chtnews.com
News No. 67/2008, April 21, 2008
THE Hill Students Council, a front organisation of the United People's Democratic Front, brought out a procession and held a rally on Dhaka University campus today in protest against a joint army-settler attack on 4 Jumma villages in Sajek.
The procession started at 5 p.m. from DUS Chattor and paraded round the Arts faculty of Dhaka University demanding punishment to those responsible for the attack that left at least 60 Jumma houses burnt, an unspecified number of Jumma women raped and many wounded.
Later, they held a rally at DU Library ground. Presided over by Aungyo Marma, General Secretary of the Hill Student's Council, the meeting was addressed by Sumen Chakma and Gyana Dutta Chakma.
Besides, representatives from progressive students' organisations also addressed the rally expressing solidarity with the cause of the Jumma people. They are Sajeeb from Sangskritir Naya Setu, Ms Shubra Chakraborti from Prapada, Shiplu from Biplobi Chattra Jubo Andolon and Faisal Ahmed from Bangladesh Chattra Union.
The speakers condemned the attack and urged the government to take measures to bring the culprits to justice.
They said the attack was orchestrated by certain members of the Bangladesh Army to evict the Jummas from their hearts and homes and then grab all of their lands. They urged the interim caretaker government of Dr. Fakruddin Ahmed to immediately stop land grabbing in CHT and return the grabbed lands to the rightful owners.
They said so much injustice has been done to the Jummas and for so many years they have been denied their due rights.
"There can be no peace in the CHT hills, until the laws and customs governing Jumma people's land management system are recognised and respected" said Aungyo Marma.
He urged the government to rehabilitate and pay compensation to the victims.
"The attack is colossal"
Meanwhile, sources in Khagrachari, quoting local journalists who had visited the spot along with others, said all the houses and in fact everything lying within an area of about 4 km stretching from Baghaihat to Gangaram have been burnt to ashes. He put number of houses destroyed at 500.
"What I saw is awesome. It is truly a senseless act, a colossal attack that should not have happened", one of the journalists has been quoted as saying.
Local journalists and correspondents who accompanied the District Council chairman Manindra Lal Tripura during his visit to the place of occurrence today included Azim, Sukumar and Al Farooq.
Monday, April 21, 2008
60 JUMMA HOUSES BURNT DOWN IN SAJEK
chtnews.com
April 21, 2008
ILLEGAL Bengali settlers backed by a strong contingent of army personnel have burnt down at least 60 Jumma houses in four villages under Sajek Union of Rangamati district. Many Jummas are reported to have been wounded and women raped during the attack that began at 9:45 p.m. on 20 April. Details of the incident are yet to come.
Sources said tension had been mounting in the area since the settlers began constructing houses in March after grabbing Jumma people's lands.
Sensing an impending attack, the Jummas, 50 - 60 of them, gathered at a point of the village to defend themselves. This somehow leaked to the army who went up to them and asked them not to worry. "Since we are here, nothing will happen and settlers will not attack you" an RP Habilder, Harun, was reported to have told the Jummas.
The CO (Commanding Officer) of Baghaihat zone was also present there. However, he did not speak to the Jummas.
While the army engaged the Jummas in talks, a group of Bengali settlers mounted an attack on four Jumma villages namely Gangaram Mukh, Simana Chara, Purbo Para and Baibachara.
They torched the houses, beat up whomever they caught hold of and raped the Jumma girls and women. However, details as to how any have been raped and wounded could not be known immediately.
The Hill Students Council, a front organisation of the United People's Democratic Front, will hold a demonstration in Dhaka later in the day, today, in protest against the barbarous Sajek settler attack.
April 21, 2008
ILLEGAL Bengali settlers backed by a strong contingent of army personnel have burnt down at least 60 Jumma houses in four villages under Sajek Union of Rangamati district. Many Jummas are reported to have been wounded and women raped during the attack that began at 9:45 p.m. on 20 April. Details of the incident are yet to come.
Sources said tension had been mounting in the area since the settlers began constructing houses in March after grabbing Jumma people's lands.
Sensing an impending attack, the Jummas, 50 - 60 of them, gathered at a point of the village to defend themselves. This somehow leaked to the army who went up to them and asked them not to worry. "Since we are here, nothing will happen and settlers will not attack you" an RP Habilder, Harun, was reported to have told the Jummas.
The CO (Commanding Officer) of Baghaihat zone was also present there. However, he did not speak to the Jummas.
While the army engaged the Jummas in talks, a group of Bengali settlers mounted an attack on four Jumma villages namely Gangaram Mukh, Simana Chara, Purbo Para and Baibachara.
They torched the houses, beat up whomever they caught hold of and raped the Jumma girls and women. However, details as to how any have been raped and wounded could not be known immediately.
