Sajek victims at a press conference yesterday at Reporters Unity, Dhaka, called upon the interim caretaker government to withdraw the settlers from Sajek, stop land grabbing and punish the murderers of Ladu Moni Chakma.
Organised in cooperation with the Democratic Youth Forum, Hill Women's Federation and Hill Student's Council, the press conference was attended by four victims of the latest settler attacks in Sajek -- Mukul Bikash Chakma, Hridoy Ranjan Chakma, Tara Kinkor Chakma and Minti Chakma alias Chikonpudi, wife of Ladu Moni Chakma.
In a written statement read out by Mukul Bikash Chakma, the victims narrated the incidents that took place since the 20 April settler attack in the area.
They said immediately after the visit of the members of the CHT Commission to Sajek, the settlers begun threatening the Jummas for speaking to the Commission, and 9 August they attacked four Jumma houses in Gangaramdoar, leaving Hridoy Ranjan Chakma seriously wounded. The settlers also ransacked and looted the houses and tore books on Jesus Christ to pieces.
Hridoy Ranjan Chakma said "It was half past eleven in the night. ... The settlers were advancing near our house while shouting. I woke up from bed. I heard the settlers saying 'there is a house over here'. As soon as I opened the door, they began beating me, without asking me anything. They hit me on the back, legs and hands with sticks. At one stage they hit me in the head, and I fell on the ground unconscious."
"A little later when I regained my senses, I found a member of the Ansar (paramilitary force) taking me near the road, holding my hand. He took me beside an army vehicle. An army Subedar (Warrant Officer) named Rabiul was there. From there, they led me to the CO. I said to the CO: 'Sir, why did the settlers beat me? What wrong have I done? As you have seen, I always take part in your meetings. But why this happened to me?' After hearing this, the CO, Sajid Imtiaz said, 'tuth beta' (you wretch!)" He continued. "I was still soaked in blood. The Bengalis were roaming near the army personnel. They were armed with "dao", axes, long knives, "dhama" etc. They were 20 - 25 in number. Those who beat me were also roaming around."
All the victims were unanimous in their accusation that the attack was carried out because "we spoke to the CHT Commission".
Narrating the 19 August attack in which Ladu Moni Chakma was chopped to death, his wife Ms Minti Chakma of Retkaba village said, "On the day of incident, that is on 19 August, at around 10 in the night, we woke up by the shouts 'open the door, open the door' and the knocks at the door". Without us realizing what was going on, three Bengali people broke into the house. They asked us to cover our eyes, and cut the mosquito nets hung over the beds. They threw our clothes at us so that we could blindfold us with them. They told us to blindfold us ourselves. My sons tried to get up from bed, but they were kicked.
"At this time, they began to take my husband out. My eyes were covered with folds. My husband tried to resist. They also tried to take my daughter, Minu, out, but I vigorously resisted and they hit me in my forehead with a knife. When they were entering the house I saw knives in their hands and recognised Ali."
She said after the Bengalis took her husband out, she and her children fled away through the backdoor of the house, and took shelter in the house of Joy Mongol Bap. "I was coming back the next morning when I found the mutilated body of Ladu Moni Chakma on the west side of Baghaihat road." she said.
She said she filed a case with the Baghaichari police station and heard that three of the culprits were arrested.
She said on the night the incident took place there was no army vehicle patrolling the road, which was unlike other nights.
Ms Minti Chakma said their house was also burnt down during the 20 April deadly attack, but they had built it within one week of the attack.
The victims said that the settlers felt encouraged to launch further attacks because no legal actions had been taken against those responsible for the 20 April attack. They said "Immediately after the 20 April attack, the settlers embarked on the grabbing of the Jumma people's lands with new vigor. They built about 50 - 60 new huts on our lands in the villages of Simanachara, Retkaba and Gangaram. Military personnel from Baghaihat zone directly assisted the settlers. In Gangaramdoar, the settlers built a row of small huts after destroying a cottage built for the Buddhist monks. 10 - 15 settler families have now settled there. An army sentry post has been erected there to provide security to the settlers"
The victims further said "we want to live in peace as citizens of the country with our lands and property. In the past there was no conflict with the Bengalis over land or any other issue. The problem started when Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz, commander of Baghaihat zone, brought in settlers from different areas and took initiative to settle them on our lands."
"There will be no peace until the settlers are taken back from Baghaihat" they said.
They also placed a five-point demand to the government. These include 1. withdrawal of the settlers from Baghaihat; 2. putting an end to forcible land grabbing and stoppage of rehabilitation of the settlers; 3. providing Taka 300,000 as compensation to each of the victim families of the 20 April attack; providing compensation to the affected families of 9 and 19 August attacks; punishment to Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz and businessman Golam Mawla for the 20 April attack; 4. exemplary punishment to the murderers of Ladu Moni Chakma and arrest and trial of their abettors; adequate compensation to the family of Ladu Moni Chakma; and 5. providing security to the life and property of the Jumma people and putting an end to the army incitement to the settlers against the Jumma people.
The press conference was also attended, among others, by Super Joti Chakma, organising secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum; Ricoh Chakma, president of the Hill Student's Council, Thuikyoching Marma, Office Secretary of the PCP; Sonali Chakma, president of Hill Women's Federation and Nepali Chakma, a member of the HWF.
chtnews.com
News No. 145/2008, August 29, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Two UP members arrested in Naniachar
Two elected members of Naniachar Union Parishad, including a female member, have been arrested from Naniachar bazaar in Rangamati district.
Mr. Sentru Chakma 35, (s/o late Bipin Bihari Chakma) and Ms Nirmala Dewan alias Niru (w/o Mongol Joti Chakma) were arrested by army at around 1p.m. today while they were returning from the office of the TNO after attending a meeting on law and order. Both of them are incumbent members of Naniachar Union Parishad.
Mr. Sentru Chakma (mentioned in News No. 143) is from Padachari village and Ms Niru from Hullyangpara village under Naniachar Upazila. The army handed them over to the police. Sources form Rangamati said Mr. Sentru Chakma has been implicated in a previously filed murder case, although his name was not included when the case was originally filed. It is not known what charges have been brought against Ms Niru.
