Ven. Dr. Jinbodhi Bhikkhu slams Sajek settler attack

chtnews.com
News No. 98/2008, June 6, 2008

Rev. Dr. Jinbodhi Bhikkhu, professor of Pali Department, Chittagong University, slammed the settlers for the 20 April communal attack on four Jumma villages in Sajek that left over one hundred houses burned to the ground.

He was speaking at a religious gathering at Sajek Moitreepur Banani Bana Vihar on 2 June organised by victims of the attack. He said "No true dhamma or religion sanctions violence. Therefore, the settlers who carried out the attack on 20 April have committed great sin."

There was an overwhelming presence of army personnel around the vihar area during the programme, which coincided with the relief distribution of the army. One Jumma was arrested on 1 June reportedly for refusing to accept relief money from the army. His name was said to be Sneha Ranjan Chakma. The second-in-command of Baghaihat army zone, Maj. Anwar Kabir held him before handing him over to the police. He is reported to have been falsely implicated in a previously filed case.

The religious event was held amidst fear of further attacks and organised boycott of Baghaihat bazaar (market place) by Jumma people. Thousands of people took part in the day long programme that included Sangha Dana (Offering of gift to the Sangha), Aushto Parishkar Dana (Offering of eight essential items) and listening to Maha Mongol Sutta.

About 100 Buddhist monks including Rev. Prajnalankar Mahastobir from Gohira Bouddha Vihara, Chittagong, Rev. Bhrigu Bhante, chief priest of Phuromoan Bana Vihar and Rev. Dev Dhamma Stobir from Dighinala Bana Vihar attended the programme.

Forty five days after the incident, the situation in Sajek has not come to normal. Many Jummas and especially the youths are still hiding in the jungle for fear of arrest. None could rebuild houses due to lack of money.

Out of deep sorrow, one of the victims Gobinda Chakma (aged 56 s/o late Rajmuni Chakma of MSF Para) said "There is no one in this wide world whose sorrow is greater than the one whose house has been burnt."