The Hill Students Council, a front organisation of the United People's Democratic Front, will hold a demonstration in Dhaka later in the day, today, in protest against the barbarous Sajek settler attack.
Tension in Sajek over land grabbing
chtnews.com
News No. 66/2008, April 20, 2008
There have been reports of mounting tension between Jummas and Bengali settlers in Sajek over construction of illegal Bengali settlements on Jumma's land.
Last month, the settlers, backed by the army personnel, built 15 houses at Baghaihat Mukh under Sajek Union in Rangamati district after destroying a Buddhist temple and driving out many Jumma villagers. Those who had resisted the settlers' move were threatened and subjected to intimidation.
"Leave the area, or else we will burn you to death", Ali (s/o Nawshad Ali), a leader of the settlers, issued threats to Mongol Sadhan Chakma (48).
Ultimately, his house was burnt down on the night of 19 April, resulting in the loss of property amounting to Tk. 90 thousand.
From day one, the Jummas have been actively trying to defend their land and the temple. They appealed to both the army and the settlers not to grab their lands, but to no avail. They even approached the civil administration which refused to take any action against the illegal land grabbers.
While the Jummas were still trying to defend their lands through peaceful means, unidentified arsonists on 17 April burnt down the settler houses.
This provided a pretext for the army and settlers to mount further attack on the Jumma people to grab more land. Panic gripped the Jummas who fled in to the jungle fearing retaliation.
Indeed, the following night the settlers led by Ali and backed by army personnel attacked the Jumma village of Gangaram Mukh and burnt down the house of Mongol Sadhan Chakma (48) s/o Shanka Shur Chakma.
The settlers attempted to launch a second attack on the night of 19 April but it was repulsed. There was chase and counter-chase between the two sides in which the army provided back up support to the settlers.
A source in Rangamati said the Commanding Officer of Baghaihat zone called a meeting between the Jummas and Bengali settlers today. However, he could not say exactly what transpired at the meeting.
Tension is reported to be still prevailing in the area and the Jummas are living in fear and utter uncertainty.
News No. 66/2008, April 20, 2008
There have been reports of mounting tension between Jummas and Bengali settlers in Sajek over construction of illegal Bengali settlements on Jumma's land.
Last month, the settlers, backed by the army personnel, built 15 houses at Baghaihat Mukh under Sajek Union in Rangamati district after destroying a Buddhist temple and driving out many Jumma villagers. Those who had resisted the settlers' move were threatened and subjected to intimidation.
"Leave the area, or else we will burn you to death", Ali (s/o Nawshad Ali), a leader of the settlers, issued threats to Mongol Sadhan Chakma (48).
Ultimately, his house was burnt down on the night of 19 April, resulting in the loss of property amounting to Tk. 90 thousand.
From day one, the Jummas have been actively trying to defend their land and the temple. They appealed to both the army and the settlers not to grab their lands, but to no avail. They even approached the civil administration which refused to take any action against the illegal land grabbers.
While the Jummas were still trying to defend their lands through peaceful means, unidentified arsonists on 17 April burnt down the settler houses.
This provided a pretext for the army and settlers to mount further attack on the Jumma people to grab more land. Panic gripped the Jummas who fled in to the jungle fearing retaliation.
Indeed, the following night the settlers led by Ali and backed by army personnel attacked the Jumma village of Gangaram Mukh and burnt down the house of Mongol Sadhan Chakma (48) s/o Shanka Shur Chakma.
The settlers attempted to launch a second attack on the night of 19 April but it was repulsed. There was chase and counter-chase between the two sides in which the army provided back up support to the settlers.
A source in Rangamati said the Commanding Officer of Baghaihat zone called a meeting between the Jummas and Bengali settlers today. However, he could not say exactly what transpired at the meeting.
Tension is reported to be still prevailing in the area and the Jummas are living in fear and utter uncertainty.
Army sentry post burnt down in Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 65/2008, April 17, 2008
An army sentry post at Gunumachara, Ghagra in Rangamati, known as Champatoli post, was gutted in Jum-fire on 15 April.
The army post is maintained by Ghagra zone. After the incident the army called the Karbari or village chief of Gunumachara, Mr. Bimal Kanti Chakma, to the camp and held him for one day and one night. He was released on 16 April.
The incident follows another such incident in which the Phuromoan army camp was completely destroyed in a Jum-fire on 9 April.
News No. 65/2008, April 17, 2008
An army sentry post at Gunumachara, Ghagra in Rangamati, known as Champatoli post, was gutted in Jum-fire on 15 April.
The army post is maintained by Ghagra zone. After the incident the army called the Karbari or village chief of Gunumachara, Mr. Bimal Kanti Chakma, to the camp and held him for one day and one night. He was released on 16 April.
The incident follows another such incident in which the Phuromoan army camp was completely destroyed in a Jum-fire on 9 April.
