chtnews.com
News No. 105/2009, August 14, 2009
UPDF leader Ujjal Smriti Chakma said his party will not accept the
government decision to set up police camps to replace the withdrawn
army camps.
Mr. Chakma said this when asked to comment on a news article published
in the Samakal, a national Bengali daily, today in which it was
reported that the government will set up police camps on lands vacated
by the army.
Terming the said decision as “contradictory”, Ujjal said “the
government has been consistently assuring us that there will be no law
and order problems after the withdrawal of the army.”
“So, the legitimate question is: if there is no break down of law and
order situation, then what is the need of setting up police camps?” he
asked.
He further said “the decision to replace the army camps with police
camps only gives credence to our claim that the government
announcement of withdrawing one army brigade is purely an eyewash.”
“It also indicates that the government is not willing to end its
ultra-Bengali nationalist domination over the Jumma people” he added.
He regretted that the government has succumbed to the pressure of the
communal forces like the so-called Sama Odhikar Andolon, Parbottyo
Gono Parishad and Bengali Chattra Parishad – all backed by a vested
quarter in the army.
Mr. Chakma reiterated their demand for a complete withdrawal of the
army from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and said “there can be no peace
as long as the army remains in the CHT.”
He said it was also imperative that the government began a
rehabilitation programme for the Bengali settlers outside the CHT.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
HWF holds discussion on women rights in Lakshmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 104/2009, August 13, 2009
The Hill Women’s Federation on 10 August organised a discussion in Lakshmichari with the slogan “Take part in the struggle for full-autonomy and ensure the rights of the women”.
Held at the office premises of Lakshmichari Union Council, the discussion was presided over by HWF president Sonali Chakma.
Konika Dewan, General Secretary of the HWF, presented the key note address.
Abdul Wahid, owner of a progressive publishing house “Joban”, and Amir Abbas Tapu, member secretary of Jatiya Mukti Counci Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts Chapter, also took part in the discussion as speakers.
Abdul Wahid said in a male-dominated society women are deprived of many rights. He stressed the importance of recognising the rights of the Jumma women in traditional customs.
Amir Abbas Tapu said in the Chittagong Hill Tracts women are suppressed in various ways. “The Jumma women are oppressed by both their male partners in a male dominated society and by various state forces” he added.
Sonali Chakma said women are neglected in our society and they are deprived of their due rights.
“Jumma women are most vulnerable to military repression in the CHT; we have to think twice before speaking about women rights because there are instances of Jumma women being assaulted for raising women issues. ” she added.
She said there are daily reports of incidents of rape or repression of women in the newspapers.
On the question of representation, she said Jumma women do not have proper representation in their social, political, administrative and state institutions.
She urged all to take part in the full autonomy struggle in order to speed up the movement for establishing women rights in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in the whole of Bangladesh.
News No. 104/2009, August 13, 2009
The Hill Women’s Federation on 10 August organised a discussion in Lakshmichari with the slogan “Take part in the struggle for full-autonomy and ensure the rights of the women”.
Held at the office premises of Lakshmichari Union Council, the discussion was presided over by HWF president Sonali Chakma.
Konika Dewan, General Secretary of the HWF, presented the key note address.
Abdul Wahid, owner of a progressive publishing house “Joban”, and Amir Abbas Tapu, member secretary of Jatiya Mukti Counci Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts Chapter, also took part in the discussion as speakers.
Abdul Wahid said in a male-dominated society women are deprived of many rights. He stressed the importance of recognising the rights of the Jumma women in traditional customs.
Amir Abbas Tapu said in the Chittagong Hill Tracts women are suppressed in various ways. “The Jumma women are oppressed by both their male partners in a male dominated society and by various state forces” he added.
Sonali Chakma said women are neglected in our society and they are deprived of their due rights.
“Jumma women are most vulnerable to military repression in the CHT; we have to think twice before speaking about women rights because there are instances of Jumma women being assaulted for raising women issues. ” she added.
She said there are daily reports of incidents of rape or repression of women in the newspapers.
On the question of representation, she said Jumma women do not have proper representation in their social, political, administrative and state institutions.
She urged all to take part in the full autonomy struggle in order to speed up the movement for establishing women rights in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in the whole of Bangladesh.
UPDF opens office at Betbunia as OC tries to prevent it
chtnews.com
News No. 103/2009, August 13, 2009
The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) opened a branch office at Betbunia under Kaokhali Upazila of Rangamati district yesterday, 12 August.
A discussion was held at the office premises on the occasion. Presided over by Ripon Chakma, UPDF organiser in Kaokhali, the discussion was also addressed among others by Thuiko Ching Marma, Rina Dewan and Apruchi Marma.
The office was inaugurated by Ruisha Aung Karbari, head of the village of Kochupara, at 1pm, while Monchaprue Marma, head of Baro Amchari village, and Mong Paila Marma, ex-member of Kalampati Union (Ward No. 5) gave solidarity speech.
Mr. Ruisha Aung Karbai thanked the UPDF for opening an office at Betbunia and expressed hope that it would be able to raise consciousness among the people of the area about their fundamental rights and their role in the fight to achieve these rights.
As the discussion drew to a close and some of the participants left the office, a group of army personnel all on a sudden appeared there in a threatening manner, pointing their guns at the participants.
The army looked for Md. Bodiul Alam, the owner of the house that UPDF rented to house its Betbunia unit office.
Meanwhile, at Godapar camp on Chittagong – Rangamati road, the army halted a jeep carrying a group of PCP, DYF and HWF activists back to Khagrachari.
The army interrogated them about a few posters they found in the jeep. However, they released the activists a few minutes later.
Police threatens to arrest the owner of the house
The UPDF at first leased a house from Md. Malek (70) for the office. In July, a deed was duly signed between the parties to that effect.
However, on 9 August, the OC of Kaokhali police station summoned Mr. Malek to his office, rebuked him for leasing his house to the UPDF and threatened to arrest him. He gave him two options: either to revoke the deal or to give him (OC) Taka 20,000 in bribes.
Again on 11 August, the OC called Malek to his office and asked him to meet either of the two options by the morning of 12 August.
Against this backdrop, the UPDF hurriedly rented a house from Bodi Alam and launched its office.
News No. 103/2009, August 13, 2009
The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) opened a branch office at Betbunia under Kaokhali Upazila of Rangamati district yesterday, 12 August.
A discussion was held at the office premises on the occasion. Presided over by Ripon Chakma, UPDF organiser in Kaokhali, the discussion was also addressed among others by Thuiko Ching Marma, Rina Dewan and Apruchi Marma.
The office was inaugurated by Ruisha Aung Karbari, head of the village of Kochupara, at 1pm, while Monchaprue Marma, head of Baro Amchari village, and Mong Paila Marma, ex-member of Kalampati Union (Ward No. 5) gave solidarity speech.
Mr. Ruisha Aung Karbai thanked the UPDF for opening an office at Betbunia and expressed hope that it would be able to raise consciousness among the people of the area about their fundamental rights and their role in the fight to achieve these rights.
As the discussion drew to a close and some of the participants left the office, a group of army personnel all on a sudden appeared there in a threatening manner, pointing their guns at the participants.
The army looked for Md. Bodiul Alam, the owner of the house that UPDF rented to house its Betbunia unit office.
Meanwhile, at Godapar camp on Chittagong – Rangamati road, the army halted a jeep carrying a group of PCP, DYF and HWF activists back to Khagrachari.
The army interrogated them about a few posters they found in the jeep. However, they released the activists a few minutes later.
Police threatens to arrest the owner of the house
The UPDF at first leased a house from Md. Malek (70) for the office. In July, a deed was duly signed between the parties to that effect.
However, on 9 August, the OC of Kaokhali police station summoned Mr. Malek to his office, rebuked him for leasing his house to the UPDF and threatened to arrest him. He gave him two options: either to revoke the deal or to give him (OC) Taka 20,000 in bribes.
Again on 11 August, the OC called Malek to his office and asked him to meet either of the two options by the morning of 12 August.
Against this backdrop, the UPDF hurriedly rented a house from Bodi Alam and launched its office.
UPDF supporter arrested by police in Ghagra
chtnews.com
News No. 102/2009, August 10, 2009
The police have arrested a supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Ghagra.
Sources said UPDF supporter Ratan Chakma, 32, was arrested from Nilomba’s shop at Jonumachara at around 11am today.
He is a resident of the village of Chelachara in Ghagra, Rangamati. His father’s name is Nua Chan Chakma.
Mr. Chakma is an ardent supporter of the UPDF and played an important role in the opening of the UPDF office in Ghagra bazaar.
Many believe that local members of the ruling Awami League might have colluded with the police in arresting him.
He has been falsely charged with robbery and possession of illegal drugs.
News No. 102/2009, August 10, 2009
The police have arrested a supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Ghagra.
Sources said UPDF supporter Ratan Chakma, 32, was arrested from Nilomba’s shop at Jonumachara at around 11am today.
He is a resident of the village of Chelachara in Ghagra, Rangamati. His father’s name is Nua Chan Chakma.
Mr. Chakma is an ardent supporter of the UPDF and played an important role in the opening of the UPDF office in Ghagra bazaar.
Many believe that local members of the ruling Awami League might have colluded with the police in arresting him.
He has been falsely charged with robbery and possession of illegal drugs.
JSS leader Chandra Shekhor Chakma dies
chtnews.com
News No. 101/2009, August 9, 2009
The former General Secretary of the Jana Samhati Samiti, Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma has died in Khagrachari, party sources say.
Mr. Chakma complained of chest pain after attending a rally marking the World Indigenous Day in Khagrachari town today.
He died on the way when he was being taken to the hospital at 4:15pm.
The United People’s Democratic Front expressed deep shock at his death.
Mr. Chakma was one of the founder members of the Jana Samhati Samiti and a veteran guerrilla leader.
He was trice elected General Secretary of the Party, and was known for his simplicity, modesty and political acumen.
However, he fell from the grace of Santu Larma during the last party congress in 2006 when he, in an unusually bold manner, criticized him for his involvement in corruption and his undemocratic way of running party affairs.
Mr. Larma never took his criticism kindly and a power struggle ensued between the two. Eventually, Mr. Larma was able to get the support of the most of the delegates present at the congress and to keep the important posts to his henchmen.
Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma was elected to the central committee but without any portfolio.
Although Mr. Larma somehow managed to survive, the rift of the party widened with the time passed.
Aside Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma, many other JSS stalwarts fell out with Mr. Larma over the same issues and either deserted him or remained inactive in the party.
Among them are Mr. Rupayan Dewan, Mr. Sudhadindu Khisha, Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma Pele and Advocate Shaktiman Chakma.
In February last, the hired goons of Santu Larma made an attempt to assassinate him in Rangamati town. He was shot point blank and seriously wounded.
But this did not stop his criticism of Santu Larma, and in May, he published a four-page leaflet, openly criticizing Larma and exposing his corrupt practices.
