bail today.
Sujan Chakma Ekalokkyo, Bergu Chakma, Paithoi Marma, Chungku Chakma and Beauty Chakma were arrested on 20 May 2006 from Moghachari in Lakshmichari while they were returning from Khagrachari after attending their organisation's founding anniversary.
The army halted the jeep carrying them back, interrogated and singled them out for arrest. They were taken to the camp, tortured and then handed over to the Lakshmichari Thana police. A false arms case was filed against them.
They spent 13 months in Khagrachari jail before being transferred to Chittagong prison on 7 June 2007.
On 5 March 2008, the High Court granted them bail.
Changing Life in a Murung Village
Recently, our reporter visited Kapru Para in Bandarban to investigate the impact of outside interaction on the life of Murung nationality, the third largest ethnic group in Chittagong Hill Tracts. We intend to release the findings in a series of photographic expositions. Please find attached the first of the six-picture series.
Photo1 of 6:
Kapru Para, a Murung village nestled on picturesque Chimbuk hill 45 km south-east of Bandarban town in South CHT. The Bangladesh army has reportedly planned to acquire 2,400 acres of land inhabited by Murung nationality. Kapru Para is one of many villages that will face total destruction if the plan is implemented.
In 2006, the BD Army built so-called "Neelgiri", a posh tourist resort, on 16 acres of traditional Jum land of the Murung people. It was inaugurated by the incumbent army chief General Moeen U Ahmed. The Chief Adviser Fakruddin Ahmed will stay here during his tour of Rangamati and Bandarban on 27 March. Another dignitary who graced this tourist resort is Foreign Affairs Adviser, Mr. Iftekar Ahmed, who visited Bandarban in the end of last year.
One of the lesser known facts about the attitude of the Jumma people towards the liberation war of Bangladesh is that during the war's initial period the slain President General Ziaur Rahman took shelter in a Murung village. It was because of sincere cooperation of the "savage" Murung people that the General could conduct successful military operations against the marauding Pakistani Army.
But what did the Murungs get in return? After 36 years of independence, they still remain one of the most backward communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts. Governments have come and gone, but they remain where they had been. During the last decades, they only saw their jum lands being taken away by outsiders.
During his visit, the Chief Adviser is scheduled to speak to the residents of Kapru Para. Will he assure them that his government will not take any decision that might cause their displacement and that they will be able to live as dignified citizens?
Photo1 of 6:
Kapru Para, a Murung village nestled on picturesque Chimbuk hill 45 km south-east of Bandarban town in South CHT. The Bangladesh army has reportedly planned to acquire 2,400 acres of land inhabited by Murung nationality. Kapru Para is one of many villages that will face total destruction if the plan is implemented.
In 2006, the BD Army built so-called "Neelgiri", a posh tourist resort, on 16 acres of traditional Jum land of the Murung people. It was inaugurated by the incumbent army chief General Moeen U Ahmed. The Chief Adviser Fakruddin Ahmed will stay here during his tour of Rangamati and Bandarban on 27 March. Another dignitary who graced this tourist resort is Foreign Affairs Adviser, Mr. Iftekar Ahmed, who visited Bandarban in the end of last year.
One of the lesser known facts about the attitude of the Jumma people towards the liberation war of Bangladesh is that during the war's initial period the slain President General Ziaur Rahman took shelter in a Murung village. It was because of sincere cooperation of the "savage" Murung people that the General could conduct successful military operations against the marauding Pakistani Army.
But what did the Murungs get in return? After 36 years of independence, they still remain one of the most backward communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts. Governments have come and gone, but they remain where they had been. During the last decades, they only saw their jum lands being taken away by outsiders.
During his visit, the Chief Adviser is scheduled to speak to the residents of Kapru Para. Will he assure them that his government will not take any decision that might cause their displacement and that they will be able to live as dignified citizens?
Spectre of famine haunts Sajek: 2 die
chtnews.com
News No. 53/2008, March 19, 2008
The spectre of famine continues to haunt Sajek, a frontier region in Rangamati district of Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Reports said severe crisis of food, triggered by last year's failure of Jum crops due to a deluge of rats following the flowering of bamboos, has led to the death of at least two Jummas in Tuichui Mouza under Sajek Union. Lila Mohan Tripura (40) and Kiron Mala Tripura (42) died after starving for days on end in the first week of this month, reports Prothom Alo, a Bengali daily, published from Dhaka.
UNDP is providing food assistance to the poor Jumia families in the affected areas including Sajek, said the report.
Quoting UNDP officials the daily said at least 3 thousand families have been affected in Sajek.
The Chttagram Manch, a regional daily published from Chittagong, said about 3 hundred Jumma families have already crossed into Mizoram state of India in search of food and work.
Since August last year NGOs and media have been warning the government of an impending humanitarian disaster as a consequence of the sudden deluge of rats in CHT. But ironically the government continues to remain apathetic, alleged Sugata Chakma, a member of the UPDF in Baghaichari.
"The government is yet wake up to the crisis" he said adding that the shortage of food have reached to such an extent that "money does not ensure that you will get food".
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry disbursed a meager amount of Taka 15 lakhs to deal with the crisis. But it is too little and too late.
"It is like a small drop of water in the vast ocean" commented a JSS leader in Rangamati.
"What we need is emergency food aid to be sent to the affected areas without further delay. Given the remoteness and geographical conditions of the area, it is only the government which can effectively deal with the issue. Others such as UNDP, NGOs and civil society members can just complement the government efforts." said central committee member of the UPDF, Ms Samari Chakma.
News No. 53/2008, March 19, 2008
The spectre of famine continues to haunt Sajek, a frontier region in Rangamati district of Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Reports said severe crisis of food, triggered by last year's failure of Jum crops due to a deluge of rats following the flowering of bamboos, has led to the death of at least two Jummas in Tuichui Mouza under Sajek Union. Lila Mohan Tripura (40) and Kiron Mala Tripura (42) died after starving for days on end in the first week of this month, reports Prothom Alo, a Bengali daily, published from Dhaka.
UNDP is providing food assistance to the poor Jumia families in the affected areas including Sajek, said the report.
Quoting UNDP officials the daily said at least 3 thousand families have been affected in Sajek.
The Chttagram Manch, a regional daily published from Chittagong, said about 3 hundred Jumma families have already crossed into Mizoram state of India in search of food and work.
Since August last year NGOs and media have been warning the government of an impending humanitarian disaster as a consequence of the sudden deluge of rats in CHT. But ironically the government continues to remain apathetic, alleged Sugata Chakma, a member of the UPDF in Baghaichari.
"The government is yet wake up to the crisis" he said adding that the shortage of food have reached to such an extent that "money does not ensure that you will get food".
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry disbursed a meager amount of Taka 15 lakhs to deal with the crisis. But it is too little and too late.
"It is like a small drop of water in the vast ocean" commented a JSS leader in Rangamati.
