chtnews.com
News No. 130/2008, July 27, 2008
Fresh tension over land grabbing has been reported from Sajek in Baghaichari Upazila of Rangamati district where 77 Jumma houses had been burnt down in an army-settler joint attack over three months earlier, on 20 April.
Sources said tension started brewing afresh when the settlers resumed construction of houses on Jumma people's lands over a month ago. The Jumma villagers lodged protests a number of times against the move of the settlers, but to no avail.
Frustrated by the continuous failure of the army and the civil administration to stop the illegal occupation of their lands, hundreds of Jumma villagers yesterday (26 July) between 10 a.m. to 12 noon destroyed some newly built illegal houses of the settlers at Gangaram dore.
After that, the settlers proceeded towards Jumma villages to mount an attack but they were repulsed.
However, a few minutes later they staged a come-back along with a group of army personnel.
Tension has been running high in the area since then, Ricoh Chakma, president of the Hill Student's Council, quoted a villager as saying.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Settler attempt to harvest in Jumma's land
chtnews.com
News No. 129/2008, July 26, 2008
A communal riot was narrowly averted yesterday in Longudu under Rangamati district when the settlers made attempts to harvest in a Jumma villager's land.
One source said Sagarbacha Chakma's wife in Baro Harikaba village went to harvest paddy in their land. But to her utter surprise and dismay, she found that some settlers from Bhaibone Chara had been cutting paddy there.
She made a strong protest and chased them away wielding a dao (a kind of knife) in her hand. A settler was slightly injured when she hit him with the dao.
Thereafter, a group of 15 - 20 settlers led by Nupur Ali (s/o Elahi Box, a VDP Platoon Commander) came back to mount a reprisal attack on the Jumma people. Apparently, the retreating settlers misreported the incident to their fellow settlers and provoked them against the Jummas.
When the settlers reached a village shop, they found a large number of Jummas already assembled there, a common sight in almost every village shop in the CHT.
Unaware of the incident, the Jummas asked the settlers what they had been up to. The truth came out when they talked to each other and a mutual settlement was reached.
News No. 129/2008, July 26, 2008
A communal riot was narrowly averted yesterday in Longudu under Rangamati district when the settlers made attempts to harvest in a Jumma villager's land.
One source said Sagarbacha Chakma's wife in Baro Harikaba village went to harvest paddy in their land. But to her utter surprise and dismay, she found that some settlers from Bhaibone Chara had been cutting paddy there.
She made a strong protest and chased them away wielding a dao (a kind of knife) in her hand. A settler was slightly injured when she hit him with the dao.
Thereafter, a group of 15 - 20 settlers led by Nupur Ali (s/o Elahi Box, a VDP Platoon Commander) came back to mount a reprisal attack on the Jumma people. Apparently, the retreating settlers misreported the incident to their fellow settlers and provoked them against the Jummas.
When the settlers reached a village shop, they found a large number of Jummas already assembled there, a common sight in almost every village shop in the CHT.
Unaware of the incident, the Jummas asked the settlers what they had been up to. The truth came out when they talked to each other and a mutual settlement was reached.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Two Jummas arrested, another two tortured in Rajstali
chtnews.com
News No. 128/2008, July 24, 2008
Two innocent Jumma villagers have been arrested and another two subjected to physical torture in Rajstali Upazila of Rangamati district on charges of providing help to the members of the United People's Democratic Front. UPDF is a political party of the Jumma people campaigning for full autonomy for the Chittagong Hill Tracts region through peaceful and democratic means.
Sources said army personnel from Rajstali Sadar camp on 19 July arrested Kanta Lal Tonchongya, 38, s/o Chakyo Bap of village Punorbashon Para No. 3 and Charu Kumar Tonchongya, 35, s/o Surjo Sen Tonchongya of village Mine Para on charges of providing food and shelter to the UPDF members. They were arrested from their respective homes in Ghilachari Union at around 10 pm.
Both of them were taken to the camp and tortured severely. Thereafter, the army handed them over to the Rajstali police station.
In another incident, on 21 July, army personnel raided the village of Mine Para under Ghilachari Union in Rajstali Upazila (sub-district) and tortured two Jummas on charges of providing help and shelter to the UPDF activists.
The victims have been identified as Rashikyo Tonchongya, 28, and Kalaya Tonchongya, 27.
News No. 128/2008, July 24, 2008
Two innocent Jumma villagers have been arrested and another two subjected to physical torture in Rajstali Upazila of Rangamati district on charges of providing help to the members of the United People's Democratic Front. UPDF is a political party of the Jumma people campaigning for full autonomy for the Chittagong Hill Tracts region through peaceful and democratic means.
Sources said army personnel from Rajstali Sadar camp on 19 July arrested Kanta Lal Tonchongya, 38, s/o Chakyo Bap of village Punorbashon Para No. 3 and Charu Kumar Tonchongya, 35, s/o Surjo Sen Tonchongya of village Mine Para on charges of providing food and shelter to the UPDF members. They were arrested from their respective homes in Ghilachari Union at around 10 pm.
Both of them were taken to the camp and tortured severely. Thereafter, the army handed them over to the Rajstali police station.
In another incident, on 21 July, army personnel raided the village of Mine Para under Ghilachari Union in Rajstali Upazila (sub-district) and tortured two Jummas on charges of providing help and shelter to the UPDF activists.
The victims have been identified as Rashikyo Tonchongya, 28, and Kalaya Tonchongya, 27.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Yet another Jumma tortured to death in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 127/2008, July 11, 2008
Another Jumma villager was reported to have been tortured to death in Belaichari under Rangamati district on 9 July.
This comes two days after the death of Niranjan Chakma on 7 July in military custody in the same area.
Reports reaching from the area said a group of military personnel from Digholchari zone located at Belaichari Upazila (sub-district) town on 8 July raided the village of Mashkaba Chara. The village is about 3 miles south of the Upazila headquarters.
The soldiers severely tortured three innocent people in the village before going back to their camp. The identity of the victims could not be known.
After the army personnel had left, the villagers took the torture victims to Belaicahri Upazila Health Complex Hospital in serious conditions. But the hospital authorities refused to admit them on the ground that they lacked adequate treatment facilities.
Instead, the hospital authorities referred the victims to Chandraghona Hospital, where one of them died the following day, ie, 9 July. Chandraghona is two and a half hours journey - half by launch and half by bus - from Belaichari via Kaptai.
His dead body was brought back to the village on 10 July. The other two victims are reportedly still in deep coma.
Latest information gleaned from the area said after the death of one of the victims the military seized the other two victims in the hospital and are denying their relatives access to them.
News No. 127/2008, July 11, 2008
Another Jumma villager was reported to have been tortured to death in Belaichari under Rangamati district on 9 July.
This comes two days after the death of Niranjan Chakma on 7 July in military custody in the same area.
Reports reaching from the area said a group of military personnel from Digholchari zone located at Belaichari Upazila (sub-district) town on 8 July raided the village of Mashkaba Chara. The village is about 3 miles south of the Upazila headquarters.
The soldiers severely tortured three innocent people in the village before going back to their camp. The identity of the victims could not be known.
After the army personnel had left, the villagers took the torture victims to Belaicahri Upazila Health Complex Hospital in serious conditions. But the hospital authorities refused to admit them on the ground that they lacked adequate treatment facilities.
