Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Army camp grabs 20 acres, evicts 3 families in Harinathpara

Three Jumma families have been displaced in Harinathpara under Golabari Union of Khagrachari district after an army camp was built there in April 2007.

The camp was relocated from Jadurampara in Kamalchari to Jonglitila situated in the middle of two villages Harinathpara and Guamahat. The army ousted three Jumma families who had been living there for many years and forcibly occupied about 20 acres of land belonging to six Jummas, including those evicted.

The soldiers also destroyed their orchards and fruit threes, and cut down bamboos and other valuable trees like teak and Gamar.

The displaced have been identified as Karunamoy Chakma, aged 55, s/o Nagor Chakma, Shantimoy Chakma, aged 35, s/o Chiringya Chakma and Charu Bikash Chakma, aged 35, s/o Shobhadhan Chakma.

Karunamoy Chakma told chtnews.com that after returning from refugee camp in Tripura, India in 1997, his family had settled there with permission from the local headman, Aungkyoching Chowdhury. He had grown different kinds of fruit trees such as jackfruit, mango, litchi, orange and plum, and planted bamboo, teak and Gamar tree.

He said until he was evicted in 2007, his family had been living there without any trouble and hindrance. "I had 5 acres of land there. Now the army is using it as a helipad." he said.

Now he has built a house on a piece of land belonging to Satish Chandra Chakma in the same village.

He said "I appealed to the CO. He said 'since you are returnee refugee we will give you money' (as compensation). I don't know the CO's name. He said the land belonged to the government. I went to him couple of times. At one stage, he called me names and said 'you bustard! You will smile the other side of your face, you know, if I have you lathi-charged (caned).' Finally, I gave up on it, and asked for seven days for the house to be dismantled and shifted. He gave me five days. Now I have become completely landless, not even owning an inch of land. I have got three sons and three daughters."

Like him, Charu Bikash Chakma was also forcibly ousted from his land. His family has now moved to Akkoychara Adam, about one and a half miles from Harinathpara village.

Those interviewed said the land on which the main camp-house has been built belongs to Charu Bikash Chakma and his father. They had two houses there, but they were destroyed.

Shantimoy Chakma alleged that the army has occupied 5 acres of third class hilly land belonging to him. He had been in the possession of the land for the last 35 years.

In an interview with the chtnews.com on 10 September 2008, Mr. Chakma said "I grew teak, Gamar and banana plantation there. About one and a half months ago, an army officer from the newly built Jonglitila camp called me and said that all my land was now under the control of the army camp. He virtually told me that his camp belonged all the land that he 'surveyed in all directions'. Ten to 12 days ago, the army got the settlers to clear the area. I had some 2nd class land within these 5 acres, and I used to grow vegetables there; but I am not being allowed to do that in this season."

Satish Chandra Chakma, aged 55, s/o Nishi Kumar Chakma had two acres of third class hilly land and 15 decimal of second class land. He and his family had been living there for 50 years. Apart from bamboo, they had also grown teak, Gamar, coconut, jackfruit, orange and lemon trees. Now the whole land has been occupied by the army.

In an interview he said "I appealed to the Chairman (UP) and the Headman, but noting came out. The army cut down the trees, and then trucks load of wood logs were supplied to the Zone, but we had to watch it helplessly. When we tried to protest, they threatened us."

His brother Tarun Kanti Chakma's (36) 3 acres of land has also been occupied. "The army cut down about 100 banana trees and 50 pieces of Bajjey bamboo. I had over 100 teak and Gamar trees, which were 12 to 14 years old. Now they don't allow me to sell them away. Everything has gone." Mr. Chakma alleged.

Asked if he lodged any protest or sought redress, he said "From whom shall I seek justice? The army said 'you can go anywhere, even to our higher authority, to lodge a complaint, but we need this area.'"

A few days ago, his wife was taking a banana bunch from their orchard. But when the soldiers objected, she, out of anger and grief, cut it to pieces in front of the army men and walked away.