Army sentry post burnt down in Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 65/2008, April 17, 2008
An army sentry post at Gunumachara, Ghagra in Rangamati, known as Champatoli post, was gutted in Jum-fire on 15 April.
The army post is maintained by Ghagra zone. After the incident the army called the Karbari or village chief of Gunumachara, Mr. Bimal Kanti Chakma, to the camp and held him for one day and one night. He was released on 16 April.
The incident follows another such incident in which the Phuromoan army camp was completely destroyed in a Jum-fire on 9 April.
News No. 65/2008, April 17, 2008
An army sentry post at Gunumachara, Ghagra in Rangamati, known as Champatoli post, was gutted in Jum-fire on 15 April.
The army post is maintained by Ghagra zone. After the incident the army called the Karbari or village chief of Gunumachara, Mr. Bimal Kanti Chakma, to the camp and held him for one day and one night. He was released on 16 April.
The incident follows another such incident in which the Phuromoan army camp was completely destroyed in a Jum-fire on 9 April.
Land aggressors repelled in Merung
chtnews.com
News No. 64/2008, April 12, 2008
The Jumma villagers in a Joutha Khamar (collective farm) in Merung area of Dighinala on 8 April successfully resisted the move of the illegal settlers to grab their land.
Sources in Dighinala said the CHT Development Board settled 50 Jumma families a couple of years back in Rashik Naagor Para of Merung area under its Upland Settlement Programme. Each of the family was granted 6.25 acres of land for horticulture.
But recently the settlers have been making repeated attempts to capture some of the land plots allotted to the Jummas. Certain local army commanders are alleged to be directly involved in inciting the settlers to grab the said land plots.
Describing the background to the 8 April incident a local NGO official told chtnews.com that the Jumma villagers had apprised Boalhali UP chairman Masud Rana and Merung UP chairman Moslem Uddhin of the settler attempts to grab their land. However, both of them refused to take any action against the settlers.
On the day of incident a group of settlers armed with dao and stick went to Kandara Karbari Para village in Joutha Khamar area and began erecting house structures after cutting various fruit trees grown by the Jumma residents.
When the Jummas asked the settlers to stop and keep off their lands, the settlers became furious and began attacking them. The Jumma land owners resisted the attack which left 10 - 12 persons injured including 7 settlers.
Sensing an impending attack, the Jumma villagers sent Dhana Muni Chakma to Dighinala police station to report about the settler attempt at land grabbing. The police refused to register a general diary and set out for the place of occurrence along with Dhana Muni Chakma. The attack had taken place before their arrival.
On the spot, the police refused to listen to the Jummas and arrested Ananda Lal Chakma and Ajit Chakma. However, none of the attackers was arrested.
After the incident, elders from Hindu community took initiatives to find an amicable settlement of the issue. But the Sama Odhikar Andolan, a platform of the illegal plain settlers, persisted in their pressure on the settlers to file a case against the Jummas. On the other hand, the Boalkhali UP chairman Masud Rana was reported to have told the settlers after contacting Dighinala cantonment that the zone commander had given order to file a case.
Eventually, a case was filed the following day, i.e. 9 April, against an unspecified number of Jummas in connection with the said incident.
The Jummas are now living in fear of arrest. Many have already gone into hiding.
Land grabbing has become a serious problem in Dighinala. Hundreds of acres of land have already been taken away by illegal settlers. Sources alleged that the army is now putting pressure on the members of Hindu community to take active part in the grabbing of Jumma people's land. Some Hindus were involved in the 8 April attack.
News No. 64/2008, April 12, 2008
The Jumma villagers in a Joutha Khamar (collective farm) in Merung area of Dighinala on 8 April successfully resisted the move of the illegal settlers to grab their land.
Sources in Dighinala said the CHT Development Board settled 50 Jumma families a couple of years back in Rashik Naagor Para of Merung area under its Upland Settlement Programme. Each of the family was granted 6.25 acres of land for horticulture.
But recently the settlers have been making repeated attempts to capture some of the land plots allotted to the Jummas. Certain local army commanders are alleged to be directly involved in inciting the settlers to grab the said land plots.
Describing the background to the 8 April incident a local NGO official told chtnews.com that the Jumma villagers had apprised Boalhali UP chairman Masud Rana and Merung UP chairman Moslem Uddhin of the settler attempts to grab their land. However, both of them refused to take any action against the settlers.
On the day of incident a group of settlers armed with dao and stick went to Kandara Karbari Para village in Joutha Khamar area and began erecting house structures after cutting various fruit trees grown by the Jumma residents.
When the Jummas asked the settlers to stop and keep off their lands, the settlers became furious and began attacking them. The Jumma land owners resisted the attack which left 10 - 12 persons injured including 7 settlers.