Mr. Sentru Chakma 35, (s/o late Bipin Bihari Chakma) and Ms Nirmala Dewan alias Niru (w/o Mongol Joti Chakma) were arrested by army at around 1p.m. today while they were returning from the office of the TNO after attending a meeting on law and order. Both of them are incumbent members of Naniachar Union Parishad.
Mr. Sentru Chakma (mentioned in News No. 143) is from Padachari village and Ms Niru from Hullyangpara village under Naniachar Upazila. The army handed them over to the police. Sources form Rangamati said Mr. Sentru Chakma has been implicated in a previously filed murder case, although his name was not included when the case was originally filed. It is not known what charges have been brought against Ms Niru.
UP member arrested in Naniachar
An elected member of Naniachar Union Parishad has been arrested from Naniachar bazaar in Rangamati district.
The army personnel from Naniachari zone arrested Sentru Chakma, 35, (s/o late Bipin Bihari Chakma), an incumbent member of Naniachar Union Parishad, at around 1p.m. today.
He is from Padachari village under Naniachar Upazila. The army handed him over to the police. Sources form Rangamati said he has been implicated in a previously filed murder case, although his name was not included when the case was originally filed.
Mr. Chakma elder brother, Mr. Bipulask Chakma -- who is now in jail.
The army personnel from Naniachari zone arrested Sentru Chakma, 35, (s/o late Bipin Bihari Chakma), an incumbent member of Naniachar Union Parishad, at around 1p.m. today.
He is from Padachari village under Naniachar Upazila. The army handed him over to the police. Sources form Rangamati said he has been implicated in a previously filed murder case, although his name was not included when the case was originally filed.
Mr. Chakma elder brother, Mr. Bipulask Chakma -- who is now in jail.
PCP-DYF and HWF observe 5th anniversary of Mahalchari Mayhem
The Hill Student's Council, Hill Women's Federation and Democratic Youth Forum observed Mahalchari Mayhem Day yesterday in Khagrachari.
In a commemoration meeting held at Swanirbhor, the speakers said the policy of ethnic cleansing that resulted in numerous attacks on innocent Jumma people including the Mahalchari Mayhem is being pursued vigorously by the present interim caretaker government. The urged the government not to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor partisan governments.
Presided over by Ani Bikash Chakma, president of PCP Khagrachari District unit, the meeting was also addressed by Arpan Chakma, GS of PCP Khagrachari unit, Remin Chakma, a DYF member, Konika Dewan, organising secretary of the HWF central committee and Rina Dewan, president of HWF Khagrachari District unit.
They criticized the government for the failure to form a judicial committee to investigate the incident and for its attempt at cover-up.
At least 350 Jumma houses were burnt to ashes, two persons including an 8-month old baby killed and 10 Jumma women raped during the Mahalchari Mayhem perpetrated jointly by illegal settlers and the Bangladesh Army on 26 August 2003. Over 1,300 people in 10 villages were affected in the gruesome attack.
The incident provoked national and international condemnation, but the government of the day failed to punish those responsible for the attack.
chtnews.com
News No. 142/2008, August 27, 2008
In a commemoration meeting held at Swanirbhor, the speakers said the policy of ethnic cleansing that resulted in numerous attacks on innocent Jumma people including the Mahalchari Mayhem is being pursued vigorously by the present interim caretaker government. The urged the government not to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor partisan governments.
Presided over by Ani Bikash Chakma, president of PCP Khagrachari District unit, the meeting was also addressed by Arpan Chakma, GS of PCP Khagrachari unit, Remin Chakma, a DYF member, Konika Dewan, organising secretary of the HWF central committee and Rina Dewan, president of HWF Khagrachari District unit.
They criticized the government for the failure to form a judicial committee to investigate the incident and for its attempt at cover-up.
At least 350 Jumma houses were burnt to ashes, two persons including an 8-month old baby killed and 10 Jumma women raped during the Mahalchari Mayhem perpetrated jointly by illegal settlers and the Bangladesh Army on 26 August 2003. Over 1,300 people in 10 villages were affected in the gruesome attack.
The incident provoked national and international condemnation, but the government of the day failed to punish those responsible for the attack.
chtnews.com
News No. 142/2008, August 27, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Bangladeshi NGOs address education gap for minorities
Bangladeshi NGOs address education gap for minorities
Tuli Dewan
Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh - Participation by minorities in
development efforts is essential for dispersing the fruits of
development to all segments of society equally. But a culture of
minority participation in the national development effort is not often
found in Bangladesh and important segments of society are left without
the tools to participate. However local non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) are working to fill this gap.
Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country with the fourth largest
concentration of Muslims in the world. Other religious, linguistic and
cultural groups in the country – Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and
animists – constitute 10 percent of the total population. Established
as a parliamentary democracy, reflective of the country's religious
diversity and pluralist character, Islam was made the state religion
in 1988 and the present government has been operating in a state of
emergency since January 2007.
The people of Bangladesh are not as homogenous as many assume, and
most ethnic minorities are incidentally trapped in social
underdevelopment.
Though education has been recognised as a universal and fundamental
human right, quality education continues to elude indigenous learners
in the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) region of Bangladesh. Inadequate
educational resources coupled with high drop-out rates – with almost
20 percent of drop-outs attributed to linguistic obstacles – create an
environment where inhabitants are neither benefiting from development
efforts, nor are they equipped to participate in them.
The CHT region, located in the southeast corner of Bangladesh has an
area of 5,092 square miles and is home to 11 ethnic minorities who
differ from the population in the neighbouring plains not only in
terms of geographical setting but also in ethnicity, socio-economic
status, language, culture, religion, lifestyle, customs and tradition.
Chakma is the largest indigenous ethnic group in the CHT, and the
predominant language spoken, followed by Marma, which is spoken in the
southern part of the region in addition to local languages. However,
primary school children in the CHT are required to take classes in
Bengali – the state language. This linguistic barrier makes it
difficult for them to understand textbooks or follow their teachers'
lessons. School becomes boring for them and eventually they start to
lose interest in learning.
Linguistic challenges in elementary school naturally impact higher
education. Problems in understanding the language at this early stage
result in weak learning, whereas curriculum becomes easier for
students to understand when education is offered in a child's mother
tongue. This helps unlock a child's intuition, power of thought and
imagination.