Mr. Chakma left behind his wife Dipti Chakma and two sons, Alen Chakma and Pratibhash Chakma.
News No. 101/2009, August 9, 2009
The former General Secretary of the Jana Samhati Samiti, Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma has died in Khagrachari, party sources say.
Mr. Chakma complained of chest pain after attending a rally marking the World Indigenous Day in Khagrachari town today.
He died on the way when he was being taken to the hospital at 4:15pm.
The United People’s Democratic Front expressed deep shock at his death.
Mr. Chakma was one of the founder members of the Jana Samhati Samiti and a veteran guerrilla leader.
He was trice elected General Secretary of the Party, and was known for his simplicity, modesty and political acumen.
However, he fell from the grace of Santu Larma during the last party congress in 2006 when he, in an unusually bold manner, criticized him for his involvement in corruption and his undemocratic way of running party affairs.
Mr. Larma never took his criticism kindly and a power struggle ensued between the two. Eventually, Mr. Larma was able to get the support of the most of the delegates present at the congress and to keep the important posts to his henchmen.
Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma was elected to the central committee but without any portfolio.
Although Mr. Larma somehow managed to survive, the rift of the party widened with the time passed.
Aside Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma, many other JSS stalwarts fell out with Mr. Larma over the same issues and either deserted him or remained inactive in the party.
Among them are Mr. Rupayan Dewan, Mr. Sudhadindu Khisha, Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma Pele and Advocate Shaktiman Chakma.
In February last, the hired goons of Santu Larma made an attempt to assassinate him in Rangamati town. He was shot point blank and seriously wounded.
But this did not stop his criticism of Santu Larma, and in May, he published a four-page leaflet, openly criticizing Larma and exposing his corrupt practices.
Mr. Chakma left behind his wife Dipti Chakma and two sons, Alen Chakma and Pratibhash Chakma.
Attack on settlers in Panchari a hoax
chtnews.com
News No. 100/2009, August 8, 2009
The rumour of an attack on Bengali settlers by Jumma people in Panchari has turned out to be a hoax.
On Friday moring, 7 August, rumours spread that the Jumma people attacked a settler village in Shantila, destroyed their houses and cut away their trees.
This immediately set the Panchari administration into motion. Upazila chairman Sorbottam Chakma and UNO Md. Abdul Kader Sheikh rushed to the spot along with a huge contingent of police force.
They found over one hundred settlers and a few journalists gathered at Shantila.
The so-called Sama Odhikar leaders Habib Daktar, Md. Bahar Mian, Shaheen and Atikur Rahman brought a number of false allegations against the Jumma people.
However, after speaking with the people in the area, the UNO, the Upazila chairman and Shantila camp commander Md. Hamidul Islam confirmed that no such attacks had ever taken place.
After this, the UNO ordered the Sama Odhikar leaders to get away from his presence and warned them not to provoke communal troubles.
The Sama Odhikar Andolon, Bangali Chattra Parishad (Bengali Student’s Council) and other ultra-communal organisations of the settlers have stepped up their vicious communal propaganda campaign since the government announced on 29 July that it would pull out one brigade of Bangladesh Army soldiers from Chittagong Hill Tracts.
These communal outfits are patronized by the army and are used as a weapon to counter the democratic struggle of the Jumma people by fomenting communal tension between the settlers and the Jumma people.
On 15 July, an attempt was made to launch a communal attack on Modon Karbari Para in Panchari. Here the settlers uprooted a few young teak plants and cut down redundant plantains planted on lands they had grabbed from the Jumma people, and then lodged a complaint to the local administration that these were the work of the Jummas.
But the attempt failed when the local administration made a swift intervention. The UNO and the Upazila chairman immediately rushed to the area and ordered the settlers to clam down.
Another team of the local administration is scheduled to visit the area to conduct further investigation on the matter today.
Shantila and West Modon Karbari Para villages belong to the Jumma people, locals say. “These two villages, like all other cluster villages of the settlers, were once inhabited by the Jumma people” they claim.
According to them, in 1981 – 82, the settlers occupied these two villages after driving away the Jumma villagers with the help of the army.
News No. 100/2009, August 8, 2009
The rumour of an attack on Bengali settlers by Jumma people in Panchari has turned out to be a hoax.
On Friday moring, 7 August, rumours spread that the Jumma people attacked a settler village in Shantila, destroyed their houses and cut away their trees.
This immediately set the Panchari administration into motion. Upazila chairman Sorbottam Chakma and UNO Md. Abdul Kader Sheikh rushed to the spot along with a huge contingent of police force.
They found over one hundred settlers and a few journalists gathered at Shantila.
The so-called Sama Odhikar leaders Habib Daktar, Md. Bahar Mian, Shaheen and Atikur Rahman brought a number of false allegations against the Jumma people.
However, after speaking with the people in the area, the UNO, the Upazila chairman and Shantila camp commander Md. Hamidul Islam confirmed that no such attacks had ever taken place.
After this, the UNO ordered the Sama Odhikar leaders to get away from his presence and warned them not to provoke communal troubles.
The Sama Odhikar Andolon, Bangali Chattra Parishad (Bengali Student’s Council) and other ultra-communal organisations of the settlers have stepped up their vicious communal propaganda campaign since the government announced on 29 July that it would pull out one brigade of Bangladesh Army soldiers from Chittagong Hill Tracts.
These communal outfits are patronized by the army and are used as a weapon to counter the democratic struggle of the Jumma people by fomenting communal tension between the settlers and the Jumma people.
On 15 July, an attempt was made to launch a communal attack on Modon Karbari Para in Panchari. Here the settlers uprooted a few young teak plants and cut down redundant plantains planted on lands they had grabbed from the Jumma people, and then lodged a complaint to the local administration that these were the work of the Jummas.
But the attempt failed when the local administration made a swift intervention. The UNO and the Upazila chairman immediately rushed to the area and ordered the settlers to clam down.
Another team of the local administration is scheduled to visit the area to conduct further investigation on the matter today.
Shantila and West Modon Karbari Para villages belong to the Jumma people, locals say. “These two villages, like all other cluster villages of the settlers, were once inhabited by the Jumma people” they claim.
According to them, in 1981 – 82, the settlers occupied these two villages after driving away the Jumma villagers with the help of the army.
Freshers’ reception held in Naniachar College
chtnews.com
News No. 99/2009, August 8, 2009
The Hill Students’ Council held a freshers’ reception in Naniachar College on 6 July, with Binoyon Chakma, president of PCP Naniachar Branch, in the chair.
Upali Chakma, a first year student, read out an address of honour, while Tonni Chakma received a bunch of flowers from Ricoh Chakma on behalf of the fresher students.
Bablu Chakma, vice president of Naniachar PCP, gave an introductory speech.
Among others who spoke were Bilash Chakma, president of PCP Naniachar Branch, Ratan Chakma, president of PCP Khagrachari Branch, Ricoh Chakma and Mithun Chakma.
The function was conducted by Tapu Moni Chakma, General Secretary of PCP Naniachar College Unit.
News No. 99/2009, August 8, 2009
The Hill Students’ Council held a freshers’ reception in Naniachar College on 6 July, with Binoyon Chakma, president of PCP Naniachar Branch, in the chair.
Upali Chakma, a first year student, read out an address of honour, while Tonni Chakma received a bunch of flowers from Ricoh Chakma on behalf of the fresher students.
Bablu Chakma, vice president of Naniachar PCP, gave an introductory speech.
Among others who spoke were Bilash Chakma, president of PCP Naniachar Branch, Ratan Chakma, president of PCP Khagrachari Branch, Ricoh Chakma and Mithun Chakma.
The function was conducted by Tapu Moni Chakma, General Secretary of PCP Naniachar College Unit.
PCP, HWF and DYF holds joint meeting in Dighinala
chtnews.com
News No. 98/2009, August 8, 2009
In a joint meeting of the PCP, HWF and DYF in Dighinala on Friday, yesterday, the speakers urged for a complete pull-out of the troops from the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Presided over by Remin Chakma, convenor of Dighinala Branch of the Democratic Youth Forum, the meeting also addressed by Mithun Chakma, Convenor of the DYF’s Central Council Convening Committee, Hill Student’s Council (PCP) president Ricoh Chakma, Rupali Chakma, leader of Hill Women’s Federation Dighinala branch, Milan Chakma, convenor of PCP Dighinala Branch, Dipan Chakma and Alo Jiban Chakma.
The speakers said peace cannot be established unless there is a complete withdrawal of the army from CHT.
“Partial troops pull out is welcome, but we will not accept anything other than a complete pull-out of the troops who are the constant source of insecurity for the Jumma people in the CHT.” said Mithun Chakma.
He also urged the government to accord constitutional recognition to the age-old customary land laws of the Jumma people and to return all the lands grabbed from them.
“The settlers have taken away hundreds of acres of land from the Jumma people during the military-backed emergency rule alone.” he said and urged the government to prove its sincerity by returning these lands to their rightful owners.
Ricoh Chakma condemned the rape of Meena Chakma and demanded of the government to bring Grameen Bank employee Nazrul Hassan, the culprit, to justice.
He also urged the government and the money –lending NGOs to put a moratorium on micro credit in CHT.
“Micro credit is not beneficial to the Jumma people and hence it must be stopped.” he said.
News No. 98/2009, August 8, 2009
In a joint meeting of the PCP, HWF and DYF in Dighinala on Friday, yesterday, the speakers urged for a complete pull-out of the troops from the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Presided over by Remin Chakma, convenor of Dighinala Branch of the Democratic Youth Forum, the meeting also addressed by Mithun Chakma, Convenor of the DYF’s Central Council Convening Committee, Hill Student’s Council (PCP) president Ricoh Chakma, Rupali Chakma, leader of Hill Women’s Federation Dighinala branch, Milan Chakma, convenor of PCP Dighinala Branch, Dipan Chakma and Alo Jiban Chakma.
The speakers said peace cannot be established unless there is a complete withdrawal of the army from CHT.
“Partial troops pull out is welcome, but we will not accept anything other than a complete pull-out of the troops who are the constant source of insecurity for the Jumma people in the CHT.” said Mithun Chakma.
He also urged the government to accord constitutional recognition to the age-old customary land laws of the Jumma people and to return all the lands grabbed from them.
“The settlers have taken away hundreds of acres of land from the Jumma people during the military-backed emergency rule alone.” he said and urged the government to prove its sincerity by returning these lands to their rightful owners.
Ricoh Chakma condemned the rape of Meena Chakma and demanded of the government to bring Grameen Bank employee Nazrul Hassan, the culprit, to justice.
He also urged the government and the money –lending NGOs to put a moratorium on micro credit in CHT.
“Micro credit is not beneficial to the Jumma people and hence it must be stopped.” he said.