"What we need is emergency food aid to be sent to the affected areas without further delay. Given the remoteness and geographical conditions of the area, it is only the government which can effectively deal with the issue. Others such as UNDP, NGOs and civil society members can just complement the government efforts." said central committee member of the UPDF, Ms Samari Chakma.
UPDF submits memo to TNO over land grabbing
chtnews.com
News No. 52/2008, March 19, 2008
On 13 March, United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) sent a memorandum to the Thana Nirbahi Officer of Dighinala urging him to take urgent actions to stop illegal land grabbing and bring the culprits to justice.
Signed by Mr. Animesh Chakma, a central committee member of the Party, the memo stated: "It is a matter of great regret that even after the failure to grab 300 acres of land in Sadhana Tila in Babuchara in August - September last year, some of the settlers have, with direct support from a powerful quarter, continued to take away lands of the Jumma people."
"All the victims of land grabbing have valid documents or evidence in support of their title to the lands" it further said and added that such kinds of land grabbing is unprecedented in any country that have minimum respect for any court of law, and a shame for any civilized society.
It said the right to enjoyment of one's own lawful property is sacred and that the constitution of Bangladesh guarantees this right to every citizen.
Article 42 (1) provides: "Subject to any restrictions imposed by law, every citizen shall have the right to acquire, hold, transfer or otherwise dispose of property, and no property shall be compulsorily acquired, nationalised or requisitioned save by authority of law."
The memo urged the TNO to put a stop to land grabbing, restore the grabbed lands to their rightful owners, make sure that each and every citizen can enjoy his own property peacefully and uninterruptedly, and to bring the land grabbers and their cohorts to justice.
The memo attached a document titled "Information on land grabbing in Kobakhali, Boro Merung, Choto Merung and Rengkarjya Mouzas under Dighinala" released by Hill Watch Human Rights Forum in Bengali.
News No. 52/2008, March 19, 2008
On 13 March, United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) sent a memorandum to the Thana Nirbahi Officer of Dighinala urging him to take urgent actions to stop illegal land grabbing and bring the culprits to justice.
Signed by Mr. Animesh Chakma, a central committee member of the Party, the memo stated: "It is a matter of great regret that even after the failure to grab 300 acres of land in Sadhana Tila in Babuchara in August - September last year, some of the settlers have, with direct support from a powerful quarter, continued to take away lands of the Jumma people."
"All the victims of land grabbing have valid documents or evidence in support of their title to the lands" it further said and added that such kinds of land grabbing is unprecedented in any country that have minimum respect for any court of law, and a shame for any civilized society.
It said the right to enjoyment of one's own lawful property is sacred and that the constitution of Bangladesh guarantees this right to every citizen.
Article 42 (1) provides: "Subject to any restrictions imposed by law, every citizen shall have the right to acquire, hold, transfer or otherwise dispose of property, and no property shall be compulsorily acquired, nationalised or requisitioned save by authority of law."
The memo urged the TNO to put a stop to land grabbing, restore the grabbed lands to their rightful owners, make sure that each and every citizen can enjoy his own property peacefully and uninterruptedly, and to bring the land grabbers and their cohorts to justice.
The memo attached a document titled "Information on land grabbing in Kobakhali, Boro Merung, Choto Merung and Rengkarjya Mouzas under Dighinala" released by Hill Watch Human Rights Forum in Bengali.
Land grabbing continues unabated
chtnews.com
News No. 51/2008, March 19, 2008
Forcible land grabbing and illegal settlement of Bengali people from plain districts have been reported from Dighinala and remote frontier region of Sajek under Rangamati district.
Sources in the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) said the military has begun settling 150 families over a vast area of land stretching between Baghaihat and Gongaram. The settlers are mostly from Longudu and Merung areas.
"The settlers are being planted in Baibachara, Retkaba and around Banani Bana Vihar (Buddhist temple)" a UPDF member said from Dighinala, one of the flushpoints.
He further informed that in the villages of Reserve Para, Gongadhar Karbari Para, Joy Kumar Karbari Para and Headman Para under Kobakhali Mouza in Dighinala Upazilla about 300 illegal Bengali infiltrators have been settled. "We are collecting detailed information about this illegal settlement" he added.
An activist of the Hill Watch Human Rights Forum after visiting the affected areas in Dighinala said the problem of land grabbing has become a source of great concern for the Jumma villagers. "It is the army who is masterminding the illegal land grabbing" he told chtnewss.com on condition that he would not be named in the report and added that the civil administration is pathologically biased in favour of the settlers. "There is no justice for the Jumma people who are always in the receiving end" he complained.
According to his estimate, about 350 acres of both hilly and plough land of the Jumma people have been taken away in Kobakhali, Boro Merung and Rengkarjya Mouzas in Dighinala since the state of emergency was imposed on 11 January last year. This figure however does not include the land grabbed recently in Kobakhali as referred to by UPDF leader.
HWHRF said it has compiled most of the information relating to the recent land grabbing in Dighinala and other affected areas of CHT. "But the problem is that you can't keep pace with it; land grabbing is taking place almost everyday and people are afraid to even complain about the loss of their lands" said its field coordinator.
News No. 51/2008, March 19, 2008
Forcible land grabbing and illegal settlement of Bengali people from plain districts have been reported from Dighinala and remote frontier region of Sajek under Rangamati district.
Sources in the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) said the military has begun settling 150 families over a vast area of land stretching between Baghaihat and Gongaram. The settlers are mostly from Longudu and Merung areas.
"The settlers are being planted in Baibachara, Retkaba and around Banani Bana Vihar (Buddhist temple)" a UPDF member said from Dighinala, one of the flushpoints.
He further informed that in the villages of Reserve Para, Gongadhar Karbari Para, Joy Kumar Karbari Para and Headman Para under Kobakhali Mouza in Dighinala Upazilla about 300 illegal Bengali infiltrators have been settled. "We are collecting detailed information about this illegal settlement" he added.
An activist of the Hill Watch Human Rights Forum after visiting the affected areas in Dighinala said the problem of land grabbing has become a source of great concern for the Jumma villagers. "It is the army who is masterminding the illegal land grabbing" he told chtnewss.com on condition that he would not be named in the report and added that the civil administration is pathologically biased in favour of the settlers. "There is no justice for the Jumma people who are always in the receiving end" he complained.
According to his estimate, about 350 acres of both hilly and plough land of the Jumma people have been taken away in Kobakhali, Boro Merung and Rengkarjya Mouzas in Dighinala since the state of emergency was imposed on 11 January last year. This figure however does not include the land grabbed recently in Kobakhali as referred to by UPDF leader.
HWHRF said it has compiled most of the information relating to the recent land grabbing in Dighinala and other affected areas of CHT. "But the problem is that you can't keep pace with it; land grabbing is taking place almost everyday and people are afraid to even complain about the loss of their lands" said its field coordinator.