Although the 40th session of the International Labour Organisation in
1957 adopted a resolution (Article 23(1) of Convention 107) that
clearly provides for indigenous children's education in their
respective mother tongues, little has been done by the government to
implement this. Moreover, Article 33 (kha) of the CHT Accord signed by
the Bangladesh government and Parbartty Chttagram Jana Sanghati Samity
(PCJSS), a regional political party that spearheaded the movement for
indigenous rights, also provides for primary education in indigenous
languages. And Article 17 of the Bangladesh constitution stipulates
that all children should receive an education that is compatible with
the needs of the society – indicating that there is no legal barrier
to providing education in regional languages.
In the absence of government assistance, a few NGOs have launched an
initiative to teach Chakma, Marma and Tripura children in their
respective languages at the pre-school stage in a few schools in and
outside the municipality area.
This struggling initiative will likely only succeed with support from
the national government and would benefit from assistance from
international donors. However, if successful, this initiative could
prove a model for other countries with linguistically diverse
populations that suffer from development challenges in multiethnic,
multicultural societies.
###
* Tuli Dewan is a programme manager for Green Hill (www.greenhill-
cht.org), a non-governmental organisation in the Chittagong Hill Tract
region of Bangladesh. This article was written for the Common Ground
News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org.
Sources- http://groups.google.com/group/soc.culture.bangladesh/browse_thread/thread/e4c58da478d31a67/a2226567d7633280?hl=en&q=chakma
Tuli Dewan
Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh - Participation by minorities in
development efforts is essential for dispersing the fruits of
development to all segments of society equally. But a culture of
minority participation in the national development effort is not often
found in Bangladesh and important segments of society are left without
the tools to participate. However local non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) are working to fill this gap.
Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country with the fourth largest
concentration of Muslims in the world. Other religious, linguistic and
cultural groups in the country – Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and
animists – constitute 10 percent of the total population. Established
as a parliamentary democracy, reflective of the country's religious
diversity and pluralist character, Islam was made the state religion
in 1988 and the present government has been operating in a state of
emergency since January 2007.
The people of Bangladesh are not as homogenous as many assume, and
most ethnic minorities are incidentally trapped in social
underdevelopment.
Though education has been recognised as a universal and fundamental
human right, quality education continues to elude indigenous learners
in the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) region of Bangladesh. Inadequate
educational resources coupled with high drop-out rates – with almost
20 percent of drop-outs attributed to linguistic obstacles – create an
environment where inhabitants are neither benefiting from development
efforts, nor are they equipped to participate in them.
The CHT region, located in the southeast corner of Bangladesh has an
area of 5,092 square miles and is home to 11 ethnic minorities who
differ from the population in the neighbouring plains not only in
terms of geographical setting but also in ethnicity, socio-economic
status, language, culture, religion, lifestyle, customs and tradition.
Chakma is the largest indigenous ethnic group in the CHT, and the
predominant language spoken, followed by Marma, which is spoken in the
southern part of the region in addition to local languages. However,
primary school children in the CHT are required to take classes in
Bengali – the state language. This linguistic barrier makes it
difficult for them to understand textbooks or follow their teachers'
lessons. School becomes boring for them and eventually they start to
lose interest in learning.
Linguistic challenges in elementary school naturally impact higher
education. Problems in understanding the language at this early stage
result in weak learning, whereas curriculum becomes easier for
students to understand when education is offered in a child's mother
tongue. This helps unlock a child's intuition, power of thought and
imagination.
Although the 40th session of the International Labour Organisation in
1957 adopted a resolution (Article 23(1) of Convention 107) that
clearly provides for indigenous children's education in their
respective mother tongues, little has been done by the government to
implement this. Moreover, Article 33 (kha) of the CHT Accord signed by
the Bangladesh government and Parbartty Chttagram Jana Sanghati Samity
(PCJSS), a regional political party that spearheaded the movement for
indigenous rights, also provides for primary education in indigenous
languages. And Article 17 of the Bangladesh constitution stipulates
that all children should receive an education that is compatible with
the needs of the society – indicating that there is no legal barrier
to providing education in regional languages.
In the absence of government assistance, a few NGOs have launched an
initiative to teach Chakma, Marma and Tripura children in their
respective languages at the pre-school stage in a few schools in and
outside the municipality area.
This struggling initiative will likely only succeed with support from
the national government and would benefit from assistance from
international donors. However, if successful, this initiative could
prove a model for other countries with linguistically diverse
populations that suffer from development challenges in multiethnic,
multicultural societies.
###
* Tuli Dewan is a programme manager for Green Hill (www.greenhill-
cht.org), a non-governmental organisation in the Chittagong Hill Tract
region of Bangladesh. This article was written for the Common Ground
News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org.
Sources- http://groups.google.com/group/soc.culture.bangladesh/browse_thread/thread/e4c58da478d31a67/a2226567d7633280?hl=en&q=chakma
Friday, August 22, 2008
Jumma youth arrested by RAB in Chittagong
A jumma youth has been arrested from New Mooring area under Bandar Police Station in Chittagong.
The members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Sujon Chakma (25) s/o Satyobir Chakma of village Kattoli in Longudu Upazilla of Rangamati district from his brother Meroon Chakma's house at New Mooring last night.
According to the report Mr. Meroon Chakma, who works at Suntex Garments at CEPZ, said "the RAB men came at around 11 at night. At first, three people -- one of them wearing a Burka (Muslim women's veil) -- came to our house."
"The one wearing Burka stayed at the door outside while the others entered the house", he continued. "They asked how many of us live in the house and wanted to know our names. When all of us finished telling our names they went out to the Burka-clad person and then came back a few minutes later, after consulting with that guy"
"They made us to tell our names again, and when we did, they asked my brother Sujan to go with them." he said and added, "at this stage we asked who they were, and they showed their identities."
Without warren arrested Mr. Meroon where is he, his brother Mr. Sujan is trying to contact the RAB - 7 headquarters at Patenga.
The members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Sujon Chakma (25) s/o Satyobir Chakma of village Kattoli in Longudu Upazilla of Rangamati district from his brother Meroon Chakma's house at New Mooring last night.
