Situation Report in CHT

Situation Report in CHT

(As of 15 June 2008)



HWF organises human chain on occasion of 12th abduction anniversary of Kalpana Chakma in Dhaka

On occasion of 12th abduction anniversary of Kalpana Chakma, on 12 June 2008 Hill Women's Federation (HWF) organised human chain at Dhaka University demanding immediate publication of inquiry reports and examplary punishment of the kidnappers.

The human chain with placards started at 10.30 in front of Fine Arts Institute of Dhaka University with HWF president Ms. Shaswati Chakma in the chair. Around 200 students, leaders of the student organisations, women rights activists, human rights activists, environment activists etc participated in the programme. Among others, president of Sammilita Nari Samaj Ms. Farida Aktar, presidium member of Workers' Party Ms. Hajera Sultana, women affairs secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Dr. Dipu Mani, president of Karmajibi Nari and presidium member of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) Ms. Shirin Aktar, leader of Samajtantrik Forum Ms. Tahera Begum Joli, leader of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Ms. Fatema Khatun, former president of HWF Ms. Choitali Tripura, teacher of Department of Mass Communication and Journalism of Dhaka University Mr. Robaet Ferdous and Ms. Kaberi Gain, teacher of Department of Linguistic of Dhaka University Dr. Sourav Sikder, teacher of Department of History of Dhaka University and general secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon Mr. Mesbah Kamal spoke at the programme. Besides, leaders of the Hill Students Council (PCP), Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha (BNPS), Garo Indigenous Michik Association (GIMA), Ain O Salish Kendra, Sampriti Manch, nari Grantha Probartana, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Bangladesh Adivasi Student Action Council, Parinesh Bachaon Andolon, Ubinig, and Nagarik Sanghati etc. extended solidarity by attending the programme. The programme was facilitated by Ms. Nishi Dewan, assistant general secretary of HWF.

In her speech, Ms. Farida Akter said that demanding of the punishment of the kidnappers of Kalpana Chakma is not only demand of HWF, but demand of all women movements of the country. The abduction of Kalpana Chakma is an example of military violence against indigenous women in the CHT. We all should unitedly stand against such atrocity.

Hajera Sultana said that no sooner of the incident, we demanded judicial inquiry and accordingly government formed an inquiry committee. But till to-date the report of the committee is not published. She demanded immediate publication of inquiry report and examplary punishment of the culprits.

Shirin Akter also demanded to publish white paper on this incident. She urged masses to participate hill people movement against land grabbing and violence on indigenous women.

Dr. Dipu Mani said that like abduction of Kalpana Chakma, human rights violations are going on unabated in CHT. These incidents should be brought under trial.

Choitali Tripura said that after the abduction of Kalpana Chakma, many elected and non-elected government assumed to the state power, but no initiative has been taken to publish inquiry report. She demanded immediate implementation of CHT Accord and inclusion of special provisions for indigenous women to recently adopted national women development policy.

Tahera Akter Joli urged all the women across the country to participate united movement against state violence on indigenous women in CHT. She alleged that government did not punish Captain Ferdous involved to the abduction of Kalpana Chakma, rather awarded him promotion.

Dr. Sourav Sikder alleged that government formed inquiry committee only for eye-wash. Robaet Ferdous said that since 1971 military rule has been continuing in CHT. He opined that Bangladesh is not only for Bengali Muslims, but is a multi-ethnic country.

It is mentionable that on 12 June 1996 prior to 7th parliamentary election, Ms. Kalpana Chakma (23), organising secretary of HWF was abducted from her home of New Lalyaghona village of Baghaichari upazila under Rangamati district by a group of army and VDP personnel from Kojoichari camp led by captain Ferdous. Due to tremendous pressure from national and international community, the government formed an inquiry committee. But the report of the inquiry committee is yet to be published. It is feared that she might have been killed.

Implement CHT Accord to solve problems of indigenous Jumma people in CHT

- Speakers tell book publication ceremony in Dhaka

On 4 June 2008 a publication ceremony of the book titled 'Jum Paharer Jibon' (Life in the Hill Tracts) published by Community Development Library (CDL) was held at the Cirdap auditorium in Dhaka with CDL Chairman Mohiuddin Ahmad in the chair. Eminent economist Prof Muzaffer Ahmad unveiled the cover of the book. Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Raja Devasish Roy was present at the inaugural function as the chief guest. Among others, chairman of the CHT Regional Council Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, eminent litterateur Ms. Selina Hossain, teacher of Dhaka University Dr. Sadeka Halim, indigenous women leader Ms. Choitali Tripura and general secretary of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad Mr. Rabindranath Soren were present at the programme as discussant.