Army foils religious programme in Latiban
chtnews.com
News No. 50/2008, March 17, 2008
Bangladesh army personnel reportedly foiled a Buddhist religious
festival in Latiban Union under Panchari Thana of Khagrachari
district.
Sources said on 19 February 2008 Buddhist devotees organised a
religious programme at Digendra Pahar Bidorshon Bhabona Kendra
(meditation centre) on the occasion of Maghi Purnima (Full moon day in
the Bengali month of Magh). The programmes, which began in the morning
with a religious procession from Collage Gate area, included offering
of Buddha statue, offering to the Sangha and offering of eight
essentials of a Buddhist monk.
However, at 12:30 a group of army personnel from Panchari zone reached
at the venue and took position around the Vihara in a threatening
manner, reminding the devotees of the gruesome massacre of hundreds of
Jumma Buddhists at a temple in Kalampati Union under Kawkhali of
Rangamati district in 1980. The soldiers stayed there for about 2
hours hampering normal way of performing religious functions.
The religious mood of the people was soon replaced with a sense of
fear and anxiety and the organisers had to cut short the programme as
hundreds of worshipers left the venue.
Again, on 21 February, a group of army personnel from Nalkaba camp
approached the said Bhabana Kendra and enquired about its managing
committee members and the monks dwelling therein. The soldiers also
noted down the names of Buddhist monks and the amount of land
belonging to the Bhabana Kendra.
One of the devotees said harassment of the Buddhist monks is not
unusual. "Before the withdrawal of nearby Gangaram army camp, soldiers
would regularly visit the Bhabana Kendra and harass the monks" he
informed and added that now Nalkaba army camp is doing just that.
He alleged that 2 to 3 months ago army personnel from Nalkaba came and
without permission entertained themselves with pineapples from the
orchards grown by the Bhabana Kendra. They caused more damage to the
pineapple garden than they ate. Moreover, the soldiers took away
banana, papaya and assortment of other items offered to the monks.
News No. 50/2008, March 17, 2008
Bangladesh army personnel reportedly foiled a Buddhist religious
festival in Latiban Union under Panchari Thana of Khagrachari
district.
Sources said on 19 February 2008 Buddhist devotees organised a
religious programme at Digendra Pahar Bidorshon Bhabona Kendra
(meditation centre) on the occasion of Maghi Purnima (Full moon day in
the Bengali month of Magh). The programmes, which began in the morning
with a religious procession from Collage Gate area, included offering
of Buddha statue, offering to the Sangha and offering of eight
essentials of a Buddhist monk.
However, at 12:30 a group of army personnel from Panchari zone reached
at the venue and took position around the Vihara in a threatening
manner, reminding the devotees of the gruesome massacre of hundreds of
Jumma Buddhists at a temple in Kalampati Union under Kawkhali of
Rangamati district in 1980. The soldiers stayed there for about 2
hours hampering normal way of performing religious functions.
The religious mood of the people was soon replaced with a sense of
fear and anxiety and the organisers had to cut short the programme as
hundreds of worshipers left the venue.
Again, on 21 February, a group of army personnel from Nalkaba camp
approached the said Bhabana Kendra and enquired about its managing
committee members and the monks dwelling therein. The soldiers also
noted down the names of Buddhist monks and the amount of land
belonging to the Bhabana Kendra.
One of the devotees said harassment of the Buddhist monks is not
unusual. "Before the withdrawal of nearby Gangaram army camp, soldiers
would regularly visit the Bhabana Kendra and harass the monks" he
informed and added that now Nalkaba army camp is doing just that.
He alleged that 2 to 3 months ago army personnel from Nalkaba came and
without permission entertained themselves with pineapples from the
orchards grown by the Bhabana Kendra. They caused more damage to the
pineapple garden than they ate. Moreover, the soldiers took away
banana, papaya and assortment of other items offered to the monks.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Innocent villagers tortured & arrested in Panchari
chtnews.com
News No. 49/2008, March 16, 2008
Three innocent villagers were tortured and one of them was arrested during an overnight army raid in the village of Moni Karbari Para under Logang Union in Pancahri of Khagrachari district on 19 February, Tuesday.
Sources said a large contingent of Bangladesh Army personnel led by the Second-in-Command of Pancahri zone raided the village at around 2:30 a.m. The soldiers entered Jana Kallyan Bouddha Vihara, a Buddhist temple, and awoke Atul Chakma (25) s/o Laareiye Chakma of village Anil Karbari para. The soldiers beat him and threatened him with death.
They also broke into the house of Shashanka Chakma (37) s/o Duleiye Chakma in the village and asked him whether there was any terrorist in their village. When he said there was none, the army men beat him up.
Latter, both of victims were taken to the house of Arundas Chakma (24) s/o Bitto Chakma.
The soldiers rousted Arundas Chakma from his bed and tortured him severely. As he was being beaten, some of the soldiers climbed up the roof of the house and falsely claimed to have found a gun there.
Thereafter, the army personnel forced Arundas Chakma's father Bitto Chakma, Atul Chakma and Shashanka Chakma to sign a written statement saying Arundas Chakma was a terrorist and that a home-made gun had been recovered from his possession.
The army ended their raid with the arrest of Arundas Chakma, who was taken to Panchari army zone headquarters. Later he was handed over to Panchari police station and a false case was filed against him under Arms and Explosives Act.
Arundas Chakma's father and all others present during the army raid and search said the claim that the army had found a gun was a total lie. "We are poor people and on one in the village are involved in any unlawful activities" said Bitto Chakma adding that his son was completely innocent.
Mr. Chakma is now being held in Khagrachari jail.
News No. 49/2008, March 16, 2008
Three innocent villagers were tortured and one of them was arrested during an overnight army raid in the village of Moni Karbari Para under Logang Union in Pancahri of Khagrachari district on 19 February, Tuesday.
Sources said a large contingent of Bangladesh Army personnel led by the Second-in-Command of Pancahri zone raided the village at around 2:30 a.m. The soldiers entered Jana Kallyan Bouddha Vihara, a Buddhist temple, and awoke Atul Chakma (25) s/o Laareiye Chakma of village Anil Karbari para. The soldiers beat him and threatened him with death.
They also broke into the house of Shashanka Chakma (37) s/o Duleiye Chakma in the village and asked him whether there was any terrorist in their village. When he said there was none, the army men beat him up.
Latter, both of victims were taken to the house of Arundas Chakma (24) s/o Bitto Chakma.
The soldiers rousted Arundas Chakma from his bed and tortured him severely. As he was being beaten, some of the soldiers climbed up the roof of the house and falsely claimed to have found a gun there.
Thereafter, the army personnel forced Arundas Chakma's father Bitto Chakma, Atul Chakma and Shashanka Chakma to sign a written statement saying Arundas Chakma was a terrorist and that a home-made gun had been recovered from his possession.
The army ended their raid with the arrest of Arundas Chakma, who was taken to Panchari army zone headquarters. Later he was handed over to Panchari police station and a false case was filed against him under Arms and Explosives Act.