According to the report Mr. Meroon Chakma, who works at Suntex Garments at CEPZ, said "the RAB men came at around 11 at night. At first, three people -- one of them wearing a Burka (Muslim women's veil) -- came to our house."
"The one wearing Burka stayed at the door outside while the others entered the house", he continued. "They asked how many of us live in the house and wanted to know our names. When all of us finished telling our names they went out to the Burka-clad person and then came back a few minutes later, after consulting with that guy"
"They made us to tell our names again, and when we did, they asked my brother Sujan to go with them." he said and added, "at this stage we asked who they were, and they showed their identities."
Without warren arrested Mr. Meroon where is he, his brother Mr. Sujan is trying to contact the RAB - 7 headquarters at Patenga.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Settlers attack Jumma village in Sajek after CHT Commission's visit
Hot on the heels of the CHT Commission's visit to the area, the illegal settlers backed by a strong contingent of army personnel carried out an attack on the village of Gangaram Mukh in Sajek under Rangamati district on 9 August.
[Mukul Bikash Chakma with a member of the CHT Commission 8 Aug 2008]
There are serious allegations that army and settlers have been resorting to vengeful actions against those Jummas who gave interview to the delegation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission who visited the three districts of Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban from 7 - 10 August. The Commission visited Sajek on 8 August.
Speaking to the chtnews.com yesterday in South Khabangpujjya, Mukul Kumar Chakma s/o late Sukesh Shobhan Chakma of village Gangaram Mukh in Sajek alleged that on the night of 9 august a group of Bengali settlers backed by a group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone attacked their village and ransacked his house for giving an interview to the CHT Commission the day before.
Narrating the incident he said "Since the evening of 9 August Bengali people had been whispering among themselves (planning an attack). At 10 pm they started shouting in a chorus. Then at 11 pm we heard them calling out to each other. A few moments later I saw them coming across to our house with their torches on. I woke my wife Arati Chakma up from bed. My daughter woke up herself. I told them to take some necessary things. Thereafter, I tried to wake my son Kuchi Chakma (13). He was reluctant to get up, but I kicked him out of the bed. As we were putting our belongings in bags, the settlers gave a big shout and attacked our house. We jumped into the Kachalong River in fear and hid ourselves in the nearby jungle. From there we could hear the settlers telling (to the army personnel) 'Sir, there is none in the house'. We also heard them breaking our belongings in the house. Our family was not alone. There were about 200/250 people of the village who fled their homes. We all stayed the whole night in the jungle without a wink of sleep. The settlers kept shouting the whole night."
A farmer and a pastor, Mr. Chakma said they came back home the next morning after the settlers had gone. He continued: "The settlers ransacked the house of Buddho Dhan and the shop of Tungkala Chakma. They also ransacked the house of Hridoy Ranjan (65) and took him away. Later we came to know that he was beaten seriously. As a result he sustained injury in his head and in his right thigh, and his left arm paralysed. During the attack settlers caught some Jumma villagers who were not able to run away. After returning to the village, we came to know that the army also took part in the ransacking of our houses. They particularly searched for Pramika Chakma (a teacher of UNICEF-run Para Kendra or village centre) and asked the villagers 'Where is Pramika?' They were looking for her because she had given an interview to the CHT Commission."
He said the villagers had collected Taka 400 and given it to him to come to Khagrachari to report the incident to the CHT Commission. "I came to Dighinala on foot, traversing jungle paths. That took me 6 hours from 10 am to 4 pm. From Dighinala I phoned Ms Sarah Hossain and told her what happened after the CHT Commission had left. She advised me to contact two Jumma Advocates -- Gayana Chakma and Ashutosh Chakma. I contacted them accordingly and came to Khagrachari."
Mr. Chakma said he went back to the village on 12 August. "I went up to Jora Bridge by bus and then walked home. It took me 4 hours. When I reached home, I came to know that the CO of Baghaihat zone was searching for me. I spent the night in fear, and after dawn I lost no time to come back to Khagracahri."
He went on to say: "Now I am on the run. I never spent a single night out. If I have to keep on like this, I will join the party (UPDF). I will work for the people and for my land. (Ikko mui dhei dhei aagong. Mui kanadin ghara barey reit nah kadang. Idikkenguri thei paley mui Partyit sumim. Desh jadattei kam gurim.)
He said his family was running out of food. So were the other villagers. One kind-hearted person distributed 2 bags of rice to each of the affected families. "We got 8kgs. I grew one thousand orange saplings, but I could not sell them due to the tense situation." he lamented.
Mr. Chakma said when the CHT Commission visited their village on 8 August the villagers gave it a warm reception. "We showed them the affected areas and five of us agreed to give interviews."
The others who gave interview to the Commission included 1. Ms Pramita Chakma, 26, teacher of Unicef Para Kendra (Unicef-run village centre), 2. wife of Shuddhodhan Chakma, 3. Jiban Shanti Chakma of village Simana Para and 4. wife of Bilash Karbari or Gadabi's mother.
Of them, Shuddhodhan's wife (he could not remember her name) was beaten by the CO of Baghaihat zone, and as a result her right hand got fractured. Others have gone into hiding, fearing arrest and harassment, he said.
Bandarban
Choton Kanti Tonchongya from Bandarban said he had to go into hiding after his meeting with the CHT Commission on 10 August. "The army is searching for me" he told the chtnews.com. "An army officer asked Jolmoni Tonchongya about me and my whereabouts."
He said the day before the CHT Commission's visit to Bandarban, some people under the banner of Sacheton Chattra Samaj (Conscious Students Community) put up posters at different places in the town. The posters were about land grabbing and human rights violations in the CHT. "But the army blames me and UPDF for this. The Purbokone (a daily published form Chittagong) ran a lengthy news article about it on 13 August." he said.
chtnews.com
News No. 138/2008, August 14, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Int'l Day of the World's Indigenous People
Speakers at a discussion on Saturday said that the indigenous people are facing discrimination both from outsiders and administration. They are losing their lands. The government should intervene and ensure the rights of the indigenous communities, expressed the speakers.
The discussion was organised by 'Adhivasi Dibosh Udjapon Committee' at Tribal Cultural Institute under Sadar upazila in Khagrachhari district to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.
Chairperson of the NGO, 'Pajuriko', Nomita Chakma presided over the discussion while Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC) Chairman Monindra Lal Tripura was present as chief guest.