Speakers of the publication ceremony said that Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) problems should be solved with the implementation of the CHT Peace Accord. They said the main problem of the area is the land-related problem. It should be solved according to the guidelines of the constitution and focusing the peace accord. They further expressed that development programmes in the hilly areas should be taken after consulting with the local people so that the environment of the areas is not hampered.

Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad also chairman of Transparency International-Bangladesh said that writers of the book masterly narrated the current lifestyle of the indigenous people in the hill areas. He called for preserving culture, heritage and mother tongues of the ethnic minorities. He added that taking the main spirit of the Accord, the next elected governments should solve the problems of the people of hill tracts. He urged the government to include a clause in the National Women Development Policy for the development of indigenous women.

In his speech as chief quest, Raja Devasish Roy also circle chief of Chakma circle said that some acts were passed according to the Peace Accord, but still many provisions of the Accord are not recognised in the state policies. He said if the development programmes in the hilly areas do not focus on the environment of the area, people will face scarcity of water and other problems will also rise further.

Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma also president of the PCJSS said that changes should be made in the social structures to establish indigenous peoples' rights as the feudal thoughts are still in our society. He said books should be written on the life of the indigenous people of the plain lands. He further expressed that when the CHT Accord was signed, the government promised to execute it but now it is not showing any sign of executing the Accord. He added that the indigenous peoples will become gradually extinct if their basic rights are not ensured with implementation of the peace accord.

Selina Hossain said that the indigenous people have always become victims of disparities in all levels. Their rights have been denied all times. She also demanded that the government should insert a provision into the national women development policy for the development of indigenous women.

The book, a compilation of essays written by academics, human rights activists and ethnic minority people, was published by Community Development Library.

Eliminate state terrorism to be crime-free educational institution in the country

- Santu Larma says at the death anniversary of Sabequnnahar Sony in Dhaka

Chairman of the CHT Regional Council Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma said that state-terrorism should be eliminated first in order to achieve crime-free educational institution in the country. "Without elimination of the state-violence, violence-free environment cannot be achieved in the educational institutions".

Mr. Larma, also president of PCJSS, was speaking at a discussion meeting organised on the occasion of the 6th death anniversary of Sabequnnahar Sony, a female student of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), at the Institution of Engineers' auditorium in Dhaka on 8 June 2008.

Mr. Larma said that without assuming in the state power by the progressive, secular and democratic forces, movement against violence and terrorist activities cannot be successful. He urged the progressive, secular and democratic forces to launch united movement against those evil forces which are pushing students to crime and violence on the campuses and to form a progressive, secular and democratic government in the country for the same.

The discussion meeting on the occasion of the 6th death anniversary of Sabequnnahar Sony was organised by Sony Memorial Foundation and Bangladesh Chhatra Forum with eminent jurist and president of Gono Forum Dr. Kamal Hossain in the chair. Former adviser to caretaker government SM Shahjahan, noted educationist and former VC of Jahangirnagar University Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, women leader Shirin Akhter, Sony's father Habibur Rahman Bhuiya, scientist Dr. Abed Chowdhury and president of Bangladesh Chhatra Forum Bijoy Shankar Talukder also spoke in the discussion.

National political parties demand to invite PCJSS to the on-gong dialogue

Some national level progressive and secular political parties demanded before caretaker government to invite Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), CHT-based regional political party of indigenous Jumma peoples to the on-going dialogue between the government and political parties.

Among others, Workers' Party, Jatiya Samastantrik Dal (JASAD), Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangaldesher Samastantrik Dal (BASAD) etc. raised this issues before caretaker government during their separate dialogues in the end of May 2008 with the government. The leaders of these political parties argued that PCJSS is a recognised political party as it signed peace accord with the Government of Bangladesh and its leader M N Larma was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) of Bangladesh national parliament. According to reports of the national dailies, government assured them to do so.

Follow-up: Sajek arson attack

(a) Bengali settlers continue to occupy land in Sajek

Despite prevailing tension following Sajek arson attack on 7 Jumma villages, Bengali settlers continue to occupy land in Sajek area in Baghaichari sub-district. It is learnt that since 10 May 2008, Bengali settlers have even been cleaning the ashes and charred beams of the burned houses of the Jummas allegedly to occupy homestead of Jumma villagers. Besides, Bengali settlers started to construct houses on occupied land since mid-May. On the other, a few Jumma villagers also started to build houses on their land. However, most of Jumma villagers are still passing days fearing further attack.

(b) Relief distribution

Various organisations and authorities provided relief to the victims. There is no coordination in providing relief. It is learnt that government relief is being distributed by Baghiahat army zone authority led by Lt. Colonel Md. Sajid Imtiaz who are mastermind of this heinous attack. Tk 10,000 for each affected family was granted from Chief Advisor's fund. Though Bengali settler families have been provided this grant, however, most of affected Jumma families have not yet received. It is learnt that Jumma families are not interested to receive this grant from army zone authority.