The army also grabbed about 2 acres of land belonging to Nayan Chakma, 35, s/o Joy Dharat Chakma. He had grown about 500 pieces of teak trees. He said "the army cut down the teak trees and built their camp with these trees. Some of logs from these trees are still kept in the camp. My land is situated to the west of the main camp."

Asked if he lodged a protest, Nayana said "What could we have done! They just came and cut down the trees in a swift manner. We asked for compensation but they refused to pay, and said all our lands would be put under the control of the camp. We were forced to break down our houses. Now I built my house anew near the old one. They (army) are kept silent about it, but I don't know how long we would be allowed to live here. A few days ago, Major Rabbi told us not to plant anything or to make fire in our own land."

chtnews.com
News No. 162/2008, October 28, 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

Registration of CHT regional parties with EC uncertain

THE hope for the two regional political parties of the Chittagong Hill Tracts to participate in the upcoming elections following the Election Commission's registration process has come to an end, writes Fazle Elahi in the Suprabhat Bangladesh, a Bengali daily published from Chittagong.

In the news article published today, 27 October, Mr. Elahi attributed this fate of the CHT regional parties to the absence of provision for registration of any regional political party in the EC-announced registration process.

"Yet, the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) and Parbattya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) have applied for registration with the EC," he said and added that the Commission has yet to make any comments about their application.

"The complication with regard to registration has led to resentment among the leaders and workers of these two parties." he said.

The report said Ujjal Smriti Chakma, a central committee member of the UPDF, had admitted that his party has applied for registration and quoted him as saying "we have applied after fulfilling all the necessary conditions, but if the EC refuses to register us, then that would be a grave mistake on its part."

"Mr. Chakma said the EC has not made any specific provision for the registration of the regional parties, and added that the EC is making a mistake similar to the one made by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman." Mr. Elahi's report said.

"He went on to warn the EC, saying the EC must bear the responsibility if any untoward consequences result in the future because of their mistakes. This is a deep conspiracy to keep the Jumma people away from democratic process." the report further said.

The report said the CHT people are worried about the fallout of a possible denial of the EC to register the two powerful regional political parties -- UPDF and JSS. "This has become a subject of discussion everywhere in CHT." it added.

The reporter said he had contacted couple of JSS leaders for comments but they declined, saying they had instruction not to say anything about it.

The report also said that the so-called Sama Adhikar Andolon, a platform of a section of the Bengali settlers in CHT, has not applied for registration because they do not consider their organisation to be a political one.

chtnews.com
News No. 161/2008, October 27, 2008

Sunday, October 26, 2008

One kidnapped in Subholong

ONE person has been kidnapped by armed terrorists in Subholong Union of Barkal Thana in Rangamati district.

Joyonto Sen Chakma, aged 55, also kwon as Bhorot Boidyo s/o Kalachand Chakma was kidnapped from a place called Narkel Bagan at around 4 pm yesterday, 24 October, when he was returning from Subholong bazaar. He is from South Ukchari village.

Quoting eyewitnesses, a human rights activist in Rangamati town told chtnews.com on condition that his name be not mentioned in this report for security concerns that the terrorists had asked Joyonto Sen his name, and when he had told them his name, they took him away at gun point.

"I have been told that the armed terrorists led him away towards Billochara" he further said and added that they are patronized by a powerful member of the Regional Council in Rangamati.

The victim is a traditional village healer, locally known as Boidyo. The reason for his kidnapping could not be known.

chtnews.com
News No. 160/2008, October 25, 2008

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Mong Raja" Paihalaprue Chowdhury dies in road crash

Marma Circle Chief -- locally known as the "Mong Raja" -- Paihalaprue Chowdhury was killed in a road accident at Ramgarh upazila of the hilly district Khagrachhari this morning, our Khagrachhari correspondent reports. He was 52.

Another 28-year-old woman, named Maleka Begum, of the district was also killed while several others sustained injuries in the accident.

The accident took place at about 7:00am when the driver of a Saudia Paribahan, carrying the Mong circle chief from the capital to Khagrachhari, lost control over the steering and toppled down on a nearly 100 feet roadside ditch, killing the "Raja" and the woman on the spot, our correspondent reports.