Speakers agreed that the indigenous people need a peaceful environment like everyone else in the country. But some settlers have been unlawfully grabbing their lands and disrupting the indigenous lifestyle.
Mentioning the extinction of many cultural events, the speakers said, as there is no bold initiative from the government and the local indigenous leaders, many age-old traditions and heritage are on the verge of being lost into oblivion.
Speakers also suggested that the government should establish cultural institutes for indigenous communities. They also urged to appoint indigenous language teachers in each primary school to ensure education in mother tongue.
They also urged the media to highlight indigenous culture and heritage.
Among others, Member Secretary of 'Adhivasi Dibosh Udjapon Committee', Beki Tripura; KHDC Councillor Sanu Mong Marma; YWCA District Chief Pratima Roaza and Organising Secretary of Tripura Kalyan Sangsad, Bibishe Tripura spoke at the programme.
After the discussion, a cultural programme was held at the venue.
The discussion was organised by 'Adhivasi Dibosh Udjapon Committee' at Tribal Cultural Institute under Sadar upazila in Khagrachhari district to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.
Chairperson of the NGO, 'Pajuriko', Nomita Chakma presided over the discussion while Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC) Chairman Monindra Lal Tripura was present as chief guest.
Speakers agreed that the indigenous people need a peaceful environment like everyone else in the country. But some settlers have been unlawfully grabbing their lands and disrupting the indigenous lifestyle.
Mentioning the extinction of many cultural events, the speakers said, as there is no bold initiative from the government and the local indigenous leaders, many age-old traditions and heritage are on the verge of being lost into oblivion.
Speakers also suggested that the government should establish cultural institutes for indigenous communities. They also urged to appoint indigenous language teachers in each primary school to ensure education in mother tongue.
They also urged the media to highlight indigenous culture and heritage.
Among others, Member Secretary of 'Adhivasi Dibosh Udjapon Committee', Beki Tripura; KHDC Councillor Sanu Mong Marma; YWCA District Chief Pratima Roaza and Organising Secretary of Tripura Kalyan Sangsad, Bibishe Tripura spoke at the programme.
After the discussion, a cultural programme was held at the venue.
CHT Commission
Govt asked to speed up peace accord execution
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) yesterday called on the government to speed up the implementation of the 1997 peace treaty for the three hill districts.
The twelve-member CHTC, re-constituted in Copenhagen in May, also called for activating the land commission and the refugee rehabilitation task force.
The delegation made the call at a press conference following a four-day visit to the three districts.
"This was a familiarisation trip to gather and establish a database on information received during and after the first mission," CHTC co-chair Lord Eric Avebury said.
The commission will make recommendations to the government, political parties and stakeholders in the light of gathered information.
Lord Avebury said individuals or groups looking to contribute to the recommendations can do so before November 30 by contacting the CHTC secretariat.
The CHTC team met indigenous peoples, military officials and settlers in the three districts and also spoke to government advisers.
"There was a common view about the urgent need for peace in the region and for implementation of the peace accord, although there were diverse views on the possible means available," Lord Avebury said.
The commission also received reports on ethnic tensions and disharmony surrounding land disputes.
One of the main tenets of the CHT peace accord was that lands would be returned to owners once their land titles were confirmed through a survey.
CHTC co-chair Sultana Kamal, CHTC members M Zafar Iqbal, Swapan Adnan and Sara Hossain were present at the press conference.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) yesterday called on the government to speed up the implementation of the 1997 peace treaty for the three hill districts.
The twelve-member CHTC, re-constituted in Copenhagen in May, also called for activating the land commission and the refugee rehabilitation task force.
The delegation made the call at a press conference following a four-day visit to the three districts.
"This was a familiarisation trip to gather and establish a database on information received during and after the first mission," CHTC co-chair Lord Eric Avebury said.
The commission will make recommendations to the government, political parties and stakeholders in the light of gathered information.
Lord Avebury said individuals or groups looking to contribute to the recommendations can do so before November 30 by contacting the CHTC secretariat.
The CHTC team met indigenous peoples, military officials and settlers in the three districts and also spoke to government advisers.
"There was a common view about the urgent need for peace in the region and for implementation of the peace accord, although there were diverse views on the possible means available," Lord Avebury said.
The commission also received reports on ethnic tensions and disharmony surrounding land disputes.
One of the main tenets of the CHT peace accord was that lands would be returned to owners once their land titles were confirmed through a survey.
CHTC co-chair Sultana Kamal, CHTC members M Zafar Iqbal, Swapan Adnan and Sara Hossain were present at the press conference.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
UP member arrested in Barkal
The Bangladesh border security force, Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), personnel on 9 August arrested Laltu Lal Chakma, 45, s/o late Suresh Moni Chakma of Aimachara from Barkal bazaar. He is an incumbent member of Aimachara Union.
The BDR arrested him at around 2pm without any warrant, handed him over to the police and falsely implicated him in previously filed cases.
He has been sent to Rangamati jail.
chtnews.com
News No. 137/2008, August 13, 2008
The BDR arrested him at around 2pm without any warrant, handed him over to the police and falsely implicated him in previously filed cases.
He has been sent to Rangamati jail.
chtnews.com
News No. 137/2008, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Three indigenous Jumma arrested in Belaichari
The chtnews.com reported 3 indigenous Jumma have been arrested in Belaichari under Rangamati district yesterday.
A group of army personnel led by Major Fakruddin of Digholchari zone made the arrest around 4 pm while the UPDF members were on their way to the village of Down Nuopara for an interview with Ms Shanti Devi Chakma, 40, who was reportedly raped on 4 August by some army soldiers.
The arrested activist members are Tarun Kumar Tonchongya, 28, s/o Phuleshwar Tonchongya of village Moghachari Moanpara under Moidong Union in Jurachari Upazila and Nagor Chakma alias Kammuo, 22, s/o Ajit Kumar Chakma of village West Dewan Para under Sabekyong Union in Naniachar Upazila.
They were arrested from a shop at Amtola in Belaichari Sadar.
Later, the soldiers also arrested a villager named Sukh Moni Chakma (19) s/o Tarani Chakma from Rajdhan Chara village under Belaichari Sadar Union.
