Follow-up

Arson attack by Bengali settlers on indigenous Jumma peoples in Sajek

Latest report confirmed that the arson attack on indigenous villages in Sajek area occured on 20 April was led by two leaders of Sama Odhikar Anlodon (Equal Rights Movement), an extreme Bengali nationalist and fanatic organisation in CHT. The two leaders were Mr. Selim Bahari (35), president of Baghaichari branch and Mr. Golam Molla (50), president of Baghaihat branch of this organisation. Golam Molla also holds post of bazar chowdhuary of Baghaihat market that basically controlled by military forces. Victims of indigenous villagers also confirmed that military forces of Baghaihat army zone of 33 East Bengali Regiment (2) led by commanding officer Lt. Col. Sajid Imtiaz fully supported the Bengali settlers in setting fire on indigenous villages while a group of army of engineering core from Gangaram Mukh camp, at a stage, prevented Bengali settlers to conduct more attack on indigenous villages and brought the situation under control.

It is also learnt that 33 houses of Baibachara including Shanti Mamber Para and Kachu Adam, 27 houses of Baghaihat Purba Para, 11 houses of Gangaram Para and 5 houses of Retkabachara, in total 76 houses of indigenous villagers were completely burnt to ashes. Witnesses also confirmed that a number of houses of Bengali settlers were also burnt down, but the actual numbers of these houses are yet to be estimated. The Bengali settlers alleged that some miscreants set fire on houses of Bengali settlers. On the contrary, indigenous villagers alleged that Bengali settlers themselves set fire on their houses to make excuse for their brutal attack. It is also learnt that most of the Bengali settlers whose house were burnt down are now staying nearby areas of Baghaihat bazar with the assistance of military forces. However, some Bengali settlers sent their women and children to settler localities of Merung of Dighinala upazila and Longadu upazila.

It is reported that most of relief have been distributed to Bengali settlers. Victims of indigenous villagers are not interested to come army camp to receive relief due to security reason. In addition, army always favour Bengali settlers in providing relief for the victims. Preparation of victim list and distribution of relief are dominated by the military authority of Baghaihat zone. Even, a grant of Taka 100,000 of Rangamati Hill District Council were also handed over to commanding officer Lt. Col. Sajid Imtiaz for distribution.