Sensing an impending attack, the Jumma villagers sent Dhana Muni Chakma to Dighinala police station to report about the settler attempt at land grabbing. The police refused to register a general diary and set out for the place of occurrence along with Dhana Muni Chakma. The attack had taken place before their arrival.
On the spot, the police refused to listen to the Jummas and arrested Ananda Lal Chakma and Ajit Chakma. However, none of the attackers was arrested.
After the incident, elders from Hindu community took initiatives to find an amicable settlement of the issue. But the Sama Odhikar Andolan, a platform of the illegal plain settlers, persisted in their pressure on the settlers to file a case against the Jummas. On the other hand, the Boalkhali UP chairman Masud Rana was reported to have told the settlers after contacting Dighinala cantonment that the zone commander had given order to file a case.
Eventually, a case was filed the following day, i.e. 9 April, against an unspecified number of Jummas in connection with the said incident.
The Jummas are now living in fear of arrest. Many have already gone into hiding.
Land grabbing has become a serious problem in Dighinala. Hundreds of acres of land have already been taken away by illegal settlers. Sources alleged that the army is now putting pressure on the members of Hindu community to take active part in the grabbing of Jumma people's land. Some Hindus were involved in the 8 April attack.
Boisabi festival begins today amid Boisabi-Bizu controversy
chtnews.com
News No. 63/2008, April 12, 2008
The three-day Boisabi festival begins today in the three districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts under the shadow of a famine-like situation in Sajek, Farua and many other places.
An unwarranted controversy over the naming of the festival itself and continued military repression and land grabbing will also cast gloom over the atmosphere of the festival.
The controversy began in the first week of March, when the Regional Council issued an official circular ordering all concerned to use the term Bizu instead of Boisabi. Justifying its action the RC argued that the term "Boisabi" does not occur in any of the languages of the Jumma nationalities.
Naturally, the overbearing bureaucratic order met with hostile criticism from all quarters of CHT. Many socio-cultural organisations as well as District Councils simply ignored the order. Marma, Tripura and other nationalities who have their own words for the festival also resented the order.
The Democratic Youth Forum, which represents all the nationalities of CHT, in a leaflet issued on 8 April urged the Jummas to refuse to comply with the controversial order of the RC.
It said the order was the supreme manifestation of an autocratic, fascist and chauvinistic mindset. "It finds analogy only with the Pakistani attempt to impose Urdu on Bangali people and the Sheikh Mujib's attempt to thrust Bengali nationalism upon the hill people after the liberation of Bangladesh" the leaflet added.
Refuting the claim that the term "Boisabi" does not occur in any of the Jumma people's languages, the DYF said any dynamic language gets richer with the inclusion of new words.
It further said: "Bosabi is not merely a word or phrase; the emergence of this particular word has its roots in the earnest desire of all the Jumma nationalities to forge solidarity among themselves."
The DYF termed Boisabi as the symbol of unity and fraternity among the oppressed people of CHT.
Boisabi is the amalgamation of the Bengali acronyms of three words for the festival namely Boisuk of the Tripuras, Sangrai of the Marmas and Bizu of the Chakmas. This amalgamated word has been in use since early 1980s and it's been widely publicised and well accepted nationally and internationally.
The DYF said the Boisabi-Bizu controversy has been artificially created to help the government divert the attention of the people from the more acute problems of the CHT such as famine in Sajek, Ruam and Farua, widespread land grabbing and relentless military oppression.
It asked: "what is the underlying reason for RC's sudden outburst of vehement objection when it had observed Boisabi for so many years in the past?"
The DYF urged all to reject the RC order and strengthen unity, solidarity and fraternity among all the Jumma nationalities of CHT.
..............................
News No. 63/2008, April 12, 2008
The three-day Boisabi festival begins today in the three districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts under the shadow of a famine-like situation in Sajek, Farua and many other places.
An unwarranted controversy over the naming of the festival itself and continued military repression and land grabbing will also cast gloom over the atmosphere of the festival.
The controversy began in the first week of March, when the Regional Council issued an official circular ordering all concerned to use the term Bizu instead of Boisabi. Justifying its action the RC argued that the term "Boisabi" does not occur in any of the languages of the Jumma nationalities.
Naturally, the overbearing bureaucratic order met with hostile criticism from all quarters of CHT. Many socio-cultural organisations as well as District Councils simply ignored the order. Marma, Tripura and other nationalities who have their own words for the festival also resented the order.
The Democratic Youth Forum, which represents all the nationalities of CHT, in a leaflet issued on 8 April urged the Jummas to refuse to comply with the controversial order of the RC.
It said the order was the supreme manifestation of an autocratic, fascist and chauvinistic mindset. "It finds analogy only with the Pakistani attempt to impose Urdu on Bangali people and the Sheikh Mujib's attempt to thrust Bengali nationalism upon the hill people after the liberation of Bangladesh" the leaflet added.