UPDF stages protest against kidnapping of its supporter in Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 97/2009, August 8, 2009
The Kawkhali Unit of the United People’s Democratic Front on 6 August staged a demonstration, demanding the release of one its supporters kidnapped by JSS (Santu) terrorists from Rangamati stadium on 30 July.
The local administration tired to obstruct the demonstration. The OC of Kawkhali police station delivered a verbal order to the organisers not to organise the planned rally and procession.
“The OC told us that we were not allowed to organise the demonstration; but when we asked him to show any written document forbidding our program, he failed to show us any.” Charan Sing Tonchongya, a UPDF member, told chtnews.com by mobile phone from Kawkhali.
He further said that the OC was merely conveying the order of the UNO. “However, we had duly informed the UNO of our program a day before our program, on 5 August.” he added.
When the procession took off at 2pm, the police tried to prevent it and this led to an altercation between them.
However, the demonstrators broke through the police barricade and paraded the Upazila town. Thereafter, they held a rally at Upazila Gate.
The rally was addressed by Pulok Chakma, Rupok Chakma, Charan Sing Tonchongya and Jubolika Chakma.
The speakers condemned the kidnapping of Shankar Chakma, a UPDF supporter, and demanded his immediate release.
They accused the local administration of colluding with the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti.
Charan Sing Tonchongya urged the government to investigate the corruption allegations against Santu Larma, who is also the chairman of the Regional Council.
Pulok Chakma urged Santu Larma to shun the politics of killing and kidnapping and join the struggle for the right to self-determination.
HWF leader Ms Jubolika Chakma condemned the police and local civil administration for their undemocratic behaviour and said “gone are the days when the Jumma people had to tolerate all sorts of injustices meted out to them.”
“Now the people have risen up, and therefore no amount of repression will be able to subdue our struggle.” she asserted.
She demanded of the government to take immediate steps to rescue Shankar Chakma.
“The army and the government always maintain double standards.” she alleged, adding “when any Bengali people are kidnapped the army and the civil administration immediately throw themselves into action; but in the case of a Jumma they don’t even raise a finger.”
“This is such kind of communal and racist attitude of the government and the army which is contributing to the problems of the CHT.” she said.
News No. 97/2009, August 8, 2009
The Kawkhali Unit of the United People’s Democratic Front on 6 August staged a demonstration, demanding the release of one its supporters kidnapped by JSS (Santu) terrorists from Rangamati stadium on 30 July.
The local administration tired to obstruct the demonstration. The OC of Kawkhali police station delivered a verbal order to the organisers not to organise the planned rally and procession.
“The OC told us that we were not allowed to organise the demonstration; but when we asked him to show any written document forbidding our program, he failed to show us any.” Charan Sing Tonchongya, a UPDF member, told chtnews.com by mobile phone from Kawkhali.
He further said that the OC was merely conveying the order of the UNO. “However, we had duly informed the UNO of our program a day before our program, on 5 August.” he added.
When the procession took off at 2pm, the police tried to prevent it and this led to an altercation between them.
However, the demonstrators broke through the police barricade and paraded the Upazila town. Thereafter, they held a rally at Upazila Gate.
The rally was addressed by Pulok Chakma, Rupok Chakma, Charan Sing Tonchongya and Jubolika Chakma.
The speakers condemned the kidnapping of Shankar Chakma, a UPDF supporter, and demanded his immediate release.
They accused the local administration of colluding with the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti.
Charan Sing Tonchongya urged the government to investigate the corruption allegations against Santu Larma, who is also the chairman of the Regional Council.
Pulok Chakma urged Santu Larma to shun the politics of killing and kidnapping and join the struggle for the right to self-determination.
HWF leader Ms Jubolika Chakma condemned the police and local civil administration for their undemocratic behaviour and said “gone are the days when the Jumma people had to tolerate all sorts of injustices meted out to them.”
“Now the people have risen up, and therefore no amount of repression will be able to subdue our struggle.” she asserted.
She demanded of the government to take immediate steps to rescue Shankar Chakma.
“The army and the government always maintain double standards.” she alleged, adding “when any Bengali people are kidnapped the army and the civil administration immediately throw themselves into action; but in the case of a Jumma they don’t even raise a finger.”
“This is such kind of communal and racist attitude of the government and the army which is contributing to the problems of the CHT.” she said.
PCP stages demo against attack on HWF office in Lakshmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 96/2009, August 6, 2009
The Hill Student’s Council Dhaka Unit staged a demonstration in Dhaka today in protest against attacks on HWF members in Lakshmichari, Khagrachari.
At a rally held at Muktangon, PCP leader Thuikyo Ching Marma condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.
He held the local army commander responsible for instigating some youths to obstruct the democratic activities of the HWF and shut down its office.
The rally was also addressed by Sumen Chakma and Pushpo Shekhor Chakma.
Before the rally, the PCP activists took out a procession.
News No. 96/2009, August 6, 2009
The Hill Student’s Council Dhaka Unit staged a demonstration in Dhaka today in protest against attacks on HWF members in Lakshmichari, Khagrachari.
At a rally held at Muktangon, PCP leader Thuikyo Ching Marma condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.
He held the local army commander responsible for instigating some youths to obstruct the democratic activities of the HWF and shut down its office.
The rally was also addressed by Sumen Chakma and Pushpo Shekhor Chakma.
Before the rally, the PCP activists took out a procession.
Meena Chakma demands punishment for her rapist Nazrul Hassan
chtnews.com
News No. 95/2009, August 5, 2009
Rape victim Meena Chakma and her family members at a press conference in Khagrachari today demanded exemplary punishment to rapist Nazrul Hassan, an employee of the Grameen Bank. (Photographs of the press conference attached)
Held at Khagrachari press club at 10am, the press conference was co-sponsored by Hill Women’s Federation.
HWF Khagrachari Unit president Rina Dewan read out a written text, while Meena Chakma, the victim, narrated the whole incident.
Her mother Anita Chakma and sister Rina Chakma were also present at the press conference.
When asked, Meena Chakma said she knew Nazrul by face and had seen him many times before the incident.
She also demanded that the Grameen Bank provides support and lifetime maintenance for her.
In the written statement Rina Dewan said a medical test conducted in Khagrachari hospital has found that Meena Chakma was raped.
She alleged that the police not only failed to arrest the culprit but also helped him to flee.
“The SI of Dighinala police station, Md. Farooq has been trying to force the family members of Meena Chakma to come to a compromise with Nazrul Hassan and settle the issue outside the court.” she said.
She put forward a 4-point demand which included punishment for rapist Nazrul Hassan, taking steps to stop such incidents in future, adequate compensation to the victim and a moratorium on micro credit programme in the CHT.
Terrorists shut HWF office in Lakshmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 94/2009, August 5, 2009
A group of terrorists today locked the office of the Hill Women’s Federation in Lakshmichari after kicking its members out.
HWF General Secretary Konica Dewan alleged that at around 1:30pm 5 – 7 club-wielding terrorists led by Russel and Sadhan went to the office of the Lakshmichari Unit of the HWF, forced HWF members out and locked the office.
“The terrorists identified themselves as members of the ruling Awami League,” she said adding that “they also assaulted Madri Chakma when she refused to go out of the office.”
Besides Madri Chakma, other HWF members present there were Neepa Chakma, Bobita Chakma, Rina Chakma and Sadhana Chakma.
Before this incident, at about 10:30am the Officer-in-charge of Lakshmichari police station, Md. Belayet Hossain visited the office and ordered them to shut down the office.
“The OC said he was merely conveying the order of the UNO”. Konica told chtnews.com from Khagrachari.
But HWF refused to shut down their office and asked the OC to come up with a formal legal order for it.
The HWF Lakshmichari Unit had reopened its office a couple of days ago and decided to organise a discussion on the plights of the Jumma women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts on 8 August.
Meanwhile, reports said HWF contacted Jotindra Lal Tripura MP and apprised him of the incident.
Mr. Tripura disowned the terrorists and is reported to have ordered their immediate arrest. He is also reported to have ordered the local administration of Lakshmichari to provide necessary assistance to HWF in reopening its office.
News No. 94/2009, August 5, 2009
A group of terrorists today locked the office of the Hill Women’s Federation in Lakshmichari after kicking its members out.
HWF General Secretary Konica Dewan alleged that at around 1:30pm 5 – 7 club-wielding terrorists led by Russel and Sadhan went to the office of the Lakshmichari Unit of the HWF, forced HWF members out and locked the office.
“The terrorists identified themselves as members of the ruling Awami League,” she said adding that “they also assaulted Madri Chakma when she refused to go out of the office.”
Besides Madri Chakma, other HWF members present there were Neepa Chakma, Bobita Chakma, Rina Chakma and Sadhana Chakma.
Before this incident, at about 10:30am the Officer-in-charge of Lakshmichari police station, Md. Belayet Hossain visited the office and ordered them to shut down the office.
“The OC said he was merely conveying the order of the UNO”. Konica told chtnews.com from Khagrachari.
But HWF refused to shut down their office and asked the OC to come up with a formal legal order for it.
The HWF Lakshmichari Unit had reopened its office a couple of days ago and decided to organise a discussion on the plights of the Jumma women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts on 8 August.
Meanwhile, reports said HWF contacted Jotindra Lal Tripura MP and apprised him of the incident.
Mr. Tripura disowned the terrorists and is reported to have ordered their immediate arrest. He is also reported to have ordered the local administration of Lakshmichari to provide necessary assistance to HWF in reopening its office.
JSS men kidnap UPDF supporter in Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 93/2009, August 4, 2009
The Santu Larma loyalists kidnapped Shankar Chakma, a supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), from Rangamati stadium on 30 July.
The 22-year-old went there to watch a football match. The incident occurred at around 5pm when he was preparing to return home after the end of the match.
A group of PCJSS men led by Banchi Chakma, president of Ghagra Unit of Santu Larma-backed PCP, abducted him at gun point.
The kidnappers demanded a sum of Taka 300,000 from his parents as a precondition for his release. However, they lowered the sum to Taka 250,000 later on, it is learnt.
The abductors did not release him till yesterday, 3 August. Mr. Chakma is a staunch supporter of the UPDF. His father’s name is Tusher Kanti Chakma and he is a resident of village Moghaichari Joutha Khamar, Kawkhali, Rangamati.
News No. 93/2009, August 4, 2009
The Santu Larma loyalists kidnapped Shankar Chakma, a supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), from Rangamati stadium on 30 July.
The 22-year-old went there to watch a football match. The incident occurred at around 5pm when he was preparing to return home after the end of the match.
A group of PCJSS men led by Banchi Chakma, president of Ghagra Unit of Santu Larma-backed PCP, abducted him at gun point.
The kidnappers demanded a sum of Taka 300,000 from his parents as a precondition for his release. However, they lowered the sum to Taka 250,000 later on, it is learnt.