Instead, the hospital authorities referred the victims to Chandraghona Hospital, where one of them died the following day, ie, 9 July. Chandraghona is two and a half hours journey - half by launch and half by bus - from Belaichari via Kaptai.
His dead body was brought back to the village on 10 July. The other two victims are reportedly still in deep coma.
Latest information gleaned from the area said after the death of one of the victims the military seized the other two victims in the hospital and are denying their relatives access to them.
Torture victim Niranjan Chakma cremated
chtnews.com
News No. 126/2008, July 11, 2008
Niranjan Chakma, who was tortured to death in army custody on 7 July in Digholchari zone, was cremated yesterday as per religious and social customs of the Chakma people.
Mr. Chakma was picked up from his home in the village of Nareychari under Kangarachari Union by a group of army personnel led by a Warrant officer from Merangchara army camp. He was taken to the camp and tortured badly, resulting in his tragic death.
His dead body was returned to his family members on 9 July.
The identity of the Warrant Officer (previous designation was Subedar) responsible for his arrest could not be known. The Digholchari zone is commanded by Lt. Col. Sayed Md. Assaduzzaman and his second-in-command, Fakruddin.
Merangchara army camp is a base camp under Digholchari zone.
Nareychari village lies in Belaichari Upazila and is accessible only by foot at this time of the year when the water level of the Kaptai Lake reaches its lowest. At other times, the village can be reached comparatively with ease.
Hill Watch Human Rights Forum tried to interview the family members of the Niranjan Chakma at Kaptai, a town bordering Chittagong, as stepped up army operations have made a visit to the remote village highly risky.
But his family members refused to come for the interview, fearing reprisals from the army.
"They are scared out of their wits. They won't speak about the incident. They fear that any kind of interfview will put their security at stake." told one of messengers whom the HWHRF sent to contact the victim's family for the interview.
A member of the HWHRF told chtnews.com quoting their messengers that the dead body was cremated yesterday (10 July) and that the bones and ashes of the burned body were to be thrown out into the water early in the morning today according to their social customs.
It was not known whether post mortem was conducted before cremation.
News No. 126/2008, July 11, 2008
Niranjan Chakma, who was tortured to death in army custody on 7 July in Digholchari zone, was cremated yesterday as per religious and social customs of the Chakma people.
Mr. Chakma was picked up from his home in the village of Nareychari under Kangarachari Union by a group of army personnel led by a Warrant officer from Merangchara army camp. He was taken to the camp and tortured badly, resulting in his tragic death.
His dead body was returned to his family members on 9 July.
The identity of the Warrant Officer (previous designation was Subedar) responsible for his arrest could not be known. The Digholchari zone is commanded by Lt. Col. Sayed Md. Assaduzzaman and his second-in-command, Fakruddin.
Merangchara army camp is a base camp under Digholchari zone.
Nareychari village lies in Belaichari Upazila and is accessible only by foot at this time of the year when the water level of the Kaptai Lake reaches its lowest. At other times, the village can be reached comparatively with ease.
Hill Watch Human Rights Forum tried to interview the family members of the Niranjan Chakma at Kaptai, a town bordering Chittagong, as stepped up army operations have made a visit to the remote village highly risky.
But his family members refused to come for the interview, fearing reprisals from the army.
"They are scared out of their wits. They won't speak about the incident. They fear that any kind of interfview will put their security at stake." told one of messengers whom the HWHRF sent to contact the victim's family for the interview.
A member of the HWHRF told chtnews.com quoting their messengers that the dead body was cremated yesterday (10 July) and that the bones and ashes of the burned body were to be thrown out into the water early in the morning today according to their social customs.
It was not known whether post mortem was conducted before cremation.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Kapaeeng Watch News Release: 8 July 2008
PCJSS leaders deliberately charged with murder case in Bandarban
On 27 June 2008 the local leaders of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samiti (PCJSS), a political party of indigenous Jumma peoples in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), south-eastern part of Bangladesh, were purposely charged with murder case in Bandarban district following the killing of the Priya Tanchangya.
It is learnt that Priya Tanchangya, a businessman and allegedly source of military forces was shot death at around 1.30 a.m. on 27 June at his house of Ghanau Para of Kuhalong union under Bandarban sadar upazila by a group of armed miscreants. No sooner of the incident, joint forces led by army conducted searching operation at no. 3 Rubber Bagan area, two kilometers away from the spot. In this operation, 7 innocent Jumma villagers were arrested and brutally tortured by military forces. Among the arrested villagers, following persons were identified as:
1. Joy Moni Tanchangya (40) s/o Merikya Tanchangya;
2. Sneha Kumar Tanchangya (22)
3. Rupan Tanchangya (19) s/o Sharat Kumar Tanchangya.
Among them, Joy Moni Tanchangya was produced before district judicial magistrate court on 28 June. He was placed 5-days police remand. The other arrested are still missing. It is also learnt that on that night the joint forces also conducted operation at no.1 and no. 2 Rubber Bagan areas from where 17 innocent Jumma villagers were also arrested, but released later after inhumanly beating.
A murder case against Rajan Chakma (40) and 20/25 unknown persons was filed with Bandarban police station by the deceased wife on 27 June. In the deposition of the case, she charged local PCJSS leaders of Bandarban district including assistant general secretary of central committee and also member of CHT Regional Council K S Mong, president of Bandarban district committee and also member of CHT Regional Council Sadhuram Tripura and leader of Rowangchari upazila branch Shambu Kumar Tanchangya to have been involved with this killing. PCJSS leaders of Bandarban district denied to have involved with this incident. They also claimed that charging them with this incident is nothing but politically motivated.
Workshop on indigenous peoples and PRSP held by CIPRAD in Mymensingh
On 4 July 2008 Centre for Indigenous People's Research and Development (CIPRAD), an NGO, working to uphold rights of indigenous people organised a workshop titled 'Plain Land Indigenous Peoples' Rights and PRSP: Strategic Advocacy' at CARITAS auditorium in Dhaka with Chairman of Tribal Welfare Association (TWA) Advocate Promod Mankin in the chair.
Speakers of the workshop demanded to the government to set up a separate ministry for indigenous people of plain lands to uphold their rights. Speakers said indigenous people of plain land outnumbered their brothers in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) by four times. Still then the people of CHT are enjoying more facilities than indigenous people of plain land, they said. The government should take steps to set up a separate ministry titled, 'Ministry for Plain Land Adivasis,' for upholding their rights, speakers said.
GOC of 24th infantry division calls on CHTRC chairman
On 7 July 2008 General Commanding Officer (GOC) of 24th Infantry Division of Chittagong Cantonment Major General Mohammad Shamim Chowdhury called on Chairman of CHT Regional Council Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma at his office in Rangamati district of CHT. Sources said it is a courtesy visit after his appointment as GOC of 24th Infantry Division in last June.
Sources also reported that Mr. Larma raised the issues of implementation of CHT Accord and execution of CHTRC and HDC Acts for establishment of good governance and rule of law and holding free, fair and accepted election in CHT.
On 27 June 2008 the local leaders of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samiti (PCJSS), a political party of indigenous Jumma peoples in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), south-eastern part of Bangladesh, were purposely charged with murder case in Bandarban district following the killing of the Priya Tanchangya.