On the other, Gono Swastha, a national NGO, distributed relief to 78 Jumma families and 115 settlers. It is mentionable that according to local public representatives, only 43 shacks of Bengali settlers were burnt down. However, Gono Swastha distributed almost triple more than actually burned.

Among others, Relief Management Committee for Victims of Sajek-Gangaram Arson Incident, Medicine Shun Frontier (MSF), Students of Chittagong University, etc. distributed relief to the victims. The relief includes rice, cloths, dry fish and paste, cash, book for students etc. On 21 May 2008, Relief Management Committee for Victims of Sajek-Gangaram Arson Incident distributed relief led by former advisor to caretaker government and eminent human rights defender Ms. Sultana Kamal.

(c) Arrested PCJSS member placed police remand

On 25 May 2008 arrested PCJSS member Mr. Anunay Chakma alias Manas (55) was taken for one-day police remand to Dighinala police station. After interrogation at Dighinala police station, he was again taken to Khagrachari jail. Following Sajek incident, he was arrested by the army at Dighinala check post in Khagrachari district on 13 May 2008 under section 16(2) of the Emergency Power Rules 2007 which suspends the right to bail.

(d) Arrested 4 Jumma villagers released on bail

On 29 May 2008 arrested 4 innocent Jumma villagers namely Sushil Chakma (26) s/o Asomi Chandra Chakma, Sangram Chakma (22) s/o Ashok Kumar Chakma, Ratna Bikash Chakma (22) s/o Gunodhar Chakma and Rabindra Chakma (23) s/o Shashi Mohan Chakma were released on bail. They were arrested by military from Simanachara village in Sajek union falsely accusing of setting fire to settler house.

3 innocent Jumma villagers arrested in Jurachari
On 5 May 2008, a group of army led by Major Tanvir from Pukirachara camp under Jurachari upazila in Rangamati district arrested three Jummas. It is learnt that army arrested Niranjan Chakma after calling him to the camp. Thereafter, the army conducted operation to Pukirachara village and arrested Ranangan Chakma (23) son of Nishanto Chakma from his own house.

The army tortured them severely and implicated them with false cases after placing one country-made gun and a donation book in their hands. They were handed over to JUrachari police station and later sent to Rangamati jail.

Army tortured five Jummas who came to enlist voter list in Naniachar
On 6 May 2008, captain Shamim and Sebedar Abdul Kashem from Naniachar zone tortured following five Jummas who came to Morachengi Government Primary School ground to be enlisted as voters. It is learnt that the Jummas stood up in a long queue in the simmering summer heat. The unwelcome abusive language of the army personnel deployed there to help the voter registration officials seemed to have shot up the temperature level beyond any tolerable point. Some of the Jummas protested at such rude behaviour of the army, but of no use. But at a stage, soldiers became furious and beat up five Jummas. The victims were identified as Bir Ranjan Chakma (30) s/o Jharbodhan Chakma, Shanti Ranjan Chakma (35) s/o Sur Sen Chakma and Maya Dhan Chakma (22) s/o Allo Chakma of village North Morachengi, Ms Kalabi Chakma (35) d/o Roghunath Chakma of village South Morachengi and Kalamua Chakma (28) s/o Ah-Mua Chakma of village Karallyachari.

Army conduct searching operation at Soileshchari in Naniarchar
On 7 May 2008 two group of army from Longudu and Naniachar zone raided the village of Soileschari village under Burighat union in Naniarchar sub-district. In this raid, army encircled the village and gathered the villagers at a corner of the village. Four innocent Jumma villagers have brutally been tortured. The victims have been identified as Samiran Chakma (35) s/o Dulalya Chakma, his brother Mona Chakma (28), Ranjan Chakma (30) s/o Dhana Mohan Chakma and Dev Ranjan Chakma (18) s/o Pitto Ranjan Chakma.

Army conducts searching operation in Naniachar

On 4 June 2008 a group of army from Naniarchar zone led by Adjutant Nazmul Hassan conducted searching operation in shops belonging to the Jummas at T&T area of Naniachar upazila in Rangamati district. But nothing has been found in this operation. It is learnt that military operations were conducted in Kudukchari, Naniarchar, Barkal and Bilaichari areas in Rangamati district in the name searching terrorists.

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Aungkyew Mong
Coordinator
Kapaeeng Watch
(A human rights group for indigenous peoples)
Jagannath Hall, Dhaka University
Dhaka, Bangladesh
E-mail: kapaeeng.watch@gmail.com, kapaeeng.watch@micico.ch