The abductors did not release him till yesterday, 3 August. Mr. Chakma is a staunch supporter of the UPDF. His father’s name is Tusher Kanti Chakma and he is a resident of village Moghaichari Joutha Khamar, Kawkhali, Rangamati.
DYF demands complete troop pull-out
chtnews.com
News No. 92/2009, August 2, 2009
“Only a complete pull-out of troops from the Chittagong Hill Tracts can bring peace and stability in the area”.
This was stated by Mithun Chakma, General Secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum, while addressing as chief guest at a conference of its activists in Balaghata of southern CHT of Bandarban on 1 August.
Mithun Chakma said although the ultra rightist elements are raising a hue and cry over the government decision to pull back one army brigade out of five deployed in CHT, this is only a meagre step compared to the demands of the Jumma people.
“There will be no genuine peace unless there is a complete pull out of troops from the CHT who are being used as a tool of ethnic cleansing against, and of maintaining domination over, the Jumma people,” he added.
He also criticized the army for its role in instigating the settlers to grab land from the Jumma people.
Presided by Bikram Tonchongya, the conference was also addressed by UPDF Bandarban coordinator, Choton Kanti Tonchongya and DYF Organising Secretary Michael Chakma.
Choton Kanti said the Jumma people have been pushed to the wall long ago. “There is no other alternative than to fight back. We cannot sit idle when our lands are being taken away by the illegal settlers.” he added.
He urged the government to stop the process of acquiring 7570 acres of land belonging to the Murung nationality in Ruma.
“The ongoing attempt of the army to uproot thousands of Murung families in the name of expansion of Ruma garrison must be stopped” he said, adding: “We will not accept such gross injustices lying down any more.”
Michael Chakma said the entire government and state apparatus is biased against the Jummas. “The government is only serving the interest of the outsiders,” he added.
He termed the partial troop withdrawal announcement as eyewash and demanded that the government pull back the entire troops from the CHT.
News No. 92/2009, August 2, 2009
“Only a complete pull-out of troops from the Chittagong Hill Tracts can bring peace and stability in the area”.
This was stated by Mithun Chakma, General Secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum, while addressing as chief guest at a conference of its activists in Balaghata of southern CHT of Bandarban on 1 August.
Mithun Chakma said although the ultra rightist elements are raising a hue and cry over the government decision to pull back one army brigade out of five deployed in CHT, this is only a meagre step compared to the demands of the Jumma people.
“There will be no genuine peace unless there is a complete pull out of troops from the CHT who are being used as a tool of ethnic cleansing against, and of maintaining domination over, the Jumma people,” he added.
He also criticized the army for its role in instigating the settlers to grab land from the Jumma people.
Presided by Bikram Tonchongya, the conference was also addressed by UPDF Bandarban coordinator, Choton Kanti Tonchongya and DYF Organising Secretary Michael Chakma.
Choton Kanti said the Jumma people have been pushed to the wall long ago. “There is no other alternative than to fight back. We cannot sit idle when our lands are being taken away by the illegal settlers.” he added.
He urged the government to stop the process of acquiring 7570 acres of land belonging to the Murung nationality in Ruma.
“The ongoing attempt of the army to uproot thousands of Murung families in the name of expansion of Ruma garrison must be stopped” he said, adding: “We will not accept such gross injustices lying down any more.”
Michael Chakma said the entire government and state apparatus is biased against the Jummas. “The government is only serving the interest of the outsiders,” he added.
He termed the partial troop withdrawal announcement as eyewash and demanded that the government pull back the entire troops from the CHT.
HWF protests rape of Meena Chakma
chtnews.com
News No. 91/2009, August 1, 2009
The Hill Women’s Federation and Hill Student’s Council held rallies in Dighinala and Khagrachari today, Saturday, protesting against the rape of Meena Chakma by a Grameen Bank staff. (Meena Chakma’s photo attached)
In Dighinala, where the incident took place, the rally was held at Sadar Station at noon. It was addressed by Alo Jibon Chakma, General Secretary, PCP Dighinala Unit and Dipon Chakma, a member of Democratic Youth Forum.
The Khagrachari rally was held at Mukto Moncha in the town and was attended by 200 people, mostly women.
HWF leaders Konica Dewan, Rina Dewan and Juthika Chakma and PCP leader Subir Chakma addressed the rally.
The speakers condemned the rape of Meena Chakma and urged the government to bring the culprit to justice.
Ms Rina Dewan issued a 15-day ultimatum for the government to arrest Nazrul, the rapist.
The rally was preceded by a procession which took off from Upazila ground.
Meena Chakma, 20, a physically challenged person, was raped by Nazrul, a Grameen Bank staff, at her home in the village of Dighir Par in Boradom on Friday, July 31.
Hill Women’s Federation president Sonali Chakma, Hill Student’s Council president Ricoh Chakma and Democratic Youth Forum General Secretary Mithun Chakma condemned the incident and demanded immediate arrest of Nazrul.
They also demanded that the Grammen Bank stop its micro credit program in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
“The so-called micro credit program is doing much harm to the Jumma people.” Sonali Chakma said, adding it is a conspiracy to destroy the Jumma peasants by burdening them with loans and interests.
Mithun Chakma said “The Jummas lived without micro credit in the past and they will do so in the future; so they don’t need the modern Shylocks like Grameen Bank.”
Jumma girl raped by Grameen Bank staff
chtnews.com
News No. 90/2009, July 31, 2009
A physically challenged Jumma girl has been raped by a Grameen Bank staff in Dighinala, Khagrachari, reports say. She has been admitted to Khagrachari Sadar Hospital with injuries.
The incident occurred at around 3:30pm today when Nazrul, a Grameen Bank staff, found Meena Chakma, 20, alone at home in the village of Dighir Par in Boradom. He went there to collect installments on loans payable by her parents to the Grameen Bank.
It is learnt that Meena’s parents Sunil Kanti Chakma and Anita Chakma took a small loan from the Grammen Bank couples of months ago.
As an installment on the loan became due, Nazrul, a field level staff of the Bank, went their house to collect it. But Meena’s parents were busy planting paddy in the field.
He found none except Meena in the house, raped her and then ran away.
Meena is physically challenged; she cannot walk because she has got her spinal cord broken.
Hill Women’s Federation president Sonali Chakma, Hill Student’s Council president Ricoh Chakma and Democratic Youth Forum General Secretary Mithun Chakma condemned the rape of Meena Chakma and demanded immediate arrest of Nazrul.
They also demanded that the Grammen Bank stop its micro credit program in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
“The so-called micro credit program is doing much harm to the Jumma people.” Sonali Chakma said, adding it is a conspiracy to destroy the Jumma peasants by burdening them with loans and interests.
Mithun Chakma said “The Jummas lived without micro credit in the past and they will do so in the future; so we don’t need Sherlock Holmes like Grameen Bank.”
News No. 90/2009, July 31, 2009
A physically challenged Jumma girl has been raped by a Grameen Bank staff in Dighinala, Khagrachari, reports say. She has been admitted to Khagrachari Sadar Hospital with injuries.
The incident occurred at around 3:30pm today when Nazrul, a Grameen Bank staff, found Meena Chakma, 20, alone at home in the village of Dighir Par in Boradom. He went there to collect installments on loans payable by her parents to the Grameen Bank.
It is learnt that Meena’s parents Sunil Kanti Chakma and Anita Chakma took a small loan from the Grammen Bank couples of months ago.
As an installment on the loan became due, Nazrul, a field level staff of the Bank, went their house to collect it. But Meena’s parents were busy planting paddy in the field.
He found none except Meena in the house, raped her and then ran away.
Meena is physically challenged; she cannot walk because she has got her spinal cord broken.
Hill Women’s Federation president Sonali Chakma, Hill Student’s Council president Ricoh Chakma and Democratic Youth Forum General Secretary Mithun Chakma condemned the rape of Meena Chakma and demanded immediate arrest of Nazrul.
They also demanded that the Grammen Bank stop its micro credit program in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
“The so-called micro credit program is doing much harm to the Jumma people.” Sonali Chakma said, adding it is a conspiracy to destroy the Jumma peasants by burdening them with loans and interests.
Mithun Chakma said “The Jummas lived without micro credit in the past and they will do so in the future; so we don’t need Sherlock Holmes like Grameen Bank.”
Troop withdrawl decision an eyewash: UPDF
chtnews.com
News No. 89/2009, July 30, 2009
The United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) has termed as eyewash the government announcement to pull back Kaptai Brigade, and demanded a complete withdrawal of the army from the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Talking to the Daily Star, UPDF Khagrachari Unit leader Rina Dewan said “the government is pulling out the camps and forces, which are not required any more. It is not being done as part of the implementation process of the accord.”
Commenting on the government decision to pull back one brigade of troops from CHT, an independent observer said if the decision was “made after analysing the law and order” of the area, the government should have withdrawn troops from all other parts of the CHT as well or at least given first priority to Khagrachari district because the law and order situation in this district is much better than any other parts of the CHT.
“But obviously law and order was not in the mind of the government while taking the decision,” he said adding that the question of protecting the illegal settlers was the prime consideration for the government.
He said the government has decided to pull out troops from the Kaptai brigade because there are no illegal settlers in that area, and hence troops are no longer required there.
However, he hailed the troop withdrawal decision of the government, and said the real challenge for the government was to pull out from other parts of the CHT as well.
Commenting on Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain’s suggestion that “regular law enforcement agencies will have to keep vigil on the activities of United People's Democratic Front (UPDF)” as reported in the The Daily Star, he said in its manifesto the UPDF has clearly stated that it will try to achieve its goal through peaceful and democratic means.
“It is not clear what he (M Sakhawat Hossain) has meant by the words “keep vigil” and why a democratic organisation like UPDF should be mete out such discriminatory measures.” he added.
He further said the army is a threat to peace and democracy in the CHT. “The army is violating the democratic rights of the Jumma people. They are harassing and torturing innocent villagers, raiding and searching houses in the dead of night and instigating the settlers to grab lands from the Jumma people.”
“There will be no peace in the CHT until and unless a complete withdrawal of troops takes place.” he commented.
News No. 89/2009, July 30, 2009
The United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) has termed as eyewash the government announcement to pull back Kaptai Brigade, and demanded a complete withdrawal of the army from the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Talking to the Daily Star, UPDF Khagrachari Unit leader Rina Dewan said “the government is pulling out the camps and forces, which are not required any more. It is not being done as part of the implementation process of the accord.”
Commenting on the government decision to pull back one brigade of troops from CHT, an independent observer said if the decision was “made after analysing the law and order” of the area, the government should have withdrawn troops from all other parts of the CHT as well or at least given first priority to Khagrachari district because the law and order situation in this district is much better than any other parts of the CHT.
“But obviously law and order was not in the mind of the government while taking the decision,” he said adding that the question of protecting the illegal settlers was the prime consideration for the government.