At 9 pm the arrested Jummas were handed over to Belaichari police station and a case (No. 1, 11 August 2008) was filed against them under section 19A of the Arms Act.
chtnews.com
News No. 136/2008, August 12, 2008
A group of army personnel led by Major Fakruddin of Digholchari zone made the arrest around 4 pm while the UPDF members were on their way to the village of Down Nuopara for an interview with Ms Shanti Devi Chakma, 40, who was reportedly raped on 4 August by some army soldiers.
The arrested activist members are Tarun Kumar Tonchongya, 28, s/o Phuleshwar Tonchongya of village Moghachari Moanpara under Moidong Union in Jurachari Upazila and Nagor Chakma alias Kammuo, 22, s/o Ajit Kumar Chakma of village West Dewan Para under Sabekyong Union in Naniachar Upazila.
They were arrested from a shop at Amtola in Belaichari Sadar.
Later, the soldiers also arrested a villager named Sukh Moni Chakma (19) s/o Tarani Chakma from Rajdhan Chara village under Belaichari Sadar Union.
At 9 pm the arrested Jummas were handed over to Belaichari police station and a case (No. 1, 11 August 2008) was filed against them under section 19A of the Arms Act.
chtnews.com
News No. 136/2008, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Int'l Day of the World's Indigenous People
Speakers at a discussion on Saturday said that the indigenous people are facing discrimination both from outsiders and administration. They are losing their lands. The government should intervene and ensure the rights of the indigenous communities, expressed the speakers.
The discussion was organised by 'Adhivasi Dibosh Udjapon Committee' at Tribal Cultural Institute under Sadar upazila in Khagrachhari district to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.
Chairperson of the NGO, 'Pajuriko', Nomita Chakma presided over the discussion while Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC) Chairman Monindra Lal Tripura was present as chief guest.
Speakers agreed that the indigenous people need a peaceful environment like everyone else in the country. But some settlers have been unlawfully grabbing their lands and disrupting the indigenous lifestyle.
Mentioning the extinction of many cultural events, the speakers said, as there is no bold initiative from the government and the local indigenous leaders, many age-old traditions and heritage are on the verge of being lost into oblivion.
Speakers also suggested that the government should establish cultural institutes for indigenous communities. They also urged to appoint indigenous language teachers in each primary school to ensure education in mother tongue.
They also urged the media to highlight indigenous culture and heritage.
Among others, Member Secretary of 'Adhivasi Dibosh Udjapon Committee', Beki Tripura; KHDC Councillor Sanu Mong Marma; YWCA District Chief Pratima Roaza and Organising Secretary of Tripura Kalyan Sangsad, Bibishe Tripura spoke at the programme.
After the discussion, a cultural programme was held at the venue.
Sources-http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=49985
The discussion was organised by 'Adhivasi Dibosh Udjapon Committee' at Tribal Cultural Institute under Sadar upazila in Khagrachhari district to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.
Chairperson of the NGO, 'Pajuriko', Nomita Chakma presided over the discussion while Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC) Chairman Monindra Lal Tripura was present as chief guest.
Speakers agreed that the indigenous people need a peaceful environment like everyone else in the country. But some settlers have been unlawfully grabbing their lands and disrupting the indigenous lifestyle.
Mentioning the extinction of many cultural events, the speakers said, as there is no bold initiative from the government and the local indigenous leaders, many age-old traditions and heritage are on the verge of being lost into oblivion.
Speakers also suggested that the government should establish cultural institutes for indigenous communities. They also urged to appoint indigenous language teachers in each primary school to ensure education in mother tongue.
They also urged the media to highlight indigenous culture and heritage.
Among others, Member Secretary of 'Adhivasi Dibosh Udjapon Committee', Beki Tripura; KHDC Councillor Sanu Mong Marma; YWCA District Chief Pratima Roaza and Organising Secretary of Tripura Kalyan Sangsad, Bibishe Tripura spoke at the programme.
After the discussion, a cultural programme was held at the venue.
Sources-http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=49985
CHT commission ends Bandarban visit
A team of International Commission for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs left Bandarban hill district after completing their four-day long visit on Sunday night.
Led by British MP Eric Reginald Lubbock, the team included USA citizen Thomas Christian Eskildsen, Dutch citizen MS Adrienne Maria Jacoba Arens and their Bangladeshi partners Dr Meghna Guha Thakurata, Dr Jafar Iqbal, Dr Shawpan Adnan and barrister Sara Hossain.
Two other groups of the commission also visited Rangamati and Khagrachari Hill District simultaneously.
The commission members met with the circle chiefs (Raja), army officials, chairman of the Hill District Councils, district administration, civil society members and indigenous and Bangalee people separately.
Source- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=50050
Led by British MP Eric Reginald Lubbock, the team included USA citizen Thomas Christian Eskildsen, Dutch citizen MS Adrienne Maria Jacoba Arens and their Bangladeshi partners Dr Meghna Guha Thakurata, Dr Jafar Iqbal, Dr Shawpan Adnan and barrister Sara Hossain.
Two other groups of the commission also visited Rangamati and Khagrachari Hill District simultaneously.
The commission members met with the circle chiefs (Raja), army officials, chairman of the Hill District Councils, district administration, civil society members and indigenous and Bangalee people separately.
Source- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=50050
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Innocent villager tortured in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 135/2008, August 10, 2008
On 5 August, an innocent Jumma villager was subjected to inhuman torture in the village of Down under Belaichari Upazila in Rangamati district.
The army personnel tortured Tukkya Tongchongya s/o Heng Chandra Tongchongya on the charge of providing support to the Jumma activists.
His right leg has been fractured as a result of the beating. The army personnel led by Captain Tanvir, commander of Meranghcara army camp, also searched his house.
News No. 135/2008, August 10, 2008
On 5 August, an innocent Jumma villager was subjected to inhuman torture in the village of Down under Belaichari Upazila in Rangamati district.
The army personnel tortured Tukkya Tongchongya s/o Heng Chandra Tongchongya on the charge of providing support to the Jumma activists.
His right leg has been fractured as a result of the beating. The army personnel led by Captain Tanvir, commander of Meranghcara army camp, also searched his house.