It is learnt that Priya Tanchangya, a businessman and allegedly source of military forces was shot death at around 1.30 a.m. on 27 June at his house of Ghanau Para of Kuhalong union under Bandarban sadar upazila by a group of armed miscreants. No sooner of the incident, joint forces led by army conducted searching operation at no. 3 Rubber Bagan area, two kilometers away from the spot. In this operation, 7 innocent Jumma villagers were arrested and brutally tortured by military forces. Among the arrested villagers, following persons were identified as:
1. Joy Moni Tanchangya (40) s/o Merikya Tanchangya;
2. Sneha Kumar Tanchangya (22)
3. Rupan Tanchangya (19) s/o Sharat Kumar Tanchangya.
Among them, Joy Moni Tanchangya was produced before district judicial magistrate court on 28 June. He was placed 5-days police remand. The other arrested are still missing. It is also learnt that on that night the joint forces also conducted operation at no.1 and no. 2 Rubber Bagan areas from where 17 innocent Jumma villagers were also arrested, but released later after inhumanly beating.
A murder case against Rajan Chakma (40) and 20/25 unknown persons was filed with Bandarban police station by the deceased wife on 27 June. In the deposition of the case, she charged local PCJSS leaders of Bandarban district including assistant general secretary of central committee and also member of CHT Regional Council K S Mong, president of Bandarban district committee and also member of CHT Regional Council Sadhuram Tripura and leader of Rowangchari upazila branch Shambu Kumar Tanchangya to have been involved with this killing. PCJSS leaders of Bandarban district denied to have involved with this incident. They also claimed that charging them with this incident is nothing but politically motivated.
Workshop on indigenous peoples and PRSP held by CIPRAD in Mymensingh
On 4 July 2008 Centre for Indigenous People's Research and Development (CIPRAD), an NGO, working to uphold rights of indigenous people organised a workshop titled 'Plain Land Indigenous Peoples' Rights and PRSP: Strategic Advocacy' at CARITAS auditorium in Dhaka with Chairman of Tribal Welfare Association (TWA) Advocate Promod Mankin in the chair.
Speakers of the workshop demanded to the government to set up a separate ministry for indigenous people of plain lands to uphold their rights. Speakers said indigenous people of plain land outnumbered their brothers in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) by four times. Still then the people of CHT are enjoying more facilities than indigenous people of plain land, they said. The government should take steps to set up a separate ministry titled, 'Ministry for Plain Land Adivasis,' for upholding their rights, speakers said.
GOC of 24th infantry division calls on CHTRC chairman
On 7 July 2008 General Commanding Officer (GOC) of 24th Infantry Division of Chittagong Cantonment Major General Mohammad Shamim Chowdhury called on Chairman of CHT Regional Council Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma at his office in Rangamati district of CHT. Sources said it is a courtesy visit after his appointment as GOC of 24th Infantry Division in last June.
Sources also reported that Mr. Larma raised the issues of implementation of CHT Accord and execution of CHTRC and HDC Acts for establishment of good governance and rule of law and holding free, fair and accepted election in CHT.
Stage-managed arms recovery in North Khabangpujjya, Khagrachari
chtnews.com
News No. 125/2008, July 09, 2008
Joint forces of army and police have staged a drama of recovery of firearms in North Khabangpujjya of Khagrachari town.
Residents of North Khabangpujjya said on 8 July, at about 10pm police and army personnel in four pick-up vans came to the area. After pulling up their vans near the house of Pradip Kumar Chakma, 47 on Swanirbhor - Khabangpujjya road, 11 army soldiers got off the vehicles and walked to an open space near his house.
They stayed there for about five minutes and then came back to where the vehicles were standing. Afterwards, the soldiers picked up Pradip Kumar Chakma, a farmer and Uttom Chakma, a private tutor, from their houses.
The soldiers showed them one cartridge, one pistol, three cartridge barrels and 149 rounds of cartridge bullets, and claimed that these had been recovered from the open space near Pradip Kumar Chakma's house.
The soldiers forced them to put their sign on a blank sheet of paper and then drove away.
Pradip Chakma's wife told chtnews.com that the claim that the army had recovered arms and ammunition from their area is a sham. "This is a complete lie and nobody will buy their (army) story. Every day till late in the evening the children play games in that open space where the army claims to have recovered the arms."
Ujjal Smriti Chakma, a central committee leader of the UPDF, termed the alleged recovery of firearms as "stage-managed and a conspiracy to find false pretexts to arrest UPDF members"
News No. 125/2008, July 09, 2008
Joint forces of army and police have staged a drama of recovery of firearms in North Khabangpujjya of Khagrachari town.
Residents of North Khabangpujjya said on 8 July, at about 10pm police and army personnel in four pick-up vans came to the area. After pulling up their vans near the house of Pradip Kumar Chakma, 47 on Swanirbhor - Khabangpujjya road, 11 army soldiers got off the vehicles and walked to an open space near his house.
They stayed there for about five minutes and then came back to where the vehicles were standing. Afterwards, the soldiers picked up Pradip Kumar Chakma, a farmer and Uttom Chakma, a private tutor, from their houses.
The soldiers showed them one cartridge, one pistol, three cartridge barrels and 149 rounds of cartridge bullets, and claimed that these had been recovered from the open space near Pradip Kumar Chakma's house.
The soldiers forced them to put their sign on a blank sheet of paper and then drove away.
Pradip Chakma's wife told chtnews.com that the claim that the army had recovered arms and ammunition from their area is a sham. "This is a complete lie and nobody will buy their (army) story. Every day till late in the evening the children play games in that open space where the army claims to have recovered the arms."
Ujjal Smriti Chakma, a central committee leader of the UPDF, termed the alleged recovery of firearms as "stage-managed and a conspiracy to find false pretexts to arrest UPDF members"
Settlers beat up two Jummas in Babuchara
chtnews.com
News No. 124/2008, July 09, 2008
The settlers beat up two Jumma villagers in Babuchara under Dighinala Thana on 5 July 2008.
According to sources, at about 11am on that day four settler leaders - Abdul Malek 38 s/o Abdul Sobhan Hawlader, his brother Abdul Salam 45, Akter Chairman 48 s/o Sattar Naj and Shariful Islam 32 s/o Abdul Matin from Babuchara - went to Sadhana Tila along with a pick-up load of police personnel.
On their way, the settlers picked up Subo Ratan Chakma 27 s/o Sharat Chandra Chakma and Bakra Chakma from a place near Sadhana Tila and asked them to tell the name of the Jummas who built houses there. When the Jummas refused to divulge anything, the settlers beat them up.
Both Subo Ratan Chakma and Bakra Chakma live in the village of Sachindra Karbari Para, Babuchara.
On 7 July, they filed two criminal cases in a court of law in Dighinala Upazila against the four settlers for inflicting grievous hurt by physical torture. Reports said the court has already served notice on the settlers to appear before the court in person.
However, The Chakmas fear that the settlers might also file a counter-case against the Jummas, including Bagan Kumar Chakma, the chief of Sadhana Tila village
News No. 124/2008, July 09, 2008
The settlers beat up two Jumma villagers in Babuchara under Dighinala Thana on 5 July 2008.