He said the government has decided to pull out troops from the Kaptai brigade because there are no illegal settlers in that area, and hence troops are no longer required there.
However, he hailed the troop withdrawal decision of the government, and said the real challenge for the government was to pull out from other parts of the CHT as well.
Commenting on Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain’s suggestion that “regular law enforcement agencies will have to keep vigil on the activities of United People's Democratic Front (UPDF)” as reported in the The Daily Star, he said in its manifesto the UPDF has clearly stated that it will try to achieve its goal through peaceful and democratic means.
“It is not clear what he (M Sakhawat Hossain) has meant by the words “keep vigil” and why a democratic organisation like UPDF should be mete out such discriminatory measures.” he added.
He further said the army is a threat to peace and democracy in the CHT. “The army is violating the democratic rights of the Jumma people. They are harassing and torturing innocent villagers, raiding and searching houses in the dead of night and instigating the settlers to grab lands from the Jumma people.”
“There will be no peace in the CHT until and unless a complete withdrawal of troops takes place.” he commented.
Army, JSS (Santu) conduct joint raid in Mubachari
chtnews.com
News No. 88/2009, July 27, 2009
Two Jummas have been tortured during a joint raid into a village in
Mahalchari of Khagrachari district by Bangladesh Army soldiers and the
armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu Group), according to
sources.
Army personnel from three zones – Naniachar, Mahalchari and Mainie –
conducted the raid today at around 8am.
The soldiers advanced from three directions and surrounded Mubachari
area, believed to be a stronghold of the anti-Larma faction of the
Jana Samhati Samiti.
Eight members of the Santu Group accompanied the army, eyewitnesses said.
“They were dressed in army fatigues and were carrying automatic
weapons,” an NGO worker told chtnews.com quoting villagers.
“The JSS men also made announcements in Chakma language through a hand
mike.” They urged their rival faction to surrender.” he added.
“If you come and give yourselves up, we will find you jobs.” the
announcement said.
The army and the JSS men beat up Sharat Kumar Chakma’s two sons --
Priti Purno Chakma (45) and Kironmoy Chakma (32) — accusing them of
being sympathizers of anti-Santu faction of the JSS.
The JSS men also ransacked the house of Kalo Baran Chakma (35) in the
village of Edho Khul Chara under Mubachari area.
The soldiers and the JSS men left the area around noon.
News No. 88/2009, July 27, 2009
Two Jummas have been tortured during a joint raid into a village in
Mahalchari of Khagrachari district by Bangladesh Army soldiers and the
armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu Group), according to
sources.
Army personnel from three zones – Naniachar, Mahalchari and Mainie –
conducted the raid today at around 8am.
The soldiers advanced from three directions and surrounded Mubachari
area, believed to be a stronghold of the anti-Larma faction of the
Jana Samhati Samiti.
Eight members of the Santu Group accompanied the army, eyewitnesses said.
“They were dressed in army fatigues and were carrying automatic
weapons,” an NGO worker told chtnews.com quoting villagers.
“The JSS men also made announcements in Chakma language through a hand
mike.” They urged their rival faction to surrender.” he added.
“If you come and give yourselves up, we will find you jobs.” the
announcement said.
The army and the JSS men beat up Sharat Kumar Chakma’s two sons --
Priti Purno Chakma (45) and Kironmoy Chakma (32) — accusing them of
being sympathizers of anti-Santu faction of the JSS.
The JSS men also ransacked the house of Kalo Baran Chakma (35) in the
village of Edho Khul Chara under Mubachari area.
The soldiers and the JSS men left the area around noon.
Two JSS (Rupayan) members arrested in Dighinala
chtnews.com
News No. 87/2009, July 21, 2009
Two members of a faction the Jana Samhati Samiti (Real) led by Rupayan
Dewan have been arrested in Dighinala, Khagrachari, sources said.
The police arrested JSS members Nishit Chakma and Naresh Chakma from
Dighinala bazaar at 3pm today, Tuesday, presumably in connection with
the disappearance of two Bengali settlers in Merung area, they added.
JSS has condemned the arrest and demanded their unconditional release.
..............................
News No. 87/2009, July 21, 2009
Two members of a faction the Jana Samhati Samiti (Real) led by Rupayan
Dewan have been arrested in Dighinala, Khagrachari, sources said.
The police arrested JSS members Nishit Chakma and Naresh Chakma from
Dighinala bazaar at 3pm today, Tuesday, presumably in connection with
the disappearance of two Bengali settlers in Merung area, they added.
JSS has condemned the arrest and demanded their unconditional release.
..............................
Brigade commander’s speech at Guimara rally tantamount to incitement - analysts
chtnews.com
News No. 86/2009, July 16, 2009
Guimara Brigade Commander Latiful Haider’s 15-July speech at a rally
in Jaliapara is a direct incitement to violence, political analysts
commented.
A college teacher in Khagrachari said it was the responsibility of an
elected government to resolve any land related problem. “The army has
no role in this respect. Yet, they are complicating the problem by
sticking their nose in the affairs of the civil administration.” he
added.
Another teacher from Matiranga commented: “What the Brigade commander
said in his speech yesterday is a clear proof that the army is not
impartial and that they are here on a special and secret mission.”
Terming the grabbing of Jumma people’s lands as serious, he said “what
we are seeing today in CHT is nothing but ethnic cleansing in slow
motion.”
Held at Saing-guli Borpilak Government Primary School ground, the
rally was virtually boycotted by both Bengali and Jumma people.
One estimate put the number of the participants at 250 – of which
Jummas amount to merely 25.
A resident in Guimara told chtnews.com the organisers had sent out
jeeps in all directions to ferry people to and from the venue of the
rally, but almost all the jeeps had come back empty.
Many alleged that the army had forced many Jummas to join the rally.
“The soldiers caught hold of anyone they saw, gathered them together
in Ballyachari camp and then sent them to the venue” said one of the
participants.
Monkya Marma, who was forced to participate in the rally, said “I was
in a roadside tea shop at Ballyachari Rubber Plantation No. 1 when the
army came and picked me up.”
“They just told me that I would have to go to a rally with them.” he added.
Uggyo Marma of the same area said he would not join the rally had not
the army forced him to do so. He said he was working when the army
picked him up.
In his speech the Brigade Commander said it was the terrorists who
were behind the resistance to the settler attempt at land grabbing in
Boroitali in mid June.
The commander further said the settlers would move to Boroitali, and
the army would provide all kinds of supports to them.
“The army will build a camp in Boroitali to protect the settlers.” he added.
The Democratic Youth Forum in a statement severely criticized the
Guimara Brigade Commander for inciting the settlers to violence and
fomenting unrest.
News No. 86/2009, July 16, 2009
Guimara Brigade Commander Latiful Haider’s 15-July speech at a rally
in Jaliapara is a direct incitement to violence, political analysts
commented.
A college teacher in Khagrachari said it was the responsibility of an
elected government to resolve any land related problem. “The army has
no role in this respect. Yet, they are complicating the problem by
sticking their nose in the affairs of the civil administration.” he
added.
Another teacher from Matiranga commented: “What the Brigade commander
said in his speech yesterday is a clear proof that the army is not
impartial and that they are here on a special and secret mission.”
Terming the grabbing of Jumma people’s lands as serious, he said “what
we are seeing today in CHT is nothing but ethnic cleansing in slow
motion.”
Held at Saing-guli Borpilak Government Primary School ground, the
rally was virtually boycotted by both Bengali and Jumma people.
One estimate put the number of the participants at 250 – of which
Jummas amount to merely 25.
A resident in Guimara told chtnews.com the organisers had sent out
jeeps in all directions to ferry people to and from the venue of the
rally, but almost all the jeeps had come back empty.
Many alleged that the army had forced many Jummas to join the rally.
“The soldiers caught hold of anyone they saw, gathered them together
in Ballyachari camp and then sent them to the venue” said one of the
participants.
Monkya Marma, who was forced to participate in the rally, said “I was
in a roadside tea shop at Ballyachari Rubber Plantation No. 1 when the
army came and picked me up.”
“They just told me that I would have to go to a rally with them.” he added.
Uggyo Marma of the same area said he would not join the rally had not
the army forced him to do so. He said he was working when the army
picked him up.
In his speech the Brigade Commander said it was the terrorists who
were behind the resistance to the settler attempt at land grabbing in
Boroitali in mid June.
The commander further said the settlers would move to Boroitali, and
the army would provide all kinds of supports to them.
“The army will build a camp in Boroitali to protect the settlers.” he added.
The Democratic Youth Forum in a statement severely criticized the
Guimara Brigade Commander for inciting the settlers to violence and
fomenting unrest.
Breaking News: JSS kidnaps 3 UPDF supporters in Rangamati
chtnews.com July 12, 2009
Jana Samhati Samiti members loyal to Santu Larma have kidnapped three
UPDF supporters from Raj Bana Vihara gate in Rangamati town.
They were kidnapped a few minutes ago, at 8:20pm, while they were
returning from the Vihara after paying homage to the Great Bana
Bhante.
They have been taken to the residence of Santu Larma, one source in
Rangamati said.
The victims have been identified as Satya Brata Chakma (26) s/o Amrita
Chakma and Kalachan Chakma (23) s/o Purna Chandra Chakma, General
Secretary and Office Secretary of PCP Jurachari Unit respectively, and
Suman Chakma (24) s/o Kamini Kumar Master, a member of Democratic
Youth Forum, Jurachari Unit.
A group of about 30 -40 JSS members and supporters led by Udayan
Tripura, president of Santu Larma backed PCP, took part in the
kidnapping.
Jana Samhati Samiti members loyal to Santu Larma have kidnapped three
UPDF supporters from Raj Bana Vihara gate in Rangamati town.
They were kidnapped a few minutes ago, at 8:20pm, while they were
returning from the Vihara after paying homage to the Great Bana
Bhante.
They have been taken to the residence of Santu Larma, one source in
Rangamati said.
The victims have been identified as Satya Brata Chakma (26) s/o Amrita
Chakma and Kalachan Chakma (23) s/o Purna Chandra Chakma, General
Secretary and Office Secretary of PCP Jurachari Unit respectively, and
Suman Chakma (24) s/o Kamini Kumar Master, a member of Democratic
Youth Forum, Jurachari Unit.
A group of about 30 -40 JSS members and supporters led by Udayan
Tripura, president of Santu Larma backed PCP, took part in the
kidnapping.
Anti-land grabbing rally held defying army-police obstruction
chtnews.com
News No. 85/2009, July 10, 2009
At least 11 Jummas were wounded in army and police actions as the
Democratic Youth Forum and Boroitali Land Protection Committee held a
rally in Manikchari, Khagrachari today.
The army also arrested a participant – Chathoai-u Marma (25) – while
he was returning home after attending the rally. He was arrested from
Amtali in Manikchari town. The army handed him over to the police, it
is learnt.