Jumma woman raped, her sons tortured in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 134/2008, August 10, 2008
A Jumma woman was reported to have been raped in Belaichari under Rangamati district on 4 August.
The sources said at around 2 p.m. on that day a group of Bangladesh army personnel led by Captain Tanvir from Merangchara camp raided the village of Down Nuopara in Belaichari Sadar. The soldiers met Ms Shanti Devi Chakma, 40, w/o Lakshmi Chakma near the village and raped her.
They also beat up her two sons -- Ranjan Chakma, 20, and Rubel Chakma, 11.
The army men searched their house, destroyed the utensils and looted away the valuables.
News No. 134/2008, August 10, 2008
A Jumma woman was reported to have been raped in Belaichari under Rangamati district on 4 August.
The sources said at around 2 p.m. on that day a group of Bangladesh army personnel led by Captain Tanvir from Merangchara camp raided the village of Down Nuopara in Belaichari Sadar. The soldiers met Ms Shanti Devi Chakma, 40, w/o Lakshmi Chakma near the village and raped her.
They also beat up her two sons -- Ranjan Chakma, 20, and Rubel Chakma, 11.
The army men searched their house, destroyed the utensils and looted away the valuables.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Two Jumma youths arrested in Dudukchara
chtnews.com
News No. 133/2008, August 08, 2008
On 5 August, two Jumma youths were arrested in Dudukchara of Pujgang area under Panchari Thana in Khagrachari district.
Sources said at around 1 p.m. of that day a group of Bangladesh Rifles led by Subedar Md. Azad form Dudukchara camp (38 Rifle Battalion) raided the village and arrested Tepantor Chakma, 23, of village Brazo Mohan Para and Nicholas Chakma, 20, s/o Bersingh Chakma of village Shanti Ranjan Para from a meeting of the Democratic Youth Forum.
Nicholas Chakma is the General Secretary of the DYF Shanti Ranjan Para unit while Tepantor Chakma is a student.
The members of the border security force took them to the camp, and thereafter handed them over to the Panchari police station on 6 August. The police sent them to Khagrachari jail.
News No. 133/2008, August 08, 2008
On 5 August, two Jumma youths were arrested in Dudukchara of Pujgang area under Panchari Thana in Khagrachari district.
Sources said at around 1 p.m. of that day a group of Bangladesh Rifles led by Subedar Md. Azad form Dudukchara camp (38 Rifle Battalion) raided the village and arrested Tepantor Chakma, 23, of village Brazo Mohan Para and Nicholas Chakma, 20, s/o Bersingh Chakma of village Shanti Ranjan Para from a meeting of the Democratic Youth Forum.
Nicholas Chakma is the General Secretary of the DYF Shanti Ranjan Para unit while Tepantor Chakma is a student.
The members of the border security force took them to the camp, and thereafter handed them over to the Panchari police station on 6 August. The police sent them to Khagrachari jail.
7 hurt in clash over land in Khagrachari
chtnews.com
News No. 132/2008, August 08, 2008
At least 5 Jummas and 2 Bengalis were injured in a clash over a piece of land in Chinginala under Khagrachari Pourashova (Municipality) yesterday.
The clash erupted at about 8 in the morning when a group of 15 - 20 Bengali people led by Nazir Mian attacked the Jummas who were erecting bamboo fence around a piece of land measuring 27 decimal. The land was disputed by Nazir Mian, but after a hearing both the Deputy Commissioner and the District Council of Khagrachari adjudged the land to belong to Apru Marma and Sathoai Marma.
Eyewitnesses said the Bengalis were armed with dao (a kind of knife), axes and hokey sticks. They went on a rampage, attacking the Jummas working on the land. The attackers also smashed the fence.
The five Jummas injured in the attack have been identified as Aungyo Marma, 40, s/o Mongshey Marma, Mrachathoai Marma, 42, s/o Aphoaichey Marma, Ms Paichi Marma, 18, Ms Madhuri Marma, 20, and Suiching Marma.
Of the injured Jummas, Aungyo Marma got his left ear cut, Mrachathoai was hit in the left hand and Suiching Marma sustained injuries on the left side of his chest when he was hit with a dao.
The Jummas tried to defend themselves but they were no match for the Bengalis who were armed to the hilt. Two Bengalis were also injured. One of them has been identified as Zahir Ahmed.
After hearing the news of the attack, around 150 Jummas thronged there but by that time the attack had been done, and groups of army and police personnel had reached the spot.
The army made no arrest of the attackers but took the injured Jummas into their custody in the name of providing medical care. Many fear that they might be implicated in false cases and sent to jail.
Some of the attackers have been identified as Nazir Mian (65), Fatik (40), Munir (20), Selim (18), Mamun, Kashem and Bachaya.
News No. 132/2008, August 08, 2008
At least 5 Jummas and 2 Bengalis were injured in a clash over a piece of land in Chinginala under Khagrachari Pourashova (Municipality) yesterday.
The clash erupted at about 8 in the morning when a group of 15 - 20 Bengali people led by Nazir Mian attacked the Jummas who were erecting bamboo fence around a piece of land measuring 27 decimal. The land was disputed by Nazir Mian, but after a hearing both the Deputy Commissioner and the District Council of Khagrachari adjudged the land to belong to Apru Marma and Sathoai Marma.
Eyewitnesses said the Bengalis were armed with dao (a kind of knife), axes and hokey sticks. They went on a rampage, attacking the Jummas working on the land. The attackers also smashed the fence.
The five Jummas injured in the attack have been identified as Aungyo Marma, 40, s/o Mongshey Marma, Mrachathoai Marma, 42, s/o Aphoaichey Marma, Ms Paichi Marma, 18, Ms Madhuri Marma, 20, and Suiching Marma.
Of the injured Jummas, Aungyo Marma got his left ear cut, Mrachathoai was hit in the left hand and Suiching Marma sustained injuries on the left side of his chest when he was hit with a dao.
The Jummas tried to defend themselves but they were no match for the Bengalis who were armed to the hilt. Two Bengalis were also injured. One of them has been identified as Zahir Ahmed.
After hearing the news of the attack, around 150 Jummas thronged there but by that time the attack had been done, and groups of army and police personnel had reached the spot.