Refuting the claim that the term "Boisabi" does not occur in any of the Jumma people's languages, the DYF said any dynamic language gets richer with the inclusion of new words.
It further said: "Bosabi is not merely a word or phrase; the emergence of this particular word has its roots in the earnest desire of all the Jumma nationalities to forge solidarity among themselves."
The DYF termed Boisabi as the symbol of unity and fraternity among the oppressed people of CHT.
Boisabi is the amalgamation of the Bengali acronyms of three words for the festival namely Boisuk of the Tripuras, Sangrai of the Marmas and Bizu of the Chakmas. This amalgamated word has been in use since early 1980s and it's been widely publicised and well accepted nationally and internationally.
The DYF said the Boisabi-Bizu controversy has been artificially created to help the government divert the attention of the people from the more acute problems of the CHT such as famine in Sajek, Ruam and Farua, widespread land grabbing and relentless military oppression.
It asked: "what is the underlying reason for RC's sudden outburst of vehement objection when it had observed Boisabi for so many years in the past?"
The DYF urged all to reject the RC order and strengthen unity, solidarity and fraternity among all the Jumma nationalities of CHT.
..............................
Furomoan army camp burnt down in Rangamti
chtnews.com
News No. 62/2008, April 10, 2008
An army camp situated at Furomoan hill top in Rangamti district was burnt down yesterday when a jum-fire spread to the camp. However, no casualties have been reported. The camp was built one and a half months ago in violation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord signed in 1997.
A supporter of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) in Ghagra told chtnews.com that the incident occurred later in the day when Jum cultivators set fire to their Jum fields in preparation for sowing paddy in late April or early May when summer rain sets in.
He said "the army has got their comeuppance. For the last few years UPDF has been trying to wean the Jumias away from Jum cultivation as the system is no longer viable these days. This year UPDF has conducted extensive campaign to educate them about environmental impact of Jum cultivation. But to our dismay, the army has encouraged the Jumias of the area to ignore UPDF propaganda and stick to the traditional farming method."
"This is in stark contrast to the army ban on Jum cultivation in Chimbuk where the army has been trying to grab land for military purposes" he added.
Another source said the army commander of Furomoan camp had summoned the Jum cultivators after the incident yesterday. But he could not say what transpired at the meeting.
News No. 62/2008, April 10, 2008
An army camp situated at Furomoan hill top in Rangamti district was burnt down yesterday when a jum-fire spread to the camp. However, no casualties have been reported. The camp was built one and a half months ago in violation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord signed in 1997.
A supporter of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) in Ghagra told chtnews.com that the incident occurred later in the day when Jum cultivators set fire to their Jum fields in preparation for sowing paddy in late April or early May when summer rain sets in.
He said "the army has got their comeuppance. For the last few years UPDF has been trying to wean the Jumias away from Jum cultivation as the system is no longer viable these days. This year UPDF has conducted extensive campaign to educate them about environmental impact of Jum cultivation. But to our dismay, the army has encouraged the Jumias of the area to ignore UPDF propaganda and stick to the traditional farming method."
"This is in stark contrast to the army ban on Jum cultivation in Chimbuk where the army has been trying to grab land for military purposes" he added.
Another source said the army commander of Furomoan camp had summoned the Jum cultivators after the incident yesterday. But he could not say what transpired at the meeting.
UPDF member, another Jumma arrested in Kudukchari
chtnews.com
News No. 61/2008, April 7, 2008
A member of the United People's Democratic Front and another Jumma youth have been arrested in Kudukchari bazaar in Rangamati district.
UPDF activist Santosh Chakma (19) s/o Gyana Prakash Chakma of village Shiallyapara under Burighat Union and Goanta Chakma (20) s/o Tara Mohan Chakma of Ghilachari village in Naniachar Thana were arrested by a group of army personnel from Kudukchari camp at around 9:30 a.m. on 6 April.
The Jummas were shopping at the market when the arrest was made as the day was weekly market day. No reason was cited for the arrest.
Local Union Council chairman, members and the caretaker of the market (Bazaar Chowdhury) rushed to the army camp to plead for their release. But the army told them that the arrested had been sent up.
After making the arrest, the army also searched the shop of Kanon Chakma at Aabashik area, 3 miles south of Kuduchari bazaar on Khagrachari-Rangamati road. However, nothing incriminating was found during the hour-long search.
News No. 61/2008, April 7, 2008
A member of the United People's Democratic Front and another Jumma youth have been arrested in Kudukchari bazaar in Rangamati district.
UPDF activist Santosh Chakma (19) s/o Gyana Prakash Chakma of village Shiallyapara under Burighat Union and Goanta Chakma (20) s/o Tara Mohan Chakma of Ghilachari village in Naniachar Thana were arrested by a group of army personnel from Kudukchari camp at around 9:30 a.m. on 6 April.