According to sources, at about 11am on that day four settler leaders - Abdul Malek 38 s/o Abdul Sobhan Hawlader, his brother Abdul Salam 45, Akter Chairman 48 s/o Sattar Naj and Shariful Islam 32 s/o Abdul Matin from Babuchara - went to Sadhana Tila along with a pick-up load of police personnel.
On their way, the settlers picked up Subo Ratan Chakma 27 s/o Sharat Chandra Chakma and Bakra Chakma from a place near Sadhana Tila and asked them to tell the name of the Jummas who built houses there. When the Jummas refused to divulge anything, the settlers beat them up.
Both Subo Ratan Chakma and Bakra Chakma live in the village of Sachindra Karbari Para, Babuchara.
On 7 July, they filed two criminal cases in a court of law in Dighinala Upazila against the four settlers for inflicting grievous hurt by physical torture. Reports said the court has already served notice on the settlers to appear before the court in person.
However, The Chakmas fear that the settlers might also file a counter-case against the Jummas, including Bagan Kumar Chakma, the chief of Sadhana Tila village
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
One dies in army custody in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 123/2008, July 07, 2008
One Jumma villager has been tortured to death in army custody in Belaichari under Rangamati district, sources in Rangamati said.
Quoting eyewitnesses, the sources said at about 6 am today, a group of military personnel from Kangarachari army camp surrounded the house of Niranjon Chakama, 40, s/o Lalit Kumar Chakma in the village of Nareychari under Kangarachari Union.
The soldiers, led by one Lieutenant and one Warrant Officer, searched the house, which also doubles as a shop, and found a copy of the Pitribhumi, a mouthpiece of the Students and Youths Against Land Aggression, and one Indian five rupee note.
The name of the army officers could not be known.
The soldiers took him to the camp and beat him mercilessly, resulting in his death.
The soldiers were reported to have been preparing to hand over his dead body to the police, the sources further said.
News No. 123/2008, July 07, 2008
One Jumma villager has been tortured to death in army custody in Belaichari under Rangamati district, sources in Rangamati said.
Quoting eyewitnesses, the sources said at about 6 am today, a group of military personnel from Kangarachari army camp surrounded the house of Niranjon Chakama, 40, s/o Lalit Kumar Chakma in the village of Nareychari under Kangarachari Union.
The soldiers, led by one Lieutenant and one Warrant Officer, searched the house, which also doubles as a shop, and found a copy of the Pitribhumi, a mouthpiece of the Students and Youths Against Land Aggression, and one Indian five rupee note.
The name of the army officers could not be known.
The soldiers took him to the camp and beat him mercilessly, resulting in his death.
The soldiers were reported to have been preparing to hand over his dead body to the police, the sources further said.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Celebration of 153rd Anniversary of Santal Revolution
On the occasion of 153rd Anniversary of Santal Revolution, several organisations of indigenous and mainstream people, such as, Jatiya Adivasi Parishad, Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon, Adivasi Students Association of Rajshahi University etc. launched various programmes, such as, discussion meeting, rally, procession, cultural event etc. Santal revolution was one of the major revolts against the British rule during 1855-57. During the revolution, two million people, mostly Santals and farmers, were killed. Two brothers Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, and Fulmani who belong to Santal community mobilised the rebellion against the British rule and laid down their lives fighting against the colonial rule more than 150 years ago.
Advisors and Special Assistants of the present Caretaker Government, such as, Commerce Advisor Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman and Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor on CHT Affairs and Forest and Environment Raja Devasish Roy have been invited to attend the programme launched on the occasion of historic Santal Revolution in Dhaka. Initially they also gave their consent to participate in the programmes. But at the last they tactfully withdrew their consent. Even, Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Dr. S M A Faiz also remains unattended. Organisers believed that it is one of denials of glorious history and rights of indigenous peoples by the present Caretaker Government. They are of opinion that a particular fanatic and extreme nationalist force within the government might involve in refraining the said VIPs from attending the programmes.
Press Conference organised by BAOA in Dhaka:
On 19 June 2008 Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon (BAOA), an organisation working for indigenous peoples' rights organised a press conference to declare programme marking 153rd Anniversary of Santal Revolution at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity auditorium. It declares three-day programmes including meeting, seminar and award giving ceremony.
BAOA President Prof HKS Arefin, General Secretary Mesbah Kamal, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum General Secretary Sanjeeb Drong and cultural activist Kamal Lohani spoke at the press conference.
They called on the government to ensure the rights of the indigenous peoples, their land and language. They also demanded steps to give constitutional recognition to the indigenous people and immediate implementation of CHT Peace Treaty.
Discussion organised by Astha Network in Rajshahi:
On 27 June 2008 Astha Network, a national NGO, organised the discussion at Padma Manch in Rajshahi to observe the 153rd anniversary of Santal Hul (revolution). Eminent litterateur Prof Hassan Azizul Haque inaugurated the daylong programme while Proshanto Saha presented the inaugural speech on the occasion. Language Movement veteran Advocate Golam Arif Tipu was present as the chief guest while Astha President Ganesh Majhi presided over the programme.
Jatiya Adivasi Parishad President Anil Marandi, language movement veteran Abul Hossain, Adivasi Sanskritik Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS) Executive Director Rajkumar Shaw, Advocate Michael Saran, journalist Mustafizur Rahman Khan, indigenous leader Amin Kuzur, Sabin Munda, Basanti Murmu, Andrash Biswas, Ramanath Mathato, Dipongkor Lakra and Jumu Biswas also addressed the discussion. Debashish Pramanik of Astha conducted the discussion.
Indigenous leaders at this discussion demanded their constitutional recognition and ensuring their rights to their mother tongue, culture and land. They also demanded formation of a separate land commission for them and introduction of primary education in their mother tongue. Their lands are being grabbed and they are being deprived of their rights to their mother tongue and culture, but no governments took any steps for their sustainable development, the indigenous leaders added. The speakers also urged the government to observe the day at national level and to ensure the rights of indigenous people to their land and language.
Inaugural Programme organised by BAOA in Dhaka:
On 28 June 2008 Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon (BAOA) organised an inaugural programme for the celebration of the 153rd anniversary of Santal Revolution and a seminar on 'Indigenous Students and Problems in Higher Education' at CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka with its General Secretary of BAOA and History Department at Dhaka University (DU) Prof Mesbah Kamal in the chair. Sohel Hajong, General Secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Student Action Forum (BISAF) and Poly Tripura presented a study report on indigenous students and problems in higher education.
Sohel Hajong, in their study report opined that the scope for higher education for indigenous students is still far below the requirement, with only 150 of them studying now in Dhaka University, the country's top public university which accommodates nearly 30,000 students. The rate of enrollment of students from the small ethnic groups in other public and private universities is also tiny thanks to a number of social and economic barriers.
The study identified economic hardship, lack of a specific policy for these ethnic groups and adequate quota, poor primary and secondary education, and cultural gap between the indigenous and mainstream population, along with many other obstacles against higher studies for them.
Discussants at the seminar asked the government to give more attention to primary and secondary level education for the children of indigenous communities in order to attain the goal of education for all by 2015, as envisaged in the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. They also asked the government to take measures like introduction of primary education in the indigenous people's mother tongue.