Arundas Chakma's father and all others present during the army raid and search said the claim that the army had found a gun was a total lie. "We are poor people and on one in the village are involved in any unlawful activities" said Bitto Chakma adding that his son was completely innocent.
Mr. Chakma is now being held in Khagrachari jail.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
BCABA cogratualation to Govt. of Australia
The Hon Kevin Rudd MP March 5, 2008
Prime Minister Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Australia
Subject: Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples
Sir,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
We are deeply moved on listening to the speech in highest public forum – the Parliament of Australia by you, Mr. Kevin Rudd MP, the Honorable Prime Minister of Australia, on the Apology to Indigenous Peoples of Australia. It indicates not only your personal honesty and generosity, but also the greatness of your Government, your party, and the peoples of Australia. In the history of mankind, it is a milestone. With this initiative, you have set up an example that humanity is above all of our conduct; all of our efforts are to the service of mankind, to uphold the humanity. We do commend and pay our highest honor and gratitude to you and the people of Australia for this act of your kindness and realization. We hope and look ahead that this initiative will create the environment more congenial in between the indigenous populations and non-indigenous populations of Australia leading to build an exemplary great country where your name will be placed and remembered with honor and dignity in the world history.
We know the Australians have shown sympathy beyond their national boundary. Australians started to educate the indigenous peoples of not only in their own country, but also in other countries of the world; and Bangladesh is one of them since 1980s. Australian Government started allocating scholarships to Bangladeshi students since 1980s with special quota for students from indigenous population hailing from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region. This is a unique program in the world where a considerable number of scholarships is earmarked only for students from indigenous population. We are grateful to the Australian Government for such gracious activities. We do hope and plea that this program will continue by the Government of Australia; and other developed countries will follow the same in future.
In this occasion, we have the privilege to urge Your Honor, the Prime Minister, not to limit such noble ideology in your own country. It should be widened to other countries as well where millions of indigenous people are suffering from deprivation of basic human rights and needs, eviction from their own lands, loosing their culture and heritage, and passing their lives in inhuman conditions; and the condition of Bangladeshi Indigenous Populations is of no exception.
In fine, we do hope and earnestly call upon you, Hon Kevin Rudd MP, the Prime Minister of Australia, Government of Australia, and the citizens of Australia to take active role in spreading your ideology worldwide in order to save and free the lives of indigenous populations from utmost exploitation, deprivation and extinction.
May Lord Buddha bless you, the Government of Australia, and the citizens of Australia for peace and prosperous future in the years to come
Best regards.
(Kirti Ranjan Chakma)
President
Copy to:
Mr. Doug Foskett
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh
184 Gulshan AvenueGulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Ms. Geeta Pasi
Charge De’ Affaires, a.i
US Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh;
Dr. Stefan Frowein
Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Bangladesh
House 7, Road 84, Gulshan 2Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh;
Ms. Renata Lok-Dessalien
UN Resident Coordinator to Bangladesh
C/O UNDPG.P.O Box No. 224, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
Chief
Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous IssuesUnited Nations, 2 UN PlazaRoom DC2-1772, New York, NY, 10017
Subject: Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples
Sir,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
We are deeply moved on listening to the speech in highest public forum – the Parliament of Australia by you, Mr. Kevin Rudd MP, the Honorable Prime Minister of Australia, on the Apology to Indigenous Peoples of Australia. It indicates not only your personal honesty and generosity, but also the greatness of your Government, your party, and the peoples of Australia. In the history of mankind, it is a milestone. With this initiative, you have set up an example that humanity is above all of our conduct; all of our efforts are to the service of mankind, to uphold the humanity. We do commend and pay our highest honor and gratitude to you and the people of Australia for this act of your kindness and realization. We hope and look ahead that this initiative will create the environment more congenial in between the indigenous populations and non-indigenous populations of Australia leading to build an exemplary great country where your name will be placed and remembered with honor and dignity in the world history.
We know the Australians have shown sympathy beyond their national boundary. Australians started to educate the indigenous peoples of not only in their own country, but also in other countries of the world; and Bangladesh is one of them since 1980s. Australian Government started allocating scholarships to Bangladeshi students since 1980s with special quota for students from indigenous population hailing from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region. This is a unique program in the world where a considerable number of scholarships is earmarked only for students from indigenous population. We are grateful to the Australian Government for such gracious activities. We do hope and plea that this program will continue by the Government of Australia; and other developed countries will follow the same in future.
In this occasion, we have the privilege to urge Your Honor, the Prime Minister, not to limit such noble ideology in your own country. It should be widened to other countries as well where millions of indigenous people are suffering from deprivation of basic human rights and needs, eviction from their own lands, loosing their culture and heritage, and passing their lives in inhuman conditions; and the condition of Bangladeshi Indigenous Populations is of no exception.
In fine, we do hope and earnestly call upon you, Hon Kevin Rudd MP, the Prime Minister of Australia, Government of Australia, and the citizens of Australia to take active role in spreading your ideology worldwide in order to save and free the lives of indigenous populations from utmost exploitation, deprivation and extinction.
May Lord Buddha bless you, the Government of Australia, and the citizens of Australia for peace and prosperous future in the years to come
Best regards.
(Kirti Ranjan Chakma)
President
Copy to:
Mr. Doug Foskett
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh
184 Gulshan AvenueGulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Ms. Geeta Pasi
Charge De’ Affaires, a.i
US Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh;
Dr. Stefan Frowein
Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Bangladesh
House 7, Road 84, Gulshan 2Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh;
Ms. Renata Lok-Dessalien
UN Resident Coordinator to Bangladesh
C/O UNDPG.P.O Box No. 224, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
Chief
Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous IssuesUnited Nations, 2 UN PlazaRoom DC2-1772, New York, NY, 10017
US State Department's HR report on CHT and Bangladesh
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100612.htm
Indigenous People
Tribal people had a marginal ability to influence decisions concerning the use of their lands. There was little progress in the implementation of the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracks Peace Accord. The government still refused to cede responsibility for key functions like land use and natural resources to local authorities, as called for in the Accord. Law-and-order problems and alleged human rights violations continued, as did dissatisfaction with the implementation of the Peace Accord.
The government continued to deny mobile phone and Internet coverage to the three districts comprising the Hill Tracts. While the government cited security concerns as its reason for curbing this coverage, human rights groups and local officials claimed that this was implemented in order to stunt development of the region. The Land Commission dealing with land disputes between tribal individuals and Bengali settlers did not function effectively in addressing critical land disputes. Tribal leaders remained disappointed with the lack of assistance provided to those who left the area during the insurgency. Local human rights organizations alleged that security forces took advantage of the state of emergency to increase human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, against indigenous people.
During the year according to a human rights organization, seven persons died and two were injured in violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Moreover, seven persons were kidnapped and two persons were arrested.