Mithun Chakma, General Secretary of Democratic Youth Forum, condemned
the arrest of Mr. Marma and the brutality with which the army and
police tried to foil the peaceful rally organised to protest the
continuing land grabbing in CHT.
The DYF leader demanded the immediate and unconditional release of
Chathoai-u Marma.
The scheduled anti-land grabbing rally was turned in to protest rally,
and an estimated 4,000 took part in it, defying army and police
brutality and obstructions.
Organising Secretary of DYF, Michael Chakma and Acting General
Secretary of the Hill Women’s Federation, Konika Dewan addressed the
rally. They condemned the attempt of the army and police to foil the
rally by using brute force, and termed their action as fascist.
At the last minute, the organisers shifted the venue of the rally from
Rani Nihar Devi Government High School ground to College Gate to avoid
confrontation with the police.
The Bangladesh Army soldiers were deployed in a number of locations to
prevent the Jummas from reaching Mainkcahri.
In Matiranga, the police blocked five jeeps carrying about 200
persons. They were coming from Khagrachari to participate in the
rally. When they tried to protest, the police resorted to
indiscriminate baton charges and injured 10 of them, including members
of the Hill Women’s Federation.
About 600 persons set out from Lakshmichari in 17 jeeps but they were
halted at Chittagong – Khagrachari border point. The members of the
Ansar Battalion detained the jeep drivers in the camp.
In Lakshmichari, the army refused to allow any vehicle out of the
town. About 800 Jummas gathered there waiting to be ferried to the
rally. When they protested the decision of the army, they were met
with violent action. The police forced them to disperse.
The army also blocked Apruchi Marma, President of PCP Manikchari Unit,
and another member of the PCP, at Moghaichari army camp. They were
going to Lakshmichari from Manikchari to lead the protest
demonstration there.
As no jeep and bus of the organisers were allowed to go to Manikchri,
many Jummas tried to reach the venue of the rally using normal
passenger buses. However, the army also prevented their attempt, and
pulled them down from the buses.
The army checked each and every vehicle coming from Khagrchari and
forced the Jumma passengers to get down. They could not reach their
destinations.
At around 11am the army beat Suija-u Chowdhury (25) s/o Jotindra
Chowdhury at Manikchari College. A soldier hit him in the head with a
stick, wounding him seriously. Mr. Chowdhury is from the village of
Bholachola under Momprue Mouza and belongs to Marma nationality.
Captain Sarwar from Lakshmicahri zone was present when he was being
beaten up.
The army and police actions are in betrayal of the commitment made by
Manikchari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohiuddin Kabir Mahin to cooperate
with the organisers.
All had been going on well until yesterday when the UNO suddenly
volte-faced urging the organisers not to hold the rally.
The army also came out with their true colour when they threatened the
bus and jeep owners associations not to ferry the participants to the
venue of the rally.
On Thursday night, the army called lineman of Jaliapara Bus Owners
Association to Guimara zone and threatened him with dire consequences
if he dared to allow buses and jeeps to be hired by the organisers.
Later Jubo League leaders also threatened him.
The President and General Secretary of the jeep owners association
were also summoned to Choichala BDR camp in Ramgarh on Thursday night
and were threatened not to help the organisers by providing jeeps to
them.
News No. 85/2009, July 10, 2009
At least 11 Jummas were wounded in army and police actions as the
Democratic Youth Forum and Boroitali Land Protection Committee held a
rally in Manikchari, Khagrachari today.
The army also arrested a participant – Chathoai-u Marma (25) – while
he was returning home after attending the rally. He was arrested from
Amtali in Manikchari town. The army handed him over to the police, it
is learnt.
Mithun Chakma, General Secretary of Democratic Youth Forum, condemned
the arrest of Mr. Marma and the brutality with which the army and
police tried to foil the peaceful rally organised to protest the
continuing land grabbing in CHT.
The DYF leader demanded the immediate and unconditional release of
Chathoai-u Marma.
The scheduled anti-land grabbing rally was turned in to protest rally,
and an estimated 4,000 took part in it, defying army and police
brutality and obstructions.
Organising Secretary of DYF, Michael Chakma and Acting General
Secretary of the Hill Women’s Federation, Konika Dewan addressed the
rally. They condemned the attempt of the army and police to foil the
rally by using brute force, and termed their action as fascist.
At the last minute, the organisers shifted the venue of the rally from
Rani Nihar Devi Government High School ground to College Gate to avoid
confrontation with the police.
The Bangladesh Army soldiers were deployed in a number of locations to
prevent the Jummas from reaching Mainkcahri.
In Matiranga, the police blocked five jeeps carrying about 200
persons. They were coming from Khagrachari to participate in the
rally. When they tried to protest, the police resorted to
indiscriminate baton charges and injured 10 of them, including members
of the Hill Women’s Federation.
About 600 persons set out from Lakshmichari in 17 jeeps but they were
halted at Chittagong – Khagrachari border point. The members of the
Ansar Battalion detained the jeep drivers in the camp.
In Lakshmichari, the army refused to allow any vehicle out of the
town. About 800 Jummas gathered there waiting to be ferried to the
rally. When they protested the decision of the army, they were met
with violent action. The police forced them to disperse.
The army also blocked Apruchi Marma, President of PCP Manikchari Unit,
and another member of the PCP, at Moghaichari army camp. They were
going to Lakshmichari from Manikchari to lead the protest
demonstration there.
As no jeep and bus of the organisers were allowed to go to Manikchri,
many Jummas tried to reach the venue of the rally using normal
passenger buses. However, the army also prevented their attempt, and
pulled them down from the buses.
The army checked each and every vehicle coming from Khagrchari and
forced the Jumma passengers to get down. They could not reach their
destinations.
At around 11am the army beat Suija-u Chowdhury (25) s/o Jotindra
Chowdhury at Manikchari College. A soldier hit him in the head with a
stick, wounding him seriously. Mr. Chowdhury is from the village of
Bholachola under Momprue Mouza and belongs to Marma nationality.
Captain Sarwar from Lakshmicahri zone was present when he was being
beaten up.
The army and police actions are in betrayal of the commitment made by
Manikchari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohiuddin Kabir Mahin to cooperate
with the organisers.
All had been going on well until yesterday when the UNO suddenly
volte-faced urging the organisers not to hold the rally.
The army also came out with their true colour when they threatened the
bus and jeep owners associations not to ferry the participants to the
venue of the rally.
On Thursday night, the army called lineman of Jaliapara Bus Owners
Association to Guimara zone and threatened him with dire consequences
if he dared to allow buses and jeeps to be hired by the organisers.
Later Jubo League leaders also threatened him.
The President and General Secretary of the jeep owners association
were also summoned to Choichala BDR camp in Ramgarh on Thursday night
and were threatened not to help the organisers by providing jeeps to
them.
Govt. is conspiring to foil our program: DYF
chtnews.com
News No. 84/2009, July 09, 2009
DEMOCRATIC YOUTH FORUM’S GENERAL SECRETARY, MITHUN CHAKMA HAS ALLEGED
THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSPIRING TO FOIL THEIR RALLY SCHEDULED TO BE
HELD TOMORROW, 10 JULY, IN MANKICHARI, KHAGRACHARI DISTRICT.
He said the UNO had been duly informed of the rally in writing, and
that his promise to provide necessary support had also been obtained.
“But as the date for the rally is nearing, the UNO Mohiuddin Kabir
Mahin has suddenly reversed his decision which surprised the
organisers.” he said.
A team of the organisers led by PCP General Secretary Aungay Marma met
with the UNO to discuss the tomorrow’s rally scheduled to be held at
Rani Nihar Devi Government High School ground at 1pm.
Mr. Marma quoted the UNO as telling him: “I am ready to provide all
the necessary cooperation if the DC or SP gives permission (to hold
the rally)”.
The team also contacted the OC Md. Abul Kashem, only to hear the same refrain.
However, he tacitly admitted facing pressure from the military
administration. “If the military pressures us, then we are helpless on
the issue.” the OC is quoted as saying.
Both the UNO and OC dissuaded the organisers from holding the rally.
The organisers then contacted Manikchari Upazila chairman Md. Jobbar,
who told them that the rally might be provocative for the BNP and Sama
Odhikar Andolan, a platform of the settlers.
Mithun Chakma said they would discuss the situation and take the right
decision. He termed the civil administration as puppet of the army.
“The reversal of the decision goes a long way to prove that it is the
army who rules the roost in CHT. The army is the greatest impediment
to peace and democracy in this part of the country; they are the evil
force (shoitan), acting as a colonial ruler.” Mithun added.
The rally is being organised jointly by Boroitali Land Protection
Committee and Democratic Youth Forum to protest against continuous
land grabbing in the area.
Another report says the army in Lakshmichari has threatened the bus
and jeep owners and drivers not to ferry the participants to the
rally.
The organisers entered into a contract with the bus and jeep owners
well in advance, but after the army pressure they are refusing to
adhere to the terms of the deal, Aungcha Ching Marma told chtnews.com.
News No. 84/2009, July 09, 2009
DEMOCRATIC YOUTH FORUM’S GENERAL SECRETARY, MITHUN CHAKMA HAS ALLEGED
THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSPIRING TO FOIL THEIR RALLY SCHEDULED TO BE
HELD TOMORROW, 10 JULY, IN MANKICHARI, KHAGRACHARI DISTRICT.
He said the UNO had been duly informed of the rally in writing, and
that his promise to provide necessary support had also been obtained.
“But as the date for the rally is nearing, the UNO Mohiuddin Kabir
Mahin has suddenly reversed his decision which surprised the
organisers.” he said.
A team of the organisers led by PCP General Secretary Aungay Marma met
with the UNO to discuss the tomorrow’s rally scheduled to be held at
Rani Nihar Devi Government High School ground at 1pm.
Mr. Marma quoted the UNO as telling him: “I am ready to provide all
the necessary cooperation if the DC or SP gives permission (to hold
the rally)”.
The team also contacted the OC Md. Abul Kashem, only to hear the same refrain.
However, he tacitly admitted facing pressure from the military
administration. “If the military pressures us, then we are helpless on
the issue.” the OC is quoted as saying.
Both the UNO and OC dissuaded the organisers from holding the rally.
The organisers then contacted Manikchari Upazila chairman Md. Jobbar,
who told them that the rally might be provocative for the BNP and Sama
Odhikar Andolan, a platform of the settlers.
Mithun Chakma said they would discuss the situation and take the right
decision. He termed the civil administration as puppet of the army.
“The reversal of the decision goes a long way to prove that it is the
army who rules the roost in CHT. The army is the greatest impediment
to peace and democracy in this part of the country; they are the evil
force (shoitan), acting as a colonial ruler.” Mithun added.
The rally is being organised jointly by Boroitali Land Protection
Committee and Democratic Youth Forum to protest against continuous
land grabbing in the area.