The study shows that a total of 150 students of 13 ethnic groups are studying in Dhaka University while numerous students from many ethnic groups like Mro, Chak, Pankhua, Lusai, Dalu, Banai, Patra, Kharia, Assam in the hilly areas, and Mahato, Munda, Paharia in the plains could not reach the universities. It also shows that the condition of nearly 14 lakh people living in the country's 150 tea gardens is very shocking. The rate of literacy there is only 0.02 per cent.
Although there have been a few quotas for the indigenous people in a number of public universities, their quotas are rarely filled, though not because they do not try to avail themselves of the quota. The authorities just turn a blind eye on them. In addition, the indigenous people feel that the existing quota in educational institutions is inadequate to improve their overall condition.
As the guest of honour of the inaugural programme and seminar, Chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Regional Council and President of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma said that a secular, democratic and progressive government is a must to ensure the rights of the indigenous people as well as the students. Otherwise, we will not be able to solve the problems of the indigenous people as well as those of the indigenous students.
Shantu Larma called on the indigenous students for a concerted struggle to form a secular, democratic and progressive government and establish their rights, adding that if the political repression on them is not over, the rights of education of indigenous people will not be established. He said that in the past 37 years, we did not get any pro-people government and the repression on indigenous people has thus increased. The indigenous students are frequently losing their rights to education. He said the indigenous people are losing their rights by extreme nationalism. The repression on the indigenous people must go first and constitutional recognition and housing rights should be given to them. He said, we were not poor, we were made poor and poverty were imposed on us through repression. Now poverty is one of the obstacles to higher education of the indigenous students.
Prof Dalim Chandra Barman of Peace and Conflict Department at DU said unless the political, economic and social repression on indigenous people is removed, their rights of education cannot be established.
Eminent journalist Syed Abul Moksud said education is one of the fundamental human rights. The indigenous people should be given the rights as well as the students must get proper facilities to pursue higher education.
Prof Mesbah Kamal said the indigenous students must be given enough opportunity in higher education. He suggested provision of extensive support for the indigenous people's higher education for the sake of their survival and bringing about a qualitative change in their life as well.
Teacher of Bharateshwari Homes Paichanu Marma, American International University of Bangladesh Lecturer Baredra Lal Tripura and researcher Rajmoni Waheng Bawm also spoke at the seminar.
Press Conference organised by ASARU in Rajshahi
On 28 June 2008 Adivasi Students Association of Rajshahi University (ASARU) organised a press conference marking the 153rd anniversary of Santal Hull (revolution) at Rajshahi University Press Club in Rajshahi. ASARU President Mukul Kisku read out a written statement during the press conference. ASARU General Secretary Maikel Baskey, ASARU executive member Habil Mardy, Samaun Hasda and Harendranath were also present.
In the press conference, ASARU raised a 10-point demand. The demands include more indigenous people's quota in higher education and government service sector, introduce the indigenous children' mother tongue as the medium of their primary education, a separate land commission for indigenous peoples, formation of a separate ministry for the plain land indigenous people, establish indigenous students education, culture and research centre in every educational institutions, recognition of indigenous freedom fighters, ensure indigenous representative in local and national election and immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the killers of Alfred Soren, Soma Hasda, Sarker Tudu and withdrawal of all the false cases against Adibasi people.
View-exchange meeting held by Lahanti Akra Forum in Rajshahi
On 28 June 2008 a view exchange meeting with government and non-government officials was organised by Lahanti Akra Forum, a forum working for indigenous people in Godagari area at Godagari Upazila Office auditorium in Rajshahi district. In this meeting, indigenous leaders demanded ensuring democratic, social, economic and cultural rights for indigenous people and ethnic minorities. Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sarwar Murshad Chowdhury was present as the chief guest at the meeting with Lahanti Akra Forum President Niren Khalko in the chair.
Discussion meeting organised by BAOA in Dhaka:
On 29 June 2008 Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon (BAOA) organised a discussion meeting at the BIAM auditorium in Dhaka to mark the 153rd anniversary of Santal Revolution. The discussion was presided over by BAOA President and teacher of Dhaka University Prof HKS Arefin. The discussion was addressed, among others, by the president of Bangladesh Communist Party Manzurul Ahsan Khan, the Gono Forum general secretary Pankaj Bhattacharya, Awami League presidium member Amir Hossain Amu, a senior ethnic minority leader and also a language movement hero U Sueya, Chairman of In-Depth News-Bangladesh Barrister Zakir Ahmed and Sanskriti Samannay Kendra Joint Convener Azam Faruque.
Speakers of the discussion said the next elected government should give constitutional recognition to the indigenous people as well as state recognition to the indigenous freedom fighters. The speakers also demanded steps to recover lands of the indigenous people from the grabbers and establish a separate ministry for the indigenous people.
Awami League presidium member Amir Hossain Amu said the rights of the indigenous people can be established if a secular, democratic and progressive government is formed. He said the people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, as well as indigenous people sacrificed their lives in the War of Liberation. So, all should enjoy equal rights.
Gono Forum presidium member Pankaj Bhattacharya said that the next elected government should make apology to the indigenous people for the repression on them. If the CHT Peace Accord is not fully implemented, peace and stability cannot be established in the hilly areas. He also said indigenous people should be given constitutional recognition. Many of the indigenous freedom fighters did not get any recognition. They must be given the state recognition.
Language movement veteran U Shuye, a member of indigenous community, said that I just want to see the constitutional recognition to the indigenous people before my death and the next elected government should do it.
Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) President Manjurul Ahsan Khan said the indigenous people should be given their due rights -- the constitutional recognition. It is the ruling class that always represses the indigenous people.
M N Larma honoured Sidhu-Kanhu-Fulmni Award
In afternoon session of discussion, BAOA honoured Manabendra Narayan Larma, founder of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and champion of national awakening in CHT, for his sacrifice for the causes of the indigenous peoples. Mr. Larma was assassinated by his rivals in 1983.
The Sidhu-Kanhu-Fulmni award was handed over to Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, younger brother of Manabendra Narayan Larma. A panel of speakers highlighted the significance of the Santal Rebellion Day.
The award was introduced to pay respect to Santal leaders Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu and Fulmani who had mobilised the rebellion against the British rule and laid down their lives fighting against the colonial rule more than 150 years ago.
Discussion meeting organised by JAF in Dhaka
On 30 June 2008 Jatiya Adivasi Parishad (JAF) organised day-long discussion meeting to mark the 153rd anniversary of Santal Revolution at Engineers Institute in Dhaka. Presided over by president of JAP Anil Marandi, the discussion meeting was attended by chairman of the CHT Regional Council and president of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma as chief quest. Among others, president of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Manjurul Ahasan Khan, presidium member of Gono Forum Pankaj Bhuttacharjee, eminent theatre activist Mamunur Rashid, women rights activist Rokeya Kabir, general secretary of BAOA Prof. Mesbah Kamal, general secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Sanjeeb Drong, Nur Ahmad Bakul, Muyazzem Hossain etc. spoke at the discussion meeting. General Secretary of JAP Rabindranath Soren presented keynote paper while Advocate Babul Rabidas delivered welcome speech and Harendranath Sing and Banya Kujur facilitated the meeting.