The Jummas were shopping at the market when the arrest was made as the day was weekly market day. No reason was cited for the arrest.
Local Union Council chairman, members and the caretaker of the market (Bazaar Chowdhury) rushed to the army camp to plead for their release. But the army told them that the arrested had been sent up.
After making the arrest, the army also searched the shop of Kanon Chakma at Aabashik area, 3 miles south of Kuduchari bazaar on Khagrachari-Rangamati road. However, nothing incriminating was found during the hour-long search.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Boisabi festival begins today in Rangamati
Source:- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=30855
Non-government organisations (NGOs) working in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have taken an eight-day programme in Rangamati in the run-up to the traditional Boisabi festival.
Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council Jagat Jyoti Chakma will launch the weeklong programmes at Rajbari Stadium today.
The Boisabi festival is the most important social event in the CHT and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and festivities. The festival runs from April 12 though the Bangla New Year on April 14.
The three-day festival welcomes the Bangla New Year while shedding the sorrows of the outgoing year amid assorted social programmes.
Indigenous peoples in the region -- Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tangchangya, Mro, Chak and Khumi -- have already begun taking preparations for this year's festival.
The NGO-sponsored programmes include wrestling, Gengkhuli, Tumbrubazi Khela, cultural functions, art competition, film show, drama, roundtable, flower floating, poem recitation and photo exhibition. Regional sports will also be held to mark the Boisabi.
The NGOs have distributed leaflets in Rangamati town to draw public attention to their programmes.
The inauguration today will be followed by a cultural function. The NGO programmes will end on Fulbijhu Day, the first day of the Boisabi festival.
The festival is known in many names in the CHT. The Chakmas call it Bijhu, the Marmas Sangrain, the Tripuras Boisuk and the Tangchangya term it Bisu.
But the name change does not reduce the significance of the festival. It is equally important to all the ethnicities of the region.
Non-government organisations (NGOs) working in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have taken an eight-day programme in Rangamati in the run-up to the traditional Boisabi festival.
Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council Jagat Jyoti Chakma will launch the weeklong programmes at Rajbari Stadium today.
The Boisabi festival is the most important social event in the CHT and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and festivities. The festival runs from April 12 though the Bangla New Year on April 14.
The three-day festival welcomes the Bangla New Year while shedding the sorrows of the outgoing year amid assorted social programmes.
Indigenous peoples in the region -- Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tangchangya, Mro, Chak and Khumi -- have already begun taking preparations for this year's festival.
The NGO-sponsored programmes include wrestling, Gengkhuli, Tumbrubazi Khela, cultural functions, art competition, film show, drama, roundtable, flower floating, poem recitation and photo exhibition. Regional sports will also be held to mark the Boisabi.
The NGOs have distributed leaflets in Rangamati town to draw public attention to their programmes.
The inauguration today will be followed by a cultural function. The NGO programmes will end on Fulbijhu Day, the first day of the Boisabi festival.
The festival is known in many names in the CHT. The Chakmas call it Bijhu, the Marmas Sangrain, the Tripuras Boisuk and the Tangchangya term it Bisu.
But the name change does not reduce the significance of the festival. It is equally important to all the ethnicities of the region.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Indigenous girl raped by Bengali teachers in Rangamati, CHT
On 5 March 2008 a 16-year old indigenous girl was raped by two Bengali teachers who are in training at Primary Training Institute (PTI) in Rangamati. The teachers were arrested by the police. A rape case was lodged with Kotowali police station.
It is reported that at 3.30 p.m. on that day the two girls, namely Rupa Chakma (16) d/o Madhabi Chakma from Khagrachari and Sumita Chakma (15) d/o Samaresh Chakma from Dighinala went to the roof of teacher hostel of PTI to collect jackfruit. At that time, the two teachers namely Mr. Tisu Kanti Nath of Uttar Hatimara Government Primary School in Naniarchar upazila and Mr. Al Masud, teacher of Baghaichari Model Government Primary School in Baghaichari upazila tried first to take the girls to their room by coaxing, but their attempt was failed. In the meantime, they turned out children who accompanied the girls from the hostel. Later the two teachers took the girls forcibly to their two separate rooms. Tisu Kanti Nath raped Rupa Chakma while Al Masud failed as the guardians rushed there to rescue them. The raped girl was admitted to Rangamati general hospital. One adolescent girl Kajal Chakma who accompanied the girls said that after turning out them from the teacher hostel, the cook of the hostel Md. Tajuddin locked up the gate of the hostel. The activists of the 'Committee on Protect of Violence Against Women' rushed at the hospital.