In February the government withdrew 16 temporary camps of security forces in the Rangamati area of the Hill Tracts. Since the signing of the 1997 Peace Agreement, the government had withdrawn 196 camps, leaving approximately 280 camps.
The conflict between the Parbattya Chattagram Jono Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), which signed the 1997 Peace Agreement with the government and the United Peoples' Democratic Front (UPDF), which is opposed to the Peace Agreement, continued. On January 16, UPDF activists shot and killed Vinku Kumar Chakma, a youth front activist of PCJSS, at Chongrachhari in Khagrachhari district.
Tribal organizations continued to allege that security forces abused the indigenous population of the Hill Tracts. On December 9, the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Treaty, leaders of the indigenous village of Mahalchari in Khagrachari district, held a press conference in Dhaka to allege ethnic Bengali settlers had encroached on their farmland. They claimed Bengali settlers, with assistance of local authorities, seized 366 acres of their farmland during the year. Late in the year, a UNDP-funded project to develop a nursery in the indigenous village of Maddya Lemuchari in Khagrachari fell through after Bengali settlers constructed homes on the location designated for the project. According to local villagers, despite the fact that they held title to the land, local authorities issued duplicate land titles to the settlers in violation of the law and the Peace Treaty.
On April 1, according to Hill Watch Human Rights Forum, army personnel raided the house of UPDF leader Sachib Chakma in the village Bogachhari in Rangamati district. As Sachib was not present, the soldiers allegedly took his father, wife, two minor children, and another person to the army camp in Naniarchar and abused the father before eventually releasing them.
The PCJSS and indigenous leaders alleged that Joint Forces personnel led by the army took advantage of the state of emergency to step up "suppressive actions" against indigenous people, including arrests and filing of false cases. According to their report, individuals could not protest due to the state of emergency.
On March 11, Joint Forces personnel arrested two UPDF members, Bimol Bikash Chakma and Milon Bihari Chakma, from Maischhari in Khagrachhari district, on suspicion of involvement in the killing of an army captain. When arrested, the two allegedly were found with illegal arms and ammunition.
Tribal people in other areas also reported loss of land to Bengali Muslims. The government continued work on national park projects on land traditionally owned by indigenous communities in the Moulvibazar and Modhupur forest areas. Despite the fact that the government filed corruption charges against several Forestry Department officials involved in these projects, development of these park projects continued. In addition, indigenous communities, local human rights organizations, and churches in the area claimed that the government had yet to withdraw thousands of false charges filed against indigenous residents by the Forestry Department.
Indigenous People
Tribal people had a marginal ability to influence decisions concerning the use of their lands. There was little progress in the implementation of the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracks Peace Accord. The government still refused to cede responsibility for key functions like land use and natural resources to local authorities, as called for in the Accord. Law-and-order problems and alleged human rights violations continued, as did dissatisfaction with the implementation of the Peace Accord.
The government continued to deny mobile phone and Internet coverage to the three districts comprising the Hill Tracts. While the government cited security concerns as its reason for curbing this coverage, human rights groups and local officials claimed that this was implemented in order to stunt development of the region. The Land Commission dealing with land disputes between tribal individuals and Bengali settlers did not function effectively in addressing critical land disputes. Tribal leaders remained disappointed with the lack of assistance provided to those who left the area during the insurgency. Local human rights organizations alleged that security forces took advantage of the state of emergency to increase human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, against indigenous people.
During the year according to a human rights organization, seven persons died and two were injured in violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Moreover, seven persons were kidnapped and two persons were arrested.
In February the government withdrew 16 temporary camps of security forces in the Rangamati area of the Hill Tracts. Since the signing of the 1997 Peace Agreement, the government had withdrawn 196 camps, leaving approximately 280 camps.
The conflict between the Parbattya Chattagram Jono Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), which signed the 1997 Peace Agreement with the government and the United Peoples' Democratic Front (UPDF), which is opposed to the Peace Agreement, continued. On January 16, UPDF activists shot and killed Vinku Kumar Chakma, a youth front activist of PCJSS, at Chongrachhari in Khagrachhari district.
Tribal organizations continued to allege that security forces abused the indigenous population of the Hill Tracts. On December 9, the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Treaty, leaders of the indigenous village of Mahalchari in Khagrachari district, held a press conference in Dhaka to allege ethnic Bengali settlers had encroached on their farmland. They claimed Bengali settlers, with assistance of local authorities, seized 366 acres of their farmland during the year. Late in the year, a UNDP-funded project to develop a nursery in the indigenous village of Maddya Lemuchari in Khagrachari fell through after Bengali settlers constructed homes on the location designated for the project. According to local villagers, despite the fact that they held title to the land, local authorities issued duplicate land titles to the settlers in violation of the law and the Peace Treaty.
On April 1, according to Hill Watch Human Rights Forum, army personnel raided the house of UPDF leader Sachib Chakma in the village Bogachhari in Rangamati district. As Sachib was not present, the soldiers allegedly took his father, wife, two minor children, and another person to the army camp in Naniarchar and abused the father before eventually releasing them.
The PCJSS and indigenous leaders alleged that Joint Forces personnel led by the army took advantage of the state of emergency to step up "suppressive actions" against indigenous people, including arrests and filing of false cases. According to their report, individuals could not protest due to the state of emergency.
On March 11, Joint Forces personnel arrested two UPDF members, Bimol Bikash Chakma and Milon Bihari Chakma, from Maischhari in Khagrachhari district, on suspicion of involvement in the killing of an army captain. When arrested, the two allegedly were found with illegal arms and ammunition.
Tribal people in other areas also reported loss of land to Bengali Muslims. The government continued work on national park projects on land traditionally owned by indigenous communities in the Moulvibazar and Modhupur forest areas. Despite the fact that the government filed corruption charges against several Forestry Department officials involved in these projects, development of these park projects continued. In addition, indigenous communities, local human rights organizations, and churches in the area claimed that the government had yet to withdraw thousands of false charges filed against indigenous residents by the Forestry Department.
Army officers visit Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir
chtnews.com
News No. 47/2008, March 08, 2008
The Chittagong unit chief of Directorate General of Forces Intelligence visited Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir at Karallyachari, Khagrachari on 4 March.
He was accompanied by Mahalchari zone commander Nahidul Islam Nahid, Major Awlad and Major Mobin from Khagrachari Brigade, Major Arek from Mahalchari zone, Mahalchari Thana Nirbahi Officer, Officer-in-charge of Mahalchari Thana (police station), Shahajahan Patwari, a leader of so-called Sama Odhikar Andolan and headmaster of Mahalchari Pilot High School, Hemayet Uddin, Assistant teacher of Lemuchari High School, Mobarak, a VDP platoon commander in Kiang-ghat and a host of journalists from different dailies.
News No. 47/2008, March 08, 2008
The Chittagong unit chief of Directorate General of Forces Intelligence visited Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir at Karallyachari, Khagrachari on 4 March.