As chief guest, Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma said that constitutional recognition is not given to the indigenous peoples. There are 25 lacs indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. However, government denies that there are no indigenous peoples in the country. He said that it is very painful that government terms us as tribe. We the 45 ethnic groups have been confronting discrimination in all aspects. We have been evicted from our ancestral land and homesteads. Fundamental rights of indigenous have been violated by the government. He added that we must wage united movement against these discrimination and oppression to protect our rights and national identity.
Speakers of the discussion meeting said that a democratic government sensitized to indigenous peoples should be established in Bangladesh so that indigenous peoples could raise their voice freely. No body in Bangladesh comes forward for protection of indigenous peoples. They demanded to the government that reservation at local government bodies and parliament for indigenous peoples should be made by present Caretaker Government.
Rally and procession organised in Dinajpur
On 30 June 2008 on the occasion of 153rd anniversary of Santal Hul (revolution), the Santal community of Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh held separate rallies and procession with the help of local and national non-government organisations (NGOs) in the memory of incident where at least 10,000 Santal male and female sacrificed their lives. They paid tribute to the Santal heroes including Shidhu, Kanu, Chand and Bhairab.
At the meeting held at Dinajpur Natya Samity Auditorium, speakers said that indigenous people of the country should get their due constitutional rights including access to justice and land rights if they are to contribute to the nation. They have remained left out from the mainstream of development.
Demanding access to education and justice and forest resources for the indigenous people, indigenous leaders said proper distribution of khas lands among the indigenous people is needed to enable them to survive and contribute to agriculture. Repression on the indigenous people must go and constitutional recognition and housing rights should be given to them, speakers said at the meeting. They also urged the government to allow quotas for indigenous people in universities, colleges and government jobs, better chance for getting scholarships at home and abroad. Primary education for the indigenous children should be given in their mother languages, they said. The speakers demanded more Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the indigenous people at different regions.
Among others, Mangal Hemrom, Rafayal Murmu, Sultan Shah, Dheran Hasda, Lempu Hasda and Nurul Huda Liton spoke at the meeting presided over by Sreemoti Amoli Kisku, convener of Bangladesh Kishani Sava.
The indigenous people of Dinajpur also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Adviser of Caretaker Government through Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner, placing a 15-point demand. The demands include their constitutional rights, separate land commission, ensuring easy access to education, water and forest resources and access to justice for indigenous people.
Source: Kapaeeng Watch correspondents and daily national newspapers.
Advisors and Special Assistants of the present Caretaker Government, such as, Commerce Advisor Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman and Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor on CHT Affairs and Forest and Environment Raja Devasish Roy have been invited to attend the programme launched on the occasion of historic Santal Revolution in Dhaka. Initially they also gave their consent to participate in the programmes. But at the last they tactfully withdrew their consent. Even, Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Dr. S M A Faiz also remains unattended. Organisers believed that it is one of denials of glorious history and rights of indigenous peoples by the present Caretaker Government. They are of opinion that a particular fanatic and extreme nationalist force within the government might involve in refraining the said VIPs from attending the programmes.
Press Conference organised by BAOA in Dhaka:
On 19 June 2008 Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon (BAOA), an organisation working for indigenous peoples' rights organised a press conference to declare programme marking 153rd Anniversary of Santal Revolution at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity auditorium. It declares three-day programmes including meeting, seminar and award giving ceremony.
BAOA President Prof HKS Arefin, General Secretary Mesbah Kamal, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum General Secretary Sanjeeb Drong and cultural activist Kamal Lohani spoke at the press conference.
They called on the government to ensure the rights of the indigenous peoples, their land and language. They also demanded steps to give constitutional recognition to the indigenous people and immediate implementation of CHT Peace Treaty.
Discussion organised by Astha Network in Rajshahi:
On 27 June 2008 Astha Network, a national NGO, organised the discussion at Padma Manch in Rajshahi to observe the 153rd anniversary of Santal Hul (revolution). Eminent litterateur Prof Hassan Azizul Haque inaugurated the daylong programme while Proshanto Saha presented the inaugural speech on the occasion. Language Movement veteran Advocate Golam Arif Tipu was present as the chief guest while Astha President Ganesh Majhi presided over the programme.
Jatiya Adivasi Parishad President Anil Marandi, language movement veteran Abul Hossain, Adivasi Sanskritik Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS) Executive Director Rajkumar Shaw, Advocate Michael Saran, journalist Mustafizur Rahman Khan, indigenous leader Amin Kuzur, Sabin Munda, Basanti Murmu, Andrash Biswas, Ramanath Mathato, Dipongkor Lakra and Jumu Biswas also addressed the discussion. Debashish Pramanik of Astha conducted the discussion.
Indigenous leaders at this discussion demanded their constitutional recognition and ensuring their rights to their mother tongue, culture and land. They also demanded formation of a separate land commission for them and introduction of primary education in their mother tongue. Their lands are being grabbed and they are being deprived of their rights to their mother tongue and culture, but no governments took any steps for their sustainable development, the indigenous leaders added. The speakers also urged the government to observe the day at national level and to ensure the rights of indigenous people to their land and language.
Inaugural Programme organised by BAOA in Dhaka:
On 28 June 2008 Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon (BAOA) organised an inaugural programme for the celebration of the 153rd anniversary of Santal Revolution and a seminar on 'Indigenous Students and Problems in Higher Education' at CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka with its General Secretary of BAOA and History Department at Dhaka University (DU) Prof Mesbah Kamal in the chair. Sohel Hajong, General Secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Student Action Forum (BISAF) and Poly Tripura presented a study report on indigenous students and problems in higher education.
Sohel Hajong, in their study report opined that the scope for higher education for indigenous students is still far below the requirement, with only 150 of them studying now in Dhaka University, the country's top public university which accommodates nearly 30,000 students. The rate of enrollment of students from the small ethnic groups in other public and private universities is also tiny thanks to a number of social and economic barriers.
The study identified economic hardship, lack of a specific policy for these ethnic groups and adequate quota, poor primary and secondary education, and cultural gap between the indigenous and mainstream population, along with many other obstacles against higher studies for them.
Discussants at the seminar asked the government to give more attention to primary and secondary level education for the children of indigenous communities in order to attain the goal of education for all by 2015, as envisaged in the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. They also asked the government to take measures like introduction of primary education in the indigenous people's mother tongue.
The study shows that a total of 150 students of 13 ethnic groups are studying in Dhaka University while numerous students from many ethnic groups like Mro, Chak, Pankhua, Lusai, Dalu, Banai, Patra, Kharia, Assam in the hilly areas, and Mahato, Munda, Paharia in the plains could not reach the universities. It also shows that the condition of nearly 14 lakh people living in the country's 150 tea gardens is very shocking. The rate of literacy there is only 0.02 per cent.
Although there have been a few quotas for the indigenous people in a number of public universities, their quotas are rarely filled, though not because they do not try to avail themselves of the quota. The authorities just turn a blind eye on them. In addition, the indigenous people feel that the existing quota in educational institutions is inadequate to improve their overall condition.
As the guest of honour of the inaugural programme and seminar, Chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Regional Council and President of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma said that a secular, democratic and progressive government is a must to ensure the rights of the indigenous people as well as the students. Otherwise, we will not be able to solve the problems of the indigenous people as well as those of the indigenous students.