The injured were rushed to Ramgarh Upazila Health Complex.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Army 2-IC accused of ordering settlers to grab Jumma's land

Villagers of Gangaram Doar in Sajek alleged that the second-in-command of Baghaihat army zone has ordered the illegal settlers to grab 10 acres of land belonging to four Jummas.

Speaking to the chtnews.com Mr Hridoy Ranjan Chakma said on 14 October, the 2-IC went to Gongaram Doar village and announced that 40 settler families would be settled there.

"Turning to the Bengali settlers who accompanied him, the army commander said 'from now on you will live here", Mr Chakma alleged.

"Of the 10 acres, 2 acres belong to me, 1 acre to Ms Arati Chakma, 2 acres to Lalu Chakma and one and a half acres to Buddha Dhan Chakma." he further said. "The rest belong to other Jumma villagers."

Hridoy Ranjan Chakma came to Khagrachari town on 15 October to seek advice from the UPDF leaders about the impending forcible encroachment of their lands.

Mr Chakma was one of the four Jummas whose houses came under attack on 9 August for speaking to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission. The settlers beat him severely during the attack.

On 28 August, he was present at a press conference in Dhaka in which he and other victims demanded immediate withdrawal of the settlers from Sajek.

chtnews.com
News No. 159/2008, October 17, 2008

UPDF urges government to reinstate Buddha statues in Bhujulichuk

THE United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) has urged the government to reinstate the Buddha statues removed from Bhujulichuk Buddhist meditation centre in Lakshmichari of Khagrachari district.

In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari district on 7 October, UPDF's District Organiser Apu Chakma wrote: "On 23 September 2008, a group of 20 - 22 army personnel led by Captain Islam, commander of Shuknachari Indra Singh Para camp, went to Bhujulichuk Meditation Centre situated on the hill top of Bhujulichuk, stayed there overnight and then took away four Buddha statues from the said meditation centre the next day."

The letter also narrated the previous army assaults on the meditation centre and harassment of the Buddhist monks there.

Terming Bangladesh as a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural country, UPDF leader Mr. Apu Chakma said "each and every government (of Bangladesh) has spoken of the rights of the citizens to practice their own religion, and the constitution of the country also guarantees this right. But yet, it is beyond our comprehension as to why and under which authority of law a few army personnel continue to attack religious institutions and encroach upon the religious rights of the citizens."

The letter said repeated attacks on religious institutions like Bhujulichuk Meditation Centre and harassment of the meditating monks has caused resentment among the Buddhist community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

"We think you should play more energetic role to make sure that each and every religious community in your district are able to practice its own religion without any hindrance" the letter told the DC.

It also urged the Deputy Commissioner to investigate the military interventions in Bhujulichuk Meditation Centre and take measures to ensure congenial atmosphere for practicing meditation there, to punish those responsible for the attacks on BMC and to stop religious persecution in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

chtnews.com
News No. 158/2008, October 17, 2008

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Moung fails to get back his BD taka 5,000

Ex-combatant Mr. Moung Marma came to Rangamati yesterday with a hope of meeting Mr. Jyotirinra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu Larma). Mr. Moung now lives at Manikchari of Khagarachari Hill District with his family. This time he came to meet Mr. Larma to get back his BD Taka 5,000 to negotiate his serious family crisis and know about the latest status of the UNDP-CHTDF programme to rehabilitate the ex-combatants. Moung has been seriously frustrated for failing to meet Mr. Larma. He could neither meet Mr. Larma and managed to draw the money lying with him nor he had money for food and return journey. As a result he went to meet Mr. Rupayan Dewan and Mr. Chandra Sekhar Chakma, two JSS seniors for help. They, however, have supported Moung with some money for return journey and food.

Moung bought a share from his 50,000 BD Taka he got from the Governmnet to negotiaite his immediate needs for running an institutionalised business by the ex-combatants. This is noteworthy that each ex-combatant received BD Taka 50,000 from the Government soon after their coming to over ground for meeting up their immediate needs. And the JSS immediately raised a business fund from all of them with shares of BD Taka 5,000 each. Moung actually came to Mr. Larma for getting back the share-money which has been lying with Mr. Larma for the last 11 years.