The army made no arrest of the attackers but took the injured Jummas into their custody in the name of providing medical care. Many fear that they might be implicated in false cases and sent to jail.
Some of the attackers have been identified as Nazir Mian (65), Fatik (40), Munir (20), Selim (18), Mamun, Kashem and Bachaya.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Indigenous people in CHT become victim of land grabbing, displacement
Sources- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=49331
Indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) are now under threat from large-scale displacement due to land grabbing, setting up of parks and social forestation, Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum (BIPF) leaders said yesterday.
The situation might worsen further due to the absence of constitutional recognition of indigenous people's identity and rights, lack of effective policy, non-implementation of the CHT Treaty and non-functioning of the CHT Land Commission, BIPF leaders said at a press conference at the National Press Club in the capital on the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People to be observed on Saturday with the theme "Indigenous People's Economic and Social Rights".
"The indigenous people are in a bad condition as they are increasingly falling victims to land grabbing," said BIPF President Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, popularly known as Santu Larma.
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly decided to celebrate the day on August 9 every year adopting a resolution on December 23, 1994.
The BIPF has taken elaborate programmes including discussion, seminar, rally, fair, film show, photography exhibition and traditional dance programmes to observe the day.
Although Bangladesh is a member of the UN, the government neither observed the day at state level nor took any step to ensure the rights of indigenous people as per the recommendations by the UN or international communities, said Santu Larma, also the chief of the CHT Regional Council.
Referring to the UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People, he said the indigenous people cannot be ousted from their lands.
“The rulers over the years remained indifferent to our demands for autonomy and constitutional recognition. They have never paid heed to the demands for ensuring indigenous people's rights, implementing the CHT Treaty and ending eviction of the indigenous people in the name of creating eco parks and social forestation,” Santu Larma said.
The land rights of indigenous people are yet to be recognised in Modhupur where the government is implementing social forestation project forcibly while the lands of the indigenous people in north Bengal are still shown as khas lands, he said.
“Land grabbers in connivance with the administration are ousting indigenous people from their lands,” the BIPF chief said citing the example of torching the houses of indigenous people at Uttar Kazipara in Naogaon on November 5 last year.
The BIPF leaders also mentioned the death of Chalesh Richhil, an indigenous leader of Modhupur, under law enforcers' custody, filing of cases against at least 50 indigenous people and strengthening "the settler rehabilitation programme in the CHT."
"Seven villages of indigenous people at Sajek in Rangamati were set ablaze on April 20 to rehabilitate outsiders,” they said.
On implementation of the CHT Treaty, Santu Larma said, “The fundamental aspects of the treaty are yet to be implemented due to lack of government initiative. Now the process of its implementation remains stuck.”
Commenting on the CHT Land Commission, which settles land disputes between indigenous communities and settlers in the region, he said the indigenous people proposed 19 amendments to the land commission law since its enactment in 2001, but the government is yet to make any move.
Besides, the district council and regional council laws are yet to be implemented, he said, adding that election to the district and regional councils of CHT could not be held as the voter list was not prepared on the basis of the permanent residents.
The BIPF leaders demanded separate ministry and land commission for the indigenous people living on plain lands and also reserved seats for indigenous people in union, upazila, and zilla parishads and the Jatiya Sangsad.
Sanjeeb Drong, Rabindranath Saren, Chaitali Tripura and Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University were also present.
Indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) are now under threat from large-scale displacement due to land grabbing, setting up of parks and social forestation, Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum (BIPF) leaders said yesterday.
The situation might worsen further due to the absence of constitutional recognition of indigenous people's identity and rights, lack of effective policy, non-implementation of the CHT Treaty and non-functioning of the CHT Land Commission, BIPF leaders said at a press conference at the National Press Club in the capital on the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People to be observed on Saturday with the theme "Indigenous People's Economic and Social Rights".
"The indigenous people are in a bad condition as they are increasingly falling victims to land grabbing," said BIPF President Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, popularly known as Santu Larma.
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly decided to celebrate the day on August 9 every year adopting a resolution on December 23, 1994.
The BIPF has taken elaborate programmes including discussion, seminar, rally, fair, film show, photography exhibition and traditional dance programmes to observe the day.
Although Bangladesh is a member of the UN, the government neither observed the day at state level nor took any step to ensure the rights of indigenous people as per the recommendations by the UN or international communities, said Santu Larma, also the chief of the CHT Regional Council.
Referring to the UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People, he said the indigenous people cannot be ousted from their lands.
“The rulers over the years remained indifferent to our demands for autonomy and constitutional recognition. They have never paid heed to the demands for ensuring indigenous people's rights, implementing the CHT Treaty and ending eviction of the indigenous people in the name of creating eco parks and social forestation,” Santu Larma said.
The land rights of indigenous people are yet to be recognised in Modhupur where the government is implementing social forestation project forcibly while the lands of the indigenous people in north Bengal are still shown as khas lands, he said.
“Land grabbers in connivance with the administration are ousting indigenous people from their lands,” the BIPF chief said citing the example of torching the houses of indigenous people at Uttar Kazipara in Naogaon on November 5 last year.
The BIPF leaders also mentioned the death of Chalesh Richhil, an indigenous leader of Modhupur, under law enforcers' custody, filing of cases against at least 50 indigenous people and strengthening "the settler rehabilitation programme in the CHT."
"Seven villages of indigenous people at Sajek in Rangamati were set ablaze on April 20 to rehabilitate outsiders,” they said.
On implementation of the CHT Treaty, Santu Larma said, “The fundamental aspects of the treaty are yet to be implemented due to lack of government initiative. Now the process of its implementation remains stuck.”
Commenting on the CHT Land Commission, which settles land disputes between indigenous communities and settlers in the region, he said the indigenous people proposed 19 amendments to the land commission law since its enactment in 2001, but the government is yet to make any move.
Besides, the district council and regional council laws are yet to be implemented, he said, adding that election to the district and regional councils of CHT could not be held as the voter list was not prepared on the basis of the permanent residents.
The BIPF leaders demanded separate ministry and land commission for the indigenous people living on plain lands and also reserved seats for indigenous people in union, upazila, and zilla parishads and the Jatiya Sangsad.
Sanjeeb Drong, Rabindranath Saren, Chaitali Tripura and Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University were also present.
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