Shantu Larma called on the indigenous students for a concerted struggle to form a secular, democratic and progressive government and establish their rights, adding that if the political repression on them is not over, the rights of education of indigenous people will not be established. He said that in the past 37 years, we did not get any pro-people government and the repression on indigenous people has thus increased. The indigenous students are frequently losing their rights to education. He said the indigenous people are losing their rights by extreme nationalism. The repression on the indigenous people must go first and constitutional recognition and housing rights should be given to them. He said, we were not poor, we were made poor and poverty were imposed on us through repression. Now poverty is one of the obstacles to higher education of the indigenous students.
Prof Dalim Chandra Barman of Peace and Conflict Department at DU said unless the political, economic and social repression on indigenous people is removed, their rights of education cannot be established.
Eminent journalist Syed Abul Moksud said education is one of the fundamental human rights. The indigenous people should be given the rights as well as the students must get proper facilities to pursue higher education.
Prof Mesbah Kamal said the indigenous students must be given enough opportunity in higher education. He suggested provision of extensive support for the indigenous people's higher education for the sake of their survival and bringing about a qualitative change in their life as well.
Teacher of Bharateshwari Homes Paichanu Marma, American International University of Bangladesh Lecturer Baredra Lal Tripura and researcher Rajmoni Waheng Bawm also spoke at the seminar.
Press Conference organised by ASARU in Rajshahi
On 28 June 2008 Adivasi Students Association of Rajshahi University (ASARU) organised a press conference marking the 153rd anniversary of Santal Hull (revolution) at Rajshahi University Press Club in Rajshahi. ASARU President Mukul Kisku read out a written statement during the press conference. ASARU General Secretary Maikel Baskey, ASARU executive member Habil Mardy, Samaun Hasda and Harendranath were also present.
In the press conference, ASARU raised a 10-point demand. The demands include more indigenous people's quota in higher education and government service sector, introduce the indigenous children' mother tongue as the medium of their primary education, a separate land commission for indigenous peoples, formation of a separate ministry for the plain land indigenous people, establish indigenous students education, culture and research centre in every educational institutions, recognition of indigenous freedom fighters, ensure indigenous representative in local and national election and immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the killers of Alfred Soren, Soma Hasda, Sarker Tudu and withdrawal of all the false cases against Adibasi people.
View-exchange meeting held by Lahanti Akra Forum in Rajshahi
On 28 June 2008 a view exchange meeting with government and non-government officials was organised by Lahanti Akra Forum, a forum working for indigenous people in Godagari area at Godagari Upazila Office auditorium in Rajshahi district. In this meeting, indigenous leaders demanded ensuring democratic, social, economic and cultural rights for indigenous people and ethnic minorities. Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sarwar Murshad Chowdhury was present as the chief guest at the meeting with Lahanti Akra Forum President Niren Khalko in the chair.
Discussion meeting organised by BAOA in Dhaka:
On 29 June 2008 Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon (BAOA) organised a discussion meeting at the BIAM auditorium in Dhaka to mark the 153rd anniversary of Santal Revolution. The discussion was presided over by BAOA President and teacher of Dhaka University Prof HKS Arefin. The discussion was addressed, among others, by the president of Bangladesh Communist Party Manzurul Ahsan Khan, the Gono Forum general secretary Pankaj Bhattacharya, Awami League presidium member Amir Hossain Amu, a senior ethnic minority leader and also a language movement hero U Sueya, Chairman of In-Depth News-Bangladesh Barrister Zakir Ahmed and Sanskriti Samannay Kendra Joint Convener Azam Faruque.
Speakers of the discussion said the next elected government should give constitutional recognition to the indigenous people as well as state recognition to the indigenous freedom fighters. The speakers also demanded steps to recover lands of the indigenous people from the grabbers and establish a separate ministry for the indigenous people.
Awami League presidium member Amir Hossain Amu said the rights of the indigenous people can be established if a secular, democratic and progressive government is formed. He said the people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, as well as indigenous people sacrificed their lives in the War of Liberation. So, all should enjoy equal rights.
Gono Forum presidium member Pankaj Bhattacharya said that the next elected government should make apology to the indigenous people for the repression on them. If the CHT Peace Accord is not fully implemented, peace and stability cannot be established in the hilly areas. He also said indigenous people should be given constitutional recognition. Many of the indigenous freedom fighters did not get any recognition. They must be given the state recognition.
Language movement veteran U Shuye, a member of indigenous community, said that I just want to see the constitutional recognition to the indigenous people before my death and the next elected government should do it.
Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) President Manjurul Ahsan Khan said the indigenous people should be given their due rights -- the constitutional recognition. It is the ruling class that always represses the indigenous people.
M N Larma honoured Sidhu-Kanhu-Fulmni Award
In afternoon session of discussion, BAOA honoured Manabendra Narayan Larma, founder of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and champion of national awakening in CHT, for his sacrifice for the causes of the indigenous peoples. Mr. Larma was assassinated by his rivals in 1983.
The Sidhu-Kanhu-Fulmni award was handed over to Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, younger brother of Manabendra Narayan Larma. A panel of speakers highlighted the significance of the Santal Rebellion Day.
The award was introduced to pay respect to Santal leaders Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu and Fulmani who had mobilised the rebellion against the British rule and laid down their lives fighting against the colonial rule more than 150 years ago.
Discussion meeting organised by JAF in Dhaka
On 30 June 2008 Jatiya Adivasi Parishad (JAF) organised day-long discussion meeting to mark the 153rd anniversary of Santal Revolution at Engineers Institute in Dhaka. Presided over by president of JAP Anil Marandi, the discussion meeting was attended by chairman of the CHT Regional Council and president of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma as chief quest. Among others, president of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Manjurul Ahasan Khan, presidium member of Gono Forum Pankaj Bhuttacharjee, eminent theatre activist Mamunur Rashid, women rights activist Rokeya Kabir, general secretary of BAOA Prof. Mesbah Kamal, general secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Sanjeeb Drong, Nur Ahmad Bakul, Muyazzem Hossain etc. spoke at the discussion meeting. General Secretary of JAP Rabindranath Soren presented keynote paper while Advocate Babul Rabidas delivered welcome speech and Harendranath Sing and Banya Kujur facilitated the meeting.
As chief guest, Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma said that constitutional recognition is not given to the indigenous peoples. There are 25 lacs indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. However, government denies that there are no indigenous peoples in the country. He said that it is very painful that government terms us as tribe. We the 45 ethnic groups have been confronting discrimination in all aspects. We have been evicted from our ancestral land and homesteads. Fundamental rights of indigenous have been violated by the government. He added that we must wage united movement against these discrimination and oppression to protect our rights and national identity.
Speakers of the discussion meeting said that a democratic government sensitized to indigenous peoples should be established in Bangladesh so that indigenous peoples could raise their voice freely. No body in Bangladesh comes forward for protection of indigenous peoples. They demanded to the government that reservation at local government bodies and parliament for indigenous peoples should be made by present Caretaker Government.
Rally and procession organised in Dinajpur
On 30 June 2008 on the occasion of 153rd anniversary of Santal Hul (revolution), the Santal community of Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh held separate rallies and procession with the help of local and national non-government organisations (NGOs) in the memory of incident where at least 10,000 Santal male and female sacrificed their lives. They paid tribute to the Santal heroes including Shidhu, Kanu, Chand and Bhairab.