By CHT Ex-Combatants

Pele is visited by JSS senior members

Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma Pele who was released from Khagarachari jail after 16 months on bail has been visited by JSS senior leaders at his home at Khagarachari district headquarters. Mr. Chandra Sekhar Chakma, Central Committee Member who served three consecutive terms for 11 years for the post of General Secretary; Advocate Saktiman Chakma, Central Committee Member and Secretary for Law related Affairs of the immediate past committee; Mr. Rupayan Dewan, Central Committee Member and the Vice-President of the immediate past committee and Mr. Angshuman Chakma, Head, Political Department, Office of the President paid a two-day courtesy visit to Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma on the 9th instant. They left Rangamti in the morning of the 9th and returned Rangamati in the evening of the next day. Chandra Sekhar Chakma and Rupayan Dewan spent the night at Parjatan motel. They have found Mr. Pele morally strong for his political commitment but have felt the immediate need of medical check-up and treatment.

By CHT Ex-Combatants

Pele is visited by JSS senior members

Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma Pele who was released from Khagarachari jail after 16 months on bail has been visited by JSS senior leaders at his home at Khagarachari district headquarters. Mr. Chandra Sekhar Chakma, Central Committee Member who served three consecutive terms for 11 years for the post of General Secretary; Advocate Saktiman Chakma, Central Committee Member and Secretary for Law related Affairs of the immediate past committee; Mr. Rupayan Dewan, Central Committee Member and the Vice-President of the immediate past committee and Mr. Angshuman Chakma, Head, Political Department, Office of the President paid a two-day courtesy visit to Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma on the 9th instant. They left Rangamti in the morning of the 9th and returned Rangamati in the evening of the next day. Chandra Sekhar Chakma and Rupayan Dewan spent the night at Parjatan motel. They have found Mr. Pele morally strong for his political commitment but have felt the immediate need of medical check-up and treatment.

By CHT Ex-Combatants

UPDF demands release of Ranglai Murung

THE United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and its front organisations in a letter addressed to the Chief Adviser on 13 October expressed concern about the deteriorating health condition of Ranglai Murung and demanded his immediate release.

Mr. Ranglai Murung, headman of Reingkhyong Mouza and chairman of Sualok Union in Bandarban district, was arrested by joint forces of army and police personnel on 23 February last year from his Ujanipara residence. He was charged with possessing illegal arms and was sentenced to 17 years in jail by a speedy trail tribunal.

The letter was signed by UPDF's central committee member Sachib Chakma, Hill Women's Federation president Sonali Chakma, Democratic Youth Forum's publication secretary Alakesh Chakma and Hill Students Council president Ricoh Chakma.

They said "We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating health condition of Mr. Ranglai Murung, a member of Murung nationality in Bandarban district of Chittagong Hill Tracts, who is now being detained in Chittagong jail."

Terming the failure of the authorities concerned to provide Mr. Murung better treatment as discriminatory, they said "so far the government has arranged better treatment for many prisoners being detained on corruption charges. Not only that, it has released many of them on parole so that they can recieve medical treatment abroad. However, it is regrettable that in the case of Mr. Ranglai Murung, the government has completely failed to make such an arrangement as per advice of his attending doctors."

About his trial, the leaders said it has never been "fair and impartial" and added that there had been allegations that the army intimidated the witnesses so as to influence the proceeding of the trial.

"We think the arrest and trial of Ranglai Murung is politically motivated. Since long before his arrest, he had been campaigning for the protection of the rights his Murung nationality, and he was particularly vocal against military attempts to grab their traditional and community-owned lands in Bandarban." the letter further said.

The leaders also demanded that the false charges brought against him be withdrawn, an impartial inquiry be ordered to probe physical torture that he was meted out immediately after arrest and those responsible be brought to justice.

chtnews.com
News No. 157/2008, October 15, 2008

Sunday, October 5, 2008

So-called Sama Adhikar leader arrested

A leader of the so-called Sama Adhikar Andolan, a platform of a section of the Bengali settlers, has been arrested for setting fire to the newly built settler houses in Char Mile area under Baghaichari Upazila in Rangamati district.