Please find the photo of rapists.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Famine situation in CHTs region of Bangladesh
Dated:-03/31/2008
To,
MS. HENRIETTA H. FORE
Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance & USAID Administrator
U.S. Department of State
Room 5932
2201 C Street, N.W
Washington , D.C. 20520
Subject: Famine situation in CHTs region of Bangladesh
Dear Madam,
With due humble submission, we would like to put forward a few words to draw your kind attention on a famine like situation among indigenous populations living in remote areas of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region of Bangladesh who are starving to death. They need food supply desperately to survive from this situation immediately.
This famine situation has arisen from extensive destruction of crops by acute surge of rat populations in those areas. These are underprivileged indigenous people who lead almost a nomadic life in a hand to mouth situation whole the year round. They reported to the government agencies earlier about a year ago when bamboo flower started to blossom. It was observed in the past that whenever bamboo flowers blossom in a certain year, usually in every 20-40 years, it is always followed by acute increase of rat populations who destroy all the crops and food. As the government agencies did not listen to their appeals on time because of their poor status, now these neglected and deprived people are suffering much from hunger associated with other diseases and conditions, even deaths. Only the wild leaves and roots have kept them alive in the recent months. Very recently, some organizations have started to operate relief operations in a limited scale what is quite inadequate in comparison to actual needs. Moreover, now they have become vulnerable to Bubonic Plague.
In these circumstances, we have an earnest appeal to you to kindly extend your helping hands to save these unfortunate and disastrous people from utmost sufferings from starving and other associated conditions. The USAID Country Representative might be aware of this situation.
It may be mentioned here that these indigenous populations are distinctly different from majority population of Bangladesh in respect of race, religion, culture, and life style. They live in remote areas of the region without electricity, safe water supply, sanitation, schools, and motor driven roads. Furthermore, these are the people who were displaced from their homestead due to decade long socio-political conflict in the region.
An Observation Report by Mr. Mark Dummett, BBC Correspondent, Bangladesh is attached herewith as an outstanding reference to actual situation.
Best regards.
Kirti Ranjan Chakma
President
Prasanjit Chakma
General Secretary
Copy to:
1.Ms. Geeta Pasi
Charge De’ Affaires, a.i
US Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh;
2.Dr. Stefan Frowein
Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Bangladesh
House 7, Road 84, Gulshan 2
Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh;
3.Ms. Renata Lok-Dessalien
UN Resident Coordinator to Bangladesh
C/O UNDP
G.P.O Box No. 224, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
4.Denise Rollins
Mission Director
USAID/Bangladesh
5.Mr. Doug Foskett
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh
184 Gulshan Avenue
Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
6.Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
Chief
Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
United Nations, 2 UN Plaza
Room DC2-1772, New York, NY, 10017
7.Mr. Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty
High Commissioner of India
Dhaka, Bangladesh.. MR PINAK RANJAN CHAKRAVARTY, High Commissioner of India
To,
MS. HENRIETTA H. FORE
Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance & USAID Administrator
U.S. Department of State
Room 5932
2201 C Street, N.W
Washington , D.C. 20520
Subject: Famine situation in CHTs region of Bangladesh
Dear Madam,
With due humble submission, we would like to put forward a few words to draw your kind attention on a famine like situation among indigenous populations living in remote areas of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region of Bangladesh who are starving to death. They need food supply desperately to survive from this situation immediately.
This famine situation has arisen from extensive destruction of crops by acute surge of rat populations in those areas. These are underprivileged indigenous people who lead almost a nomadic life in a hand to mouth situation whole the year round. They reported to the government agencies earlier about a year ago when bamboo flower started to blossom. It was observed in the past that whenever bamboo flowers blossom in a certain year, usually in every 20-40 years, it is always followed by acute increase of rat populations who destroy all the crops and food. As the government agencies did not listen to their appeals on time because of their poor status, now these neglected and deprived people are suffering much from hunger associated with other diseases and conditions, even deaths. Only the wild leaves and roots have kept them alive in the recent months. Very recently, some organizations have started to operate relief operations in a limited scale what is quite inadequate in comparison to actual needs. Moreover, now they have become vulnerable to Bubonic Plague.
In these circumstances, we have an earnest appeal to you to kindly extend your helping hands to save these unfortunate and disastrous people from utmost sufferings from starving and other associated conditions. The USAID Country Representative might be aware of this situation.
It may be mentioned here that these indigenous populations are distinctly different from majority population of Bangladesh in respect of race, religion, culture, and life style. They live in remote areas of the region without electricity, safe water supply, sanitation, schools, and motor driven roads. Furthermore, these are the people who were displaced from their homestead due to decade long socio-political conflict in the region.
An Observation Report by Mr. Mark Dummett, BBC Correspondent, Bangladesh is attached herewith as an outstanding reference to actual situation.
Best regards.