At the meeting held at Dinajpur Natya Samity Auditorium, speakers said that indigenous people of the country should get their due constitutional rights including access to justice and land rights if they are to contribute to the nation. They have remained left out from the mainstream of development.
Demanding access to education and justice and forest resources for the indigenous people, indigenous leaders said proper distribution of khas lands among the indigenous people is needed to enable them to survive and contribute to agriculture. Repression on the indigenous people must go and constitutional recognition and housing rights should be given to them, speakers said at the meeting. They also urged the government to allow quotas for indigenous people in universities, colleges and government jobs, better chance for getting scholarships at home and abroad. Primary education for the indigenous children should be given in their mother languages, they said. The speakers demanded more Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the indigenous people at different regions.
Among others, Mangal Hemrom, Rafayal Murmu, Sultan Shah, Dheran Hasda, Lempu Hasda and Nurul Huda Liton spoke at the meeting presided over by Sreemoti Amoli Kisku, convener of Bangladesh Kishani Sava.
The indigenous people of Dinajpur also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Adviser of Caretaker Government through Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner, placing a 15-point demand. The demands include their constitutional rights, separate land commission, ensuring easy access to education, water and forest resources and access to justice for indigenous people.
Source: Kapaeeng Watch correspondents and daily national newspapers.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Court begin work in Chittagong Hill Tracts in BD
Source- http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/court-begin-work-in-bangladeshs-chittagong-hill-tracts_10066379.html
Dhaka, July 1 (IANS) Courts began functioning Tuesday in the three districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh’s non-Muslim indigenous majority region, de-linking the judiciary’s work from the Chittagong port city. According to a notification issued by the government June 29, Mohammed Dudu Mia, Mohammed Mokhtar Hossain and Mohammed Golum Maola have been appointed as the three district and sessions judges for Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, respectively.
They were directed to join their new offices Tuesday morning, The Daily Star said.
The region comprises an area of 13,180 square kilometres in south-eastern Bangladesh, and borders India and Myanmar.
It was a single district of Bangladesh till 1984 when it was divided into three separate districts: Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban.
Topographically, this is the only hill-intensive area of Bangladesh.
According to the 1991 census, the population of the area was 974,447 of which 501,114 were tribals and the rest were from different communities. The indigenous people are collectively known as the Jumma, who profess Buddhism.
CHT went to East Pakistan under the Radcliff Award that divided India in 1947 on the ground that Pakistan needed to retain river Karnaphuli, the water source of Chittagong port.
It was not contested by India, past records say.
During the 1970s and 80s, there were attempts by the Government to resettle the area with Bengali-speaking people. These attempts were resisted by the tribals, who formed a guerrilla force called the Shanti Bahini.
The Bangladesh military and settlers have been accused of committing genocide against the minority tribal people with silent support from the law enforcers.
The military personnel have been accused of torture, killings and abduction. Amongst these, the disappearance of Chakma political activist Kalpana Chakma in 1996 attracted widespread condemnation.
She remains untraced.
Following years of unrest, an agreement was reached between the Government of Bangladesh and the tribal leaders granting limited autonomy to the elected council of the three hill districts.
The 1997 Peace Treaty signed between the then Sheikh Hasina Government and the Jana Shanghati Shamiti or Shanti Bahini has, however, been opposed by the opposition parties as well as a fraction of the tribal rebels.
Opposition parties of the time argued the autonomy granted in the treaty ignored the Bengali settlers.
Dhaka, July 1 (IANS) Courts began functioning Tuesday in the three districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh’s non-Muslim indigenous majority region, de-linking the judiciary’s work from the Chittagong port city. According to a notification issued by the government June 29, Mohammed Dudu Mia, Mohammed Mokhtar Hossain and Mohammed Golum Maola have been appointed as the three district and sessions judges for Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, respectively.
They were directed to join their new offices Tuesday morning, The Daily Star said.
The region comprises an area of 13,180 square kilometres in south-eastern Bangladesh, and borders India and Myanmar.
It was a single district of Bangladesh till 1984 when it was divided into three separate districts: Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban.
Topographically, this is the only hill-intensive area of Bangladesh.
According to the 1991 census, the population of the area was 974,447 of which 501,114 were tribals and the rest were from different communities. The indigenous people are collectively known as the Jumma, who profess Buddhism.
CHT went to East Pakistan under the Radcliff Award that divided India in 1947 on the ground that Pakistan needed to retain river Karnaphuli, the water source of Chittagong port.
It was not contested by India, past records say.
During the 1970s and 80s, there were attempts by the Government to resettle the area with Bengali-speaking people. These attempts were resisted by the tribals, who formed a guerrilla force called the Shanti Bahini.
The Bangladesh military and settlers have been accused of committing genocide against the minority tribal people with silent support from the law enforcers.
The military personnel have been accused of torture, killings and abduction. Amongst these, the disappearance of Chakma political activist Kalpana Chakma in 1996 attracted widespread condemnation.
She remains untraced.
Following years of unrest, an agreement was reached between the Government of Bangladesh and the tribal leaders granting limited autonomy to the elected council of the three hill districts.
The 1997 Peace Treaty signed between the then Sheikh Hasina Government and the Jana Shanghati Shamiti or Shanti Bahini has, however, been opposed by the opposition parties as well as a fraction of the tribal rebels.
Opposition parties of the time argued the autonomy granted in the treaty ignored the Bengali settlers.
Innocent villager tortured in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 122/2008, July 01, 2008
On 22 June, Lt. Tanvir, commander of Merunghcara army camp, severely tortured Palash Dewan (30) s/o Chandra Lal Dewan, a resident of Kerongchari village in Belaichari under Rangamati district, sources said.
Sources said a group of army personnel led by Lt. Tanvir raided the village of Kerongchari at about 12 noon and picked up Palash Dewan from his home alleging that he provides support to the members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF).
They took him to the camp and beat him mercilessly. Afterwards, the village elders called on Lt. Tanivr in the camp and got him released in the evening.
Earlier, while in Dhupchari camp in Belaichari, Lt. Tanvir earned notoriety for torturing innocent people after striping them naked. When the Jumma villagers complained to the higher authorities of the army about his brutality, he has been transferred to Merungchara army camp.
Nonetheless, he continues with the same practice, much to the suffering of the innocent Jumma people. Old habits diehard!
News No. 122/2008, July 01, 2008
On 22 June, Lt. Tanvir, commander of Merunghcara army camp, severely tortured Palash Dewan (30) s/o Chandra Lal Dewan, a resident of Kerongchari village in Belaichari under Rangamati district, sources said.
Sources said a group of army personnel led by Lt. Tanvir raided the village of Kerongchari at about 12 noon and picked up Palash Dewan from his home alleging that he provides support to the members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF).
They took him to the camp and beat him mercilessly. Afterwards, the village elders called on Lt. Tanivr in the camp and got him released in the evening.
Earlier, while in Dhupchari camp in Belaichari, Lt. Tanvir earned notoriety for torturing innocent people after striping them naked. When the Jumma villagers complained to the higher authorities of the army about his brutality, he has been transferred to Merungchara army camp.
Nonetheless, he continues with the same practice, much to the suffering of the innocent Jumma people. Old habits diehard!
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