He was accompanied by Mahalchari zone commander Nahidul Islam Nahid, Major Awlad and Major Mobin from Khagrachari Brigade, Major Arek from Mahalchari zone, Mahalchari Thana Nirbahi Officer, Officer-in-charge of Mahalchari Thana (police station), Shahajahan Patwari, a leader of so-called Sama Odhikar Andolan and headmaster of Mahalchari Pilot High School, Hemayet Uddin, Assistant teacher of Lemuchari High School, Mobarak, a VDP platoon commander in Kiang-ghat and a host of journalists from different dailies.
Villagers tortured in Karallyachari
chtnews.com
News No. 46/2008, March 08, 2008
Three innocent Jumma villagers were tortured during an army raid in the village of Karallyachari under Kiang-ghat Union in Khagrachari district on 7 March.
The raid was conducted by a group of army personnel from Kiang-ghat camp at around 8:30 p.m. The soldiers surrounded some of the houses in the village, forced the inmates out and gathered them at the precinct of Nabarun Sangha Club.
The army then interrogated them about Bikash Chakma, suspected to be a member of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), a party of the Jumma people which has vowed to carry on the struggle of the Jumma people for right to self-determination through peaceful and democratic means.
When the Jumma villagers said they did not know any one with that name, the soldiers became furious and beat Anta Lal Chakma (35) s/o Bir Sen Chakma, Tapanya Chakma (18) s/o Prakhar Chandra Chakma and Tara Kumar Chakma (42).
News No. 46/2008, March 08, 2008
Three innocent Jumma villagers were tortured during an army raid in the village of Karallyachari under Kiang-ghat Union in Khagrachari district on 7 March.
The raid was conducted by a group of army personnel from Kiang-ghat camp at around 8:30 p.m. The soldiers surrounded some of the houses in the village, forced the inmates out and gathered them at the precinct of Nabarun Sangha Club.
The army then interrogated them about Bikash Chakma, suspected to be a member of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), a party of the Jumma people which has vowed to carry on the struggle of the Jumma people for right to self-determination through peaceful and democratic means.
When the Jumma villagers said they did not know any one with that name, the soldiers became furious and beat Anta Lal Chakma (35) s/o Bir Sen Chakma, Tapanya Chakma (18) s/o Prakhar Chandra Chakma and Tara Kumar Chakma (42).
Monday, March 3, 2008
Barkal TNO orders settlers to grab Jumma's land
chtnews.com
News No. 45/2008, March 03, 2008
The Thana Nirbahi Officer of Barkal in Rangamati district reportedly ordered the illegal settlers to grab lands of the Jumma people in the area.
The order was given on 1 March 2008. Months earlier, the army issued a similar order. They made a public announcement using hand mikes urging the settlers to forcibly occupy as much lands of the Jumma villagers as possible.
Since then, the settlers have been making attempts to capture lands in the area. In Bakchari the conflict over land has become serious. The settlers are destroying the paddy fields moments after the Jummas leave them after planting paddy saplings.
News No. 45/2008, March 03, 2008
The Thana Nirbahi Officer of Barkal in Rangamati district reportedly ordered the illegal settlers to grab lands of the Jumma people in the area.
The order was given on 1 March 2008. Months earlier, the army issued a similar order. They made a public announcement using hand mikes urging the settlers to forcibly occupy as much lands of the Jumma villagers as possible.
Since then, the settlers have been making attempts to capture lands in the area. In Bakchari the conflict over land has become serious. The settlers are destroying the paddy fields moments after the Jummas leave them after planting paddy saplings.
Army announcement in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 44/2008, March 03, 2008
On 1 March 2008, a group of army personnel from Baghaihat under Baghaichari Upazilla in Rangamati district went to Sajek and made a public announcement that they would "install a market" at Ruilui and asked all to give currency to it .
The army called Mr. Lal Thang Pankua, headman of Ruilui Mouza, and Mr. Sumittang Pankua, headman of Kamlak Mouza, to Ruilui BDR camp and asked them to tell the Chakmas to open shops at the bazaar. "Otherwise, we will bring in Bengali shopkeepers from elsewhere", the army warned.
News No. 44/2008, March 03, 2008
On 1 March 2008, a group of army personnel from Baghaihat under Baghaichari Upazilla in Rangamati district went to Sajek and made a public announcement that they would "install a market" at Ruilui and asked all to give currency to it .
The army called Mr. Lal Thang Pankua, headman of Ruilui Mouza, and Mr. Sumittang Pankua, headman of Kamlak Mouza, to Ruilui BDR camp and asked them to tell the Chakmas to open shops at the bazaar. "Otherwise, we will bring in Bengali shopkeepers from elsewhere", the army warned.
Another villager tortured in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 43/2008, March 03, 2008
On 27 February 2008 Mon Mohan Chakma (60) s/o late Kali Kumar Chakma of Dari Adam village under Sajek Union in Baghaichari Upazilla (sub-district) of Rangamati was subjected to inhuman torture after the army alleged that he had provided support to the United People's Democratic Front.
Sources said he was at first asked to appear before the commander of Ruilui BDR camp. When he got to the camp at the stipulated time, he was detained and then handed over to the army.
The army beat him with iron rods and poured hot water over his body. They alleged that he provided support to the members of the UPDF.
Later, Mr. Lal Thang Pankua, headman of Ruilui Mouza, went to the camp and got him released.
News No. 43/2008, March 03, 2008
On 27 February 2008 Mon Mohan Chakma (60) s/o late Kali Kumar Chakma of Dari Adam village under Sajek Union in Baghaichari Upazilla (sub-district) of Rangamati was subjected to inhuman torture after the army alleged that he had provided support to the United People's Democratic Front.
Sources said he was at first asked to appear before the commander of Ruilui BDR camp. When he got to the camp at the stipulated time, he was detained and then handed over to the army.
The army beat him with iron rods and poured hot water over his body. They alleged that he provided support to the members of the UPDF.
Later, Mr. Lal Thang Pankua, headman of Ruilui Mouza, went to the camp and got him released.
Innocent villager arrested in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 42/2008, March 03, 2008
On 25 February 2008, Nibaron Karbari (48) s/o late Lakshmiban Karbari, the village chief of Talchara para village under Sajek Union in Baghaichari Upazilla (sub-district) in Rangamati district was duped and arrested after calling him to Ruilui BDR camp.
Sources said the camp commander of paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) at Ruilui invited the Karbari to the camp to receive financial assistance in the wake of destruction of Jum harvest due to rat-deluge in vast areas of the CHT.
But when he got to the camp, the BDR personnel beat him up severely. The allegations against his was that he provided support to the members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF).
News No. 42/2008, March 03, 2008
On 25 February 2008, Nibaron Karbari (48) s/o late Lakshmiban Karbari, the village chief of Talchara para village under Sajek Union in Baghaichari Upazilla (sub-district) in Rangamati district was duped and arrested after calling him to Ruilui BDR camp.