Another report says the army in Lakshmichari has threatened the bus
and jeep owners and drivers not to ferry the participants to the
rally.
The organisers entered into a contract with the bus and jeep owners
well in advance, but after the army pressure they are refusing to
adhere to the terms of the deal, Aungcha Ching Marma told chtnews.com.
“We’ll continue to grab your lands” – Warrant Officer Rezaul in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 83/2009, July 08, 2009
“YOU MAY PAY SECRET VISITS TO SULTANA KAMAL (CO-CHAIR, CHT
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION) AND TELL HER WHATEVER YOU LIKE AND YOU MAY
STAGE THOUSANDS OF DEMONSTRATIONS IN AND OUTSIDE CHT, NOTHING WILL
HAPPEN TO US, WE WILL CONTINUTE WITH OUR JOB AND GRAB YOUR LANDS”.
A Sajek resident quoted Warrant Officer Rezaul from Baghaihat zone as
saying this to Kalachulo Chakma and Swapanika Chakma, member, Ward No.
16, Sajek Union Council, yesterday when he met them at Baghaihat
bazaar.
On 2 July, eight torture victims from Sajek met with Advocate Sultana
Kamal, Executive Director of Ain-o-Salish Kendra, and Co-chair of
Chittagong Hill Tracts International Commission, at her office in
Dhaka and submitted a memorandum to her.
Rezaul was alluding to this meeting, which was neither secret nor confidential.
..............................
News No. 83/2009, July 08, 2009
“YOU MAY PAY SECRET VISITS TO SULTANA KAMAL (CO-CHAIR, CHT
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION) AND TELL HER WHATEVER YOU LIKE AND YOU MAY
STAGE THOUSANDS OF DEMONSTRATIONS IN AND OUTSIDE CHT, NOTHING WILL
HAPPEN TO US, WE WILL CONTINUTE WITH OUR JOB AND GRAB YOUR LANDS”.
A Sajek resident quoted Warrant Officer Rezaul from Baghaihat zone as
saying this to Kalachulo Chakma and Swapanika Chakma, member, Ward No.
16, Sajek Union Council, yesterday when he met them at Baghaihat
bazaar.
On 2 July, eight torture victims from Sajek met with Advocate Sultana
Kamal, Executive Director of Ain-o-Salish Kendra, and Co-chair of
Chittagong Hill Tracts International Commission, at her office in
Dhaka and submitted a memorandum to her.
Rezaul was alluding to this meeting, which was neither secret nor confidential.
..............................
PCP ACTIVIST ASSAULTED BY SANTU LOYALISTS IN DHAKA
chtnews.com
News No. 82/2009, July 08, 2009
THUI KYO CHING MARMA, OFFICE SECRETARY OF THE HILL STUDENTS’ COUNCIL
(PCP), A FRONT ORGANISATION OF THE UNITED PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC FRONT,
WAS ASSAULTED BY SANTU LARMY LOYALISTS IN DHAKA ON TUESDAY, YESTERDAY.
When contacted, Mr. Thuiko Marma told chtenws.com that he and his
friends were sipping tea at a tea shop in front of Dhaka University
Central Library at 1pm after participating in a rally on the campus.
“All on a sudden, I was hit in the head from behind.” Thuiko said,
adding “the JSS terrorists were 6 in number and led by Bablu and
Batayan.”
“After that they began to punch me from all side. I was trying to
defend myself. My friend Arnob from Biplobi Chattra Jubo Andolon
barged forward in my defence, and so did Samiul Alam Richi, President
of Bangladesh Chattra Federation, and others.”
Thuiko further said the JSS loyalists had threatened him earlier not
to come to the campus.
“Bablu called me at my mobile phone at 11am the same day and
threatened me not to come to the campus and to refrain from political
activities.” he added.
In protest against the assault, the left leaning Five Students
Organisations, of which PCP is a component organisation, held a press
conference today at Madhu’s Canteen on Dhaka University campus and
demanded exemplary punishment for the culprits.
The leaders of these organisations termed the JSS loyalists who were
involved in the assault of Thuiko as terrorists, and said the incident
testified to the complete degeneration of Santu Larma and his
loyalists into government collaborators.
News No. 82/2009, July 08, 2009
THUI KYO CHING MARMA, OFFICE SECRETARY OF THE HILL STUDENTS’ COUNCIL
(PCP), A FRONT ORGANISATION OF THE UNITED PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC FRONT,
WAS ASSAULTED BY SANTU LARMY LOYALISTS IN DHAKA ON TUESDAY, YESTERDAY.
When contacted, Mr. Thuiko Marma told chtenws.com that he and his
friends were sipping tea at a tea shop in front of Dhaka University
Central Library at 1pm after participating in a rally on the campus.
“All on a sudden, I was hit in the head from behind.” Thuiko said,
adding “the JSS terrorists were 6 in number and led by Bablu and
Batayan.”
“After that they began to punch me from all side. I was trying to
defend myself. My friend Arnob from Biplobi Chattra Jubo Andolon
barged forward in my defence, and so did Samiul Alam Richi, President
of Bangladesh Chattra Federation, and others.”
Thuiko further said the JSS loyalists had threatened him earlier not
to come to the campus.
“Bablu called me at my mobile phone at 11am the same day and
threatened me not to come to the campus and to refrain from political
activities.” he added.
In protest against the assault, the left leaning Five Students
Organisations, of which PCP is a component organisation, held a press
conference today at Madhu’s Canteen on Dhaka University campus and
demanded exemplary punishment for the culprits.
The leaders of these organisations termed the JSS loyalists who were
involved in the assault of Thuiko as terrorists, and said the incident
testified to the complete degeneration of Santu Larma and his
loyalists into government collaborators.
PCP ACTIVISTS ARRESTED, RELEASED LATER
chtnews.com
News No. 81/2009, July 08, 2009
THREE MEMBERS OF THE HILL STUDENTS’ COUNCIL, BETTER KNOWN AS PCP, WERE
ARRESTED AND SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED BY POLICE IN MANIKCHARI UNDER
KHAGRACHARI DISTRICT ON TUESDAY, YESTERDAY.
PCP sources told chtnews.com the police arrested Apruchi Marma,
president of PCP Manikchari branch, Obhinoy Chakma, convenor of PCP
Baghaichari Branch and Hriddhi Chakma, a member of PCP, from
Manikchari College while they were holding a meeting with students
around noon.
The meeting was aimed at persuading the Jumma students to participate
in a 10-July rally organised jointly by Boroitali Land Protection
Committee and Democratic Youth Forum to protest against recent land
grabbing in Ramgarh-Manikchari area.
The PCP activists were taken to the police station, threatened with
filing criminal cases against them and forced to sign a blank sheet of
paper before being released.
Meanwhile, a leader of Boroitali Land Protection Committee alleged
that army personnel have torn down their posters about the 10-July
meeting.
“In East Chillyatoli of Lakshmichari, the army has torn down our
meeting posters” said Aung Cha Ching, adding that they would continue
with their scheduled programme.
News No. 81/2009, July 08, 2009
THREE MEMBERS OF THE HILL STUDENTS’ COUNCIL, BETTER KNOWN AS PCP, WERE
ARRESTED AND SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED BY POLICE IN MANIKCHARI UNDER
KHAGRACHARI DISTRICT ON TUESDAY, YESTERDAY.
PCP sources told chtnews.com the police arrested Apruchi Marma,
president of PCP Manikchari branch, Obhinoy Chakma, convenor of PCP
Baghaichari Branch and Hriddhi Chakma, a member of PCP, from
Manikchari College while they were holding a meeting with students
around noon.
The meeting was aimed at persuading the Jumma students to participate
in a 10-July rally organised jointly by Boroitali Land Protection
Committee and Democratic Youth Forum to protest against recent land
grabbing in Ramgarh-Manikchari area.
The PCP activists were taken to the police station, threatened with
filing criminal cases against them and forced to sign a blank sheet of
paper before being released.
Meanwhile, a leader of Boroitali Land Protection Committee alleged
that army personnel have torn down their posters about the 10-July
meeting.
“In East Chillyatoli of Lakshmichari, the army has torn down our
meeting posters” said Aung Cha Ching, adding that they would continue
with their scheduled programme.
SANTU LARMA SUPPORTERS ATTACK ONE IN RANGAMATI
chtnews.com
News No. 80/2009, July 08, 2009
MEMBERS OF THE JANA SAMHATI SAMITI (SANTU GROUP) YESTERDAY ATTACKED A
SUPPORTER OF THE UNITED PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC FRONT (UPDF) IN RANGAMATI.
UPDF’s Rangamati district organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma told
chtnews.com that a group of JSS (Santu) members led by Bodhisattwa
Chakma and Chinese Chakma attacked Mintu Chakma (42) with hokey sticks
and iron rods at Banarupa in the town.
The attack left Mintu Chakma seriously wounded. He was first admitted
to Rangamati Sadar Hospital, and then shifted to Chittagong Medical
College Hospital.
His condition has been stated to be critical He sustained grievous
injuries in his head.
Mintu Chakma is a staunch supporter of the UPDF. Couples of weeks ago
his house at Gorjontoli in Rangamati town had come under attack of the
JSS members.
He held a press conference against the said attack, holding Santu
Larma responsible for it.
Mr. Larma and his gang members have unleashed a reign of terror in
Rangamati town. Previously, his men shot and wounded Chandra Shekhor
Chakma, ex-General Secretary of the JSS, Pragati Chakma, a Union
Council Chairman, Kollol Chakma, a PCP (UPDF) member, and Aungshuman
Chakma, a JSS member (Rupayan).
Their terror victims also included Baghaihat Upazila Chairman
Sudarshan Chakma and Jurachari Union Council Chairman Kina Mohan
Chakma.
The government and the army are providing full support to Santu Larma
-- who is also the Chairman of the CHT Regional Council -- in his
fascist and anti-Jumma activities, alleged Shanti Dev Chakma.
“Mr. Larma and his gang member have become ferocious recently because
they have lost ground and have been ousted from many areas previously
held by them.” Mr. Chakma said and added that Santu Larma’s days are
numbered.
News No. 80/2009, July 08, 2009
MEMBERS OF THE JANA SAMHATI SAMITI (SANTU GROUP) YESTERDAY ATTACKED A
SUPPORTER OF THE UNITED PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC FRONT (UPDF) IN RANGAMATI.
UPDF’s Rangamati district organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma told
chtnews.com that a group of JSS (Santu) members led by Bodhisattwa
Chakma and Chinese Chakma attacked Mintu Chakma (42) with hokey sticks
and iron rods at Banarupa in the town.
The attack left Mintu Chakma seriously wounded. He was first admitted
to Rangamati Sadar Hospital, and then shifted to Chittagong Medical
College Hospital.
His condition has been stated to be critical He sustained grievous
injuries in his head.