Kirti Ranjan Chakma
President
Prasanjit Chakma
General Secretary
Copy to:
1.Ms. Geeta Pasi
Charge De’ Affaires, a.i
US Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh;
2.Dr. Stefan Frowein
Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Bangladesh
House 7, Road 84, Gulshan 2
Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh;
3.Ms. Renata Lok-Dessalien
UN Resident Coordinator to Bangladesh
C/O UNDP
G.P.O Box No. 224, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
4.Denise Rollins
Mission Director
USAID/Bangladesh
5.Mr. Doug Foskett
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh
184 Gulshan Avenue
Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
6.Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
Chief
Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
United Nations, 2 UN Plaza
Room DC2-1772, New York, NY, 10017
7.Mr. Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty
High Commissioner of India
Dhaka, Bangladesh.. MR PINAK RANJAN CHAKRAVARTY, High Commissioner of India
UPDF member arrested in Jurachari
chtnews.com
News No. 59/2008, April 1, 2008
A member of the United People's Democratic Front was arrested yesterday, 31 March, in Jurachari Upazilla of Rangamati district.
Mongol Kumar Chakma (22) s/o Kalachan Chakma was arrested by members of Bangladesh Army (10 Bengal Regiment) near Jurachari bazaar at around 9:15 a.m. while he was on his way to Bilaychari to visit his relatives. He hails from Mandirchara village under Dum Dum Union.
He was taken to the camp and tortured, sources said. However, it is not known whether he has been handed over to the police. The army has been conducting intense operations in many areas of Rangamati and Khagrachari distrcits.
News No. 59/2008, April 1, 2008
A member of the United People's Democratic Front was arrested yesterday, 31 March, in Jurachari Upazilla of Rangamati district.
Mongol Kumar Chakma (22) s/o Kalachan Chakma was arrested by members of Bangladesh Army (10 Bengal Regiment) near Jurachari bazaar at around 9:15 a.m. while he was on his way to Bilaychari to visit his relatives. He hails from Mandirchara village under Dum Dum Union.
He was taken to the camp and tortured, sources said. However, it is not known whether he has been handed over to the police. The army has been conducting intense operations in many areas of Rangamati and Khagrachari distrcits.
Army prevents house construction in Maiscahri
chtnews.com
News No. 58/2008, April 1, 2008
Army personnel have prevented Jummas from constructing houses and planting ginger and turmeric in Maischari, Khagrachri.
Sources from Maischari said army personnel from Kiang-ghat camp on 28 March ordered Brio Mohan Chakma s/o Krishna Hori Chakma of Jadugonala village to dismantle his half-built house. He was constructing the house on his own land. The soldiers accused him of not taking "permission" for it.
They also prevented him from planting ginger and turmeric on his own land. However, the army did not provide any reason for this.
On 29 March, more Jumma villagers were warned not to plant ginger and turmeric. In Karallyachari village Ms Chigon Nagori Chakma (husband's name late Shanti Chakma) prepared the soil for planting the cash crops. But the army came and asked her not to plant.
Likewise, Sudhin Bikash Chakma s/o late Nagor Chan Chakma and Manotosh Chakma s/o Din Kumar Chakma of Jadugonala village were also prevented from planting their lands with ginger and turmeric.
The later was also warned not to construct any house. The soldiers seized his bricks meant for the construction of his house. He was carrying the bricks from Karallyachari to Jadugonala.
Maischari has always been a flashpoint. The area has seen hundreds of acres of land of the Jumma people being taken away forcibly by the illegal settlers with the help of the army during the last 14 months since the imposition of state of emergency in Bangladesh.
In fact, land grabbing has become a daily phenomenon in the area with the army directly aiding the settlers.
News No. 58/2008, April 1, 2008
Army personnel have prevented Jummas from constructing houses and planting ginger and turmeric in Maischari, Khagrachri.
Sources from Maischari said army personnel from Kiang-ghat camp on 28 March ordered Brio Mohan Chakma s/o Krishna Hori Chakma of Jadugonala village to dismantle his half-built house. He was constructing the house on his own land. The soldiers accused him of not taking "permission" for it.
They also prevented him from planting ginger and turmeric on his own land. However, the army did not provide any reason for this.
On 29 March, more Jumma villagers were warned not to plant ginger and turmeric. In Karallyachari village Ms Chigon Nagori Chakma (husband's name late Shanti Chakma) prepared the soil for planting the cash crops. But the army came and asked her not to plant.
Likewise, Sudhin Bikash Chakma s/o late Nagor Chan Chakma and Manotosh Chakma s/o Din Kumar Chakma of Jadugonala village were also prevented from planting their lands with ginger and turmeric.
The later was also warned not to construct any house. The soldiers seized his bricks meant for the construction of his house. He was carrying the bricks from Karallyachari to Jadugonala.
Maischari has always been a flashpoint. The area has seen hundreds of acres of land of the Jumma people being taken away forcibly by the illegal settlers with the help of the army during the last 14 months since the imposition of state of emergency in Bangladesh.
In fact, land grabbing has become a daily phenomenon in the area with the army directly aiding the settlers.
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