One source said the houses were set on fire in the small hours yesterday, 4 October. About 15 houses were burnt to ashes. The motive of the culprits was to fan communal tension by putting the blame on the Jumma people and create a pretext to launch an attack on their villages a la 20 April Sajek attack.

But in the morning it became clear to all who actually set the fire, and Selim Uddin Bahari, president of Baghatichari Unit of the Sama Adhikar Andolan, was immediately arrested.

His arrest led to a brief fight between a section of the settlers and the BDR and police personnel, and a number of BDR and police personnel were reportedly injured when the settlers pelted brickbats at them.

Police arrested another four settlers from the scene, sources further said. The arrested were sent to the Baghaichari police station.

Selim Uddin Bahari was one of the masterminds behind the 20 April deadly settler attack in Sajek in which 77 Jumma houses were burnt down. The Jummas are still reeling from the said attack.

chtnews.com
News No. 156/2008, October 05, 2008

Rally marking Children's Week in Khagrachari

Huang Boi-o-ba, a community library organisation, organised various activities including a rally to mark the National Children's Week today.

Led by Huang Boi-o-ba president Ms Daisy Chakma and General Secretary Jemin Chakma, the rally took off at 10 am from Swanirbhor bazaar and went up to Chengi Square. Around 100 children took part in the rally, carrying a banner and placards.

The rally was soon followed by a cultural function, which was held at Perachara UP Auditorium. The children sang songs and recited poems and rhymes.

A discussion is scheduled to be held in the afternoon. Ex-teacher and educationist Ananta Bihari Khisha, retired professor Modhu Mongol Chakma and ex-principal of Khagrachari Government College, Bodhisatwa Chakma will attend as the special guests.

As part of the programme to mark the Children's Week, the Huang Boi-o-ba earlier organised a Book Show from 29 September to 5 October. On 4 October, it also organised a painting competition for the children.

chtnews.com
News No. 155/2008, October 05, 2008

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Army removes Buddha statues from Bhujulichuk meditation centre

Army personnel have removed the statues of the Lord Buddha form the Bhujulichuk meditation centre, situated on a remote hilltop in Lakshmichari under Khagrachari district, sources from Lakshmichari said.

A member of Lakshmichari Union Parishad told chtnews.com on condition of anonymity that on 23 September a group of 20 - 22 Bangladesh Army soldiers led by Captain Islam, commander of Shuknachari Indra Singh Karbari Para camp, went to the meditation centre at Bhujulichuk hill. They took two villagers -- Sunil Chakma and Bhejallya Chakma of Shuknachari village -- along with them.

"The soldiers passed the night there, and came back the next morning, taking four statues of the Lord Buddha with them." the UP member said and added that they did not know where the statues had been kept.

He further said the army men at first asked Sunil and Bhejallya to carry the statues, but they refused saying they could not touch them (Buddha statues) without the permission of the Buddhist monks.

No Buddhist monks or novices were present when Buddha statues were being stolen.

Until 31 December 2007, when a group of army personnel from the same camp destroyed the Bhujulichuk Meditation centre for the third time, two fully ordained monks and a novice used to live there. (See Hill Watch Human Rights Forum report No. 3 titled "Army ransacks Buddhist temple in Lakshmichari") However, because of persistent harassment and pressure from the army they eventually had to leave the place, leaving the Buddha statues behind for the nearby villagers to take care of.

During another attack on 21 December last year, Captain Shohel declared: "we will not tolerate any 'Buddha house' here; we will build 'Allah's house'."

Ms Rina, an activist of the Hill Watch Human Rights Forum, told chtnews.com that they had verified the allegation and found it to be true. She said religious persecution and other forms of human rights abuses in the Chittagong Hill Tracts had increased dramatically since the state of emergency was imposed in the country.

chtnews.com
News No. 154/2008, October 02, 2008