Sources said the camp commander of paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) at Ruilui invited the Karbari to the camp to receive financial assistance in the wake of destruction of Jum harvest due to rat-deluge in vast areas of the CHT.
But when he got to the camp, the BDR personnel beat him up severely. The allegations against his was that he provided support to the members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF).
BDR raids a Jumma house in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 41/2008, March 03, 2008
On 20 February 2008 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) personnel from Ruilui camp surrounded and then searched the house of Bengua Chakma (40) s/o Jelaram Chakma in the village of Dari Adam under Sajek Union in Baghaichari Upazilla (sub-district) of Rangamati.
Mr. Chakma was not available at home at the time and the BDR personnel took away his 7-year old son to the camp after asking his wife to produce her husband before the camp commander to secure the release of her son.
Later, the village elders went to the camp and got the son released.
After that, on 21 February, at dawn the BDR personnel opened brushfire on his house in a trigger happy manner without any reason whatsoever. Luckily, no one was hurt in the shooting spree.
After the incident, the BDR commander (name unknown) boasting to the villagers said: "It is me who shot at the house of Bengua Chakma in the morning, and I am pretty sure he's got hurt. We saw blood on the ground. He may die."
News No. 41/2008, March 03, 2008
On 20 February 2008 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) personnel from Ruilui camp surrounded and then searched the house of Bengua Chakma (40) s/o Jelaram Chakma in the village of Dari Adam under Sajek Union in Baghaichari Upazilla (sub-district) of Rangamati.
Mr. Chakma was not available at home at the time and the BDR personnel took away his 7-year old son to the camp after asking his wife to produce her husband before the camp commander to secure the release of her son.
Later, the village elders went to the camp and got the son released.
After that, on 21 February, at dawn the BDR personnel opened brushfire on his house in a trigger happy manner without any reason whatsoever. Luckily, no one was hurt in the shooting spree.
After the incident, the BDR commander (name unknown) boasting to the villagers said: "It is me who shot at the house of Bengua Chakma in the morning, and I am pretty sure he's got hurt. We saw blood on the ground. He may die."
UPDF member arrested in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 40/2008, March 03, 2008
On 20 February 2008 Chizigala Chakma (25) s/o Guno Mohan Chakma of Kojoichari village under Sajek Union of Baghaichari Upazilla (sub-district), Rangamati was arrested as he was coming out of a voter registration centre at Gangaram.
Sources in Baghaichari said Chizigala Chakma, a member of the United People's Democratic Front, went to Gongaram Hazachara Voter Registration Centre to register himself as a voter. As he was coming out of the Centre after doing what was required to do for the registration, the on-duty army personnel held him back.
The army dressed him in military fatigue and went round the area taking him along with them. Later, they handed him over to the Baghaichari police station after placing a home-made gun in his hands.
News No. 40/2008, March 03, 2008
On 20 February 2008 Chizigala Chakma (25) s/o Guno Mohan Chakma of Kojoichari village under Sajek Union of Baghaichari Upazilla (sub-district), Rangamati was arrested as he was coming out of a voter registration centre at Gangaram.
Sources in Baghaichari said Chizigala Chakma, a member of the United People's Democratic Front, went to Gongaram Hazachara Voter Registration Centre to register himself as a voter. As he was coming out of the Centre after doing what was required to do for the registration, the on-duty army personnel held him back.
The army dressed him in military fatigue and went round the area taking him along with them. Later, they handed him over to the Baghaichari police station after placing a home-made gun in his hands.
Arrested Jummas handed over to police
chtnews.com
News No. 39/2008, March 02, 2008
Arun Chakma alias Hugujjya and two others, arrested from his house in the village of Dadkuppya on 27 February a day before his wedding troupe was to set out for the bride's house in Shugujjya para village , were handed over to the police on 29 February.
In earlier report (News No. 35) his name was wrongly mentioned as Rupanyan Chakma.
The army from Dadkuppya camp handed them a rickety gun before handing them over to the police. On 28 February, the Kiang-ghat Union Council chairman Mr. Bishwajit Chakma saw the army officers to secure their release. But his request was turned down.
The army personnel searched the house of Arun Chakma again at night and looted away two hand bags, two wrist watches, 28 packets of cigarette and two Burgis (hand-woven blankets) in addition to cash Tk. 8,000, gold ornaments and a coupon book for raising funds for a critically sick girl Elina Chakma which were taken away on the first mid-night search on 27 February.
The arrest was made one day before Arun Chakma's marriage with Kanak Baran Chakma's daughter Hasina Chakma.
News No. 39/2008, March 02, 2008
Arun Chakma alias Hugujjya and two others, arrested from his house in the village of Dadkuppya on 27 February a day before his wedding troupe was to set out for the bride's house in Shugujjya para village , were handed over to the police on 29 February.
In earlier report (News No. 35) his name was wrongly mentioned as Rupanyan Chakma.
The army from Dadkuppya camp handed them a rickety gun before handing them over to the police. On 28 February, the Kiang-ghat Union Council chairman Mr. Bishwajit Chakma saw the army officers to secure their release. But his request was turned down.
The army personnel searched the house of Arun Chakma again at night and looted away two hand bags, two wrist watches, 28 packets of cigarette and two Burgis (hand-woven blankets) in addition to cash Tk. 8,000, gold ornaments and a coupon book for raising funds for a critically sick girl Elina Chakma which were taken away on the first mid-night search on 27 February.
The arrest was made one day before Arun Chakma's marriage with Kanak Baran Chakma's daughter Hasina Chakma.
Army prevents villager from cutting trees
chtnews.com
News No. 38/2008, March 02, 2008
"There is instruction from high-ups. You Paharis (Jummas) are not permitted to cut trees here. If the settlers are unable to settle at Sarnath Arannya Kuthir, they will have to settle here." said Jasim Uddin, an army Subedar, from Mahalchari zone under Khagrachari district while preventing Prabhat Chandra Chakma from cutting trees in his own land in the village of Karallyachari.
This happened on 28 February 2008. Mr. Chakma, an incumbent member of Kiang-ghat Union Council, was cutting trees in his own land for construction of a house there.
After a few minutes, a group of army personnel led by Jasim Uddin rushed there, threatened him not to cut trees and ordered him to keep off his own land.
His land is located 1km north-west of Sarnath Arannya Kuthir, a Buddhist temple run by a disciple of Rev. Bana Bhante. Army and settlers have been making frantic attempts to capture the Kuthir's land since December last year.
News No. 38/2008, March 02, 2008
"There is instruction from high-ups. You Paharis (Jummas) are not permitted to cut trees here. If the settlers are unable to settle at Sarnath Arannya Kuthir, they will have to settle here." said Jasim Uddin, an army Subedar, from Mahalchari zone under Khagrachari district while preventing Prabhat Chandra Chakma from cutting trees in his own land in the village of Karallyachari.
This happened on 28 February 2008. Mr. Chakma, an incumbent member of Kiang-ghat Union Council, was cutting trees in his own land for construction of a house there.
After a few minutes, a group of army personnel led by Jasim Uddin rushed there, threatened him not to cut trees and ordered him to keep off his own land.
His land is located 1km north-west of Sarnath Arannya Kuthir, a Buddhist temple run by a disciple of Rev. Bana Bhante. Army and settlers have been making frantic attempts to capture the Kuthir's land since December last year.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
20 acre lands of tribesmen grabbed in Khagrachhari
Source from-http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=25688
Haque's two sons are leaders of Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal
Our Correspondent, Khagrachhari
A structure on the land that MA Hoque (inset) allegedly grabbed from Chailaprue Marma during the tenure of last BNP-Jamaat government. Photo: STAR
Aminul Haque's two sons are leaders of BNP fronts-- Jubo Dal and Chhata Dal. He allegedly grabbed about 20 acre lands of indigenous people in Ganjapara union in Khagrachhari during the past alliance government.
Aminul is a resident of Mohazonpara Narikel Bagun area in the Sadar upazila. His son Bahadur Alam alias Bahar is Khagrachhari Jubo Dal vice-president and the other-- Shahidul Hoqueis a cadre of district Chatra Dal, the victims said.
The lands grabbed by Aminul Haque earlier belonged to some 10 indigenous families in Ganjapara, according to Golabari Union Parishad Chairman Chaila Prue Marma and some other sources.
While talking to this correspondent, some of the victims complained that Aminul grabbed most of the lands by using political clout during the rule of four-party alliance government. They were helpless as sections of unscrupulous officials and political leaders connived with the land grabber who also threatened of muscle power, they said.
They said they went to authorities concerned for legal action but they were 'harassed by some officials and local political leaders', they claimed.
“I went to the court of First Class Magistrate on August 8 last year to seek legal action. The then magistrate ordered police to investigate the matters and record a case”, Golabari UP Chairman Chailapru Marma told this correspondent yesterday.
“But have not yet investigated the matter, let alone filing of case”, he said.
Sub-Inspector Rafiq, who was asked to probe the allegations have done nothing so far, he said. “Rather, he has very good relations with the grabber”, Chailapru Marma said.
He said he also submitted a complaint to joint forces in December last year to take steps for return of the grabbed lands.
Chaindi Aung Marma, 61, of Ganjapara area alleged that Haque grabbed about two acre lands of her family by making fake document.
“He (Haque) leased the land for two years for a brick field from my brother Mrasathowai Marma. After my brother died, he declined to return the land, saying my brother sold the land”, she said.
Chaindi filed a case with the civil judge's court.
Anil Chakma of Perachhara Darmapur area claimed that Haque grabbed about one acre of his land. He moved police stations but to no effect, he claimed.
The victims also include Satho Aung Marma, Neeaung Marma and Lali Marma alais Lal Buri, who alleged that Haque grabbed about 10 acres of their land by using the then ruling party cadres and forged documents.
Some Bangalee people also alleged that was tried to grab their lands.
The victims alleged that Haque enjoyed the blessings of Khagrachhari municipality chairman and district BNP secretary Joynal Abedin, among others.
Joynal Abedin, a close aide to former lawmaker Wadud Bhuiyan, is also advisor to the Parbattya Chattagram Samo Adhiker Andolon (PCSAA), a forum of Bangla speaking people in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
While contacted, Hoque said he has all legal documents on the lands but he could not show any paper. He however admitted that he is facing some cases regarding land.
Assistant Police Superintendent (ASP) Mohammad Tareq Ahmed, when contacted, said police has nothing to do till case is filed. He however said he will look into the matter.
When contacted, Joynal Abedin denied his involvement with Haque in land grabbing.
Haque's two sons are leaders of Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal
Our Correspondent, Khagrachhari
A structure on the land that MA Hoque (inset) allegedly grabbed from Chailaprue Marma during the tenure of last BNP-Jamaat government. Photo: STAR
Aminul Haque's two sons are leaders of BNP fronts-- Jubo Dal and Chhata Dal. He allegedly grabbed about 20 acre lands of indigenous people in Ganjapara union in Khagrachhari during the past alliance government.
Aminul is a resident of Mohazonpara Narikel Bagun area in the Sadar upazila. His son Bahadur Alam alias Bahar is Khagrachhari Jubo Dal vice-president and the other-- Shahidul Hoqueis a cadre of district Chatra Dal, the victims said.
The lands grabbed by Aminul Haque earlier belonged to some 10 indigenous families in Ganjapara, according to Golabari Union Parishad Chairman Chaila Prue Marma and some other sources.
While talking to this correspondent, some of the victims complained that Aminul grabbed most of the lands by using political clout during the rule of four-party alliance government. They were helpless as sections of unscrupulous officials and political leaders connived with the land grabber who also threatened of muscle power, they said.
They said they went to authorities concerned for legal action but they were 'harassed by some officials and local political leaders', they claimed.
“I went to the court of First Class Magistrate on August 8 last year to seek legal action. The then magistrate ordered police to investigate the matters and record a case”, Golabari UP Chairman Chailapru Marma told this correspondent yesterday.
“But have not yet investigated the matter, let alone filing of case”, he said.
Sub-Inspector Rafiq, who was asked to probe the allegations have done nothing so far, he said. “Rather, he has very good relations with the grabber”, Chailapru Marma said.
He said he also submitted a complaint to joint forces in December last year to take steps for return of the grabbed lands.
Chaindi Aung Marma, 61, of Ganjapara area alleged that Haque grabbed about two acre lands of her family by making fake document.
“He (Haque) leased the land for two years for a brick field from my brother Mrasathowai Marma. After my brother died, he declined to return the land, saying my brother sold the land”, she said.
Chaindi filed a case with the civil judge's court.
Anil Chakma of Perachhara Darmapur area claimed that Haque grabbed about one acre of his land. He moved police stations but to no effect, he claimed.
The victims also include Satho Aung Marma, Neeaung Marma and Lali Marma alais Lal Buri, who alleged that Haque grabbed about 10 acres of their land by using the then ruling party cadres and forged documents.
Some Bangalee people also alleged that was tried to grab their lands.
The victims alleged that Haque enjoyed the blessings of Khagrachhari municipality chairman and district BNP secretary Joynal Abedin, among others.
Joynal Abedin, a close aide to former lawmaker Wadud Bhuiyan, is also advisor to the Parbattya Chattagram Samo Adhiker Andolon (PCSAA), a forum of Bangla speaking people in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
While contacted, Hoque said he has all legal documents on the lands but he could not show any paper. He however admitted that he is facing some cases regarding land.
Assistant Police Superintendent (ASP) Mohammad Tareq Ahmed, when contacted, said police has nothing to do till case is filed. He however said he will look into the matter.
When contacted, Joynal Abedin denied his involvement with Haque in land grabbing.
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