Mintu Chakma is a staunch supporter of the UPDF. Couples of weeks ago
his house at Gorjontoli in Rangamati town had come under attack of the
JSS members.
He held a press conference against the said attack, holding Santu
Larma responsible for it.
Mr. Larma and his gang members have unleashed a reign of terror in
Rangamati town. Previously, his men shot and wounded Chandra Shekhor
Chakma, ex-General Secretary of the JSS, Pragati Chakma, a Union
Council Chairman, Kollol Chakma, a PCP (UPDF) member, and Aungshuman
Chakma, a JSS member (Rupayan).
Their terror victims also included Baghaihat Upazila Chairman
Sudarshan Chakma and Jurachari Union Council Chairman Kina Mohan
Chakma.
The government and the army are providing full support to Santu Larma
-- who is also the Chairman of the CHT Regional Council -- in his
fascist and anti-Jumma activities, alleged Shanti Dev Chakma.
“Mr. Larma and his gang member have become ferocious recently because
they have lost ground and have been ousted from many areas previously
held by them.” Mr. Chakma said and added that Santu Larma’s days are
numbered.
ARMY REPRESSION IN SAJEK: VICTIMS HARASSED AFTER PRESS CONFERENCE
chtnews.com
News No. 79/2009, July 08, 2009
REPORTS REACHING FROM SAJEK SAID ARMY HAD BEEN HARASSING THOSE TORTURE
VICTIMS WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN A PRESS CONFERENCE IN DHAKA TO TELL
THEIR STORIES.
Bali Kumar Chakma alias Ballya (53) was picked up from his home in the
village of MSF Para at 4pm on 6 July, Amar Dhan Chakma told
chtnews.com by mobile phone from a location in Sajek.
Both Bali Kumar Chakma and Amar Dhan Chakma were present at the Dhaka
press conference on 2 July.
It is not known where Bali Kumar Chakma has been kept or whether he
has been handed over to the police.
HOUSE SEARCHES
The army also searched the houses of all those who had participated in
the Dhaka press conference.
Sources said a group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone carried out
the search on 7 July. The aim of the search was to arrest them.
However, none of the victims was present in their homes during the
search. Some settlers accompanied the army during the search, they
added.
Ten Jumma torture victims participated in the Dhaka press conference.
They are Bali Kumar Chakma, 53, of MSF Para; Mintu Chakma, 27,
Gangaram Dore; Kala Dhan Chakma, age 52, Gongaram; Amar Dhan Karbari,
age 49, Hogeyatoli; Jagot Joti Chakma, 32, village Korengatoli,
Bongoltoli Union; Ajit Chakma, 32, Gangaram Dore; Sukkho Chakma, age
29, Jarulchari; and Ms Kamala Chakma, age 26, Balurghat Purbopara.
ARMY DETAINS HOGEYATOLI VILLAGE CHIEF
On 6 July around 7pm, the army raided the village of Hogeyatoli and
picked up Manek Karbari, the village chief, and took him to Baghaihat
zone.
The army asked him such questions as whether he knew Amar Dhan
Karbari, whether he himself had taken part in the press conference,
who asked him (Amar Dhan) to go to Dhaka and take part in the press
conference, who sponsored his travel and stay in Dhaka, and who helped
him organise the press conference etc.
In reply, Manek Karbari told the army that Amar Dhan is involved in a
UNDP project in his village and that UNDP might have sponsored his
visit to Dhaka.
The interrogation lasted for three hours.
The army also picked up Amar Dhan Chakma’s brother-in-law, Priya
Shanti Chakma of Hogeyatoli village, took him to the camp and
subjected him to interrogation.
KOJOICHARI VILLAGE CHIEF DETAINED
On 5 July, the army detained Ajit Chakma, village chief of Kojoichari.
He was taken to Baghaichari zone and interrogated.
The army asked him whether he had participated in the press conference
in Dhaka organised by Sajek victims.
One torture victim named Ajit Chakma was present in the said press
conference, but he is not the village chief; the army mistook Ajit
Chakma, the village chief, for Ajit Chakma, the victim.
Later the army released him after interrogation.
The participants of the conference now fear army reprisals and have
been forced to go into hiding.
News No. 79/2009, July 08, 2009
REPORTS REACHING FROM SAJEK SAID ARMY HAD BEEN HARASSING THOSE TORTURE
VICTIMS WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN A PRESS CONFERENCE IN DHAKA TO TELL
THEIR STORIES.
Bali Kumar Chakma alias Ballya (53) was picked up from his home in the
village of MSF Para at 4pm on 6 July, Amar Dhan Chakma told
chtnews.com by mobile phone from a location in Sajek.
Both Bali Kumar Chakma and Amar Dhan Chakma were present at the Dhaka
press conference on 2 July.
It is not known where Bali Kumar Chakma has been kept or whether he
has been handed over to the police.
HOUSE SEARCHES
The army also searched the houses of all those who had participated in
the Dhaka press conference.
Sources said a group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone carried out
the search on 7 July. The aim of the search was to arrest them.
However, none of the victims was present in their homes during the
search. Some settlers accompanied the army during the search, they
added.
Ten Jumma torture victims participated in the Dhaka press conference.
They are Bali Kumar Chakma, 53, of MSF Para; Mintu Chakma, 27,
Gangaram Dore; Kala Dhan Chakma, age 52, Gongaram; Amar Dhan Karbari,
age 49, Hogeyatoli; Jagot Joti Chakma, 32, village Korengatoli,
Bongoltoli Union; Ajit Chakma, 32, Gangaram Dore; Sukkho Chakma, age
29, Jarulchari; and Ms Kamala Chakma, age 26, Balurghat Purbopara.
ARMY DETAINS HOGEYATOLI VILLAGE CHIEF
On 6 July around 7pm, the army raided the village of Hogeyatoli and
picked up Manek Karbari, the village chief, and took him to Baghaihat
zone.
The army asked him such questions as whether he knew Amar Dhan
Karbari, whether he himself had taken part in the press conference,
who asked him (Amar Dhan) to go to Dhaka and take part in the press
conference, who sponsored his travel and stay in Dhaka, and who helped
him organise the press conference etc.
In reply, Manek Karbari told the army that Amar Dhan is involved in a
UNDP project in his village and that UNDP might have sponsored his
visit to Dhaka.
The interrogation lasted for three hours.
The army also picked up Amar Dhan Chakma’s brother-in-law, Priya
Shanti Chakma of Hogeyatoli village, took him to the camp and
subjected him to interrogation.
KOJOICHARI VILLAGE CHIEF DETAINED
On 5 July, the army detained Ajit Chakma, village chief of Kojoichari.
He was taken to Baghaichari zone and interrogated.
The army asked him whether he had participated in the press conference
in Dhaka organised by Sajek victims.
One torture victim named Ajit Chakma was present in the said press
conference, but he is not the village chief; the army mistook Ajit
Chakma, the village chief, for Ajit Chakma, the victim.
Later the army released him after interrogation.
The participants of the conference now fear army reprisals and have
been forced to go into hiding.
Sajek torture victims speak out
chtnews.com
July 06, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we are repeating in a series. Please read the fourth and final part of the series below. The first part was sent on 3 July, the second part on 4 July and the third part on 5 July. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday, 1 July.
8. Interview of Mintu Chakma, 27, Gangaram Dore
The day was Monday, 18 May. It was about 6am. I was sowing popcorn and long been seeds near my house.
There is a UNICEF-run village school near my house. I was taking a break from work and puffing a cigarette inside the school. My six-month old baby boy was beside me.
Suddenly, an army personnel and a police came up to me and said: ‘leave your boy to someone else and come with us.’
I said there was none in the house, but they insisted. Later, I put the boy to a young school girl and went with them.
They took me towards an army post in Gangaram. They asked whether I prevented any Bengali women from fetching water. I said it was only a joke.
They laid me on the ground, blindfolded and beat with a stick. Then they asked who killed Alkajya. I said ‘I do not know. I often stay at home and socialize with the Bengalis. I just heard that two persons had called Alkajya away.’
They said: ‘where did you keep your arms. If you show it to us, we will let you go.’
Later, they took me out of the post to the road. I was almost unable to walk. They took me to a Bengali’s shop and tied me to a pole. It was raining. A few minutes later, they led me to the main road.
My mother and many others came there. My mother was kowtowing to them, begging for my release. But they paid no heed and took me towards the post again.
On that day some army personnel were carrying firewood in a van. They got me on that van and took to Baghaihat zone. In the van I was beaten again.
When I was taken to the Gol Ghar [in Baghaihat zone camp], the army hit me on my knees. One soldier called me bastard and said: “we were looking for terrorists and have found one.” It was 3 o’clock by then. They gave me rice to eat. But they beat me with a cane while eating.
They gave me food at night too. But when I was refusing to take food, one soldier beat me with a stick and hit me with piece of roasted chicken.
At 11pm, they blindfolded me again. I was aware of the time because they were asking time from one another.
They kept me blindfolded all time except when they let me eat something.
At night, after eating they walked me around, blindfolded and with my legs tied.
They said: tell us the truth; who is your leader.
I said: I do not do such kind of things.
Then they gave me electric shocks. When they gave electric shocks, a stout army man got over my body and pressed me hard. I still do not feel my hands and legs.
After 2am they stopped beating. One soldier said to another: Sir, this guy will rather die then open his mouth.
Then someone – who might be an officer – came and asked them not to beat me any more.
Four army personnel were on sentry duty. They changed their duties. New ones took charge. One said: ‘Shall I beat’. Another one suggested he should not.
Yet, another one beat me. ‘My friend is being bitten by mosquitoes. Let me kill the mosquitoes for him.’ he said sarcastically and beat me.
In the morning, they said: ‘How is it! No one has come from your home. They [the army authority] might have released you if either your wife or your mother had come’
Around 11am, members of [Baghaihat] Bazaar Committee, Anwar, Kalakuchu, Gobinda Headman and Joti Lal came to the zone.
The Warrant Officer unfolded my eyes and said: “speak the truth or else you are going to die. Do you want to die or live?”
I said: I want to live, Sir.
They repeated the same question again and again. And when I said I knew nothing, they began beating me.
Finally, they led me to Gol Ghar and released me. I was unable to walk.
After release, I went to bazaar, borrowed some money and bought medicines. I went back home, tired.
It has become difficult for us Jummas to live in Sajek. The settlers often come and intimidate us and threaten us. They say “there will be military rule here. You must leave the area.”
They also steal things – such as clothes, utensils etc from our houses and fruits from our gardens. They even take away our chickens, and we cannot say anything. The army always patrols the area.
Krishna Chandra Chakma of Gangaram Dore cannot keep his two daughters at home. Arif, an army officer, teases them. His daughters’ names are Chokka and Kalabi. He sent Chokka to Rangamati and Kalabi to Korengatoli.
Arif once molested a young girl. Her name is Joari, a class three student. The incident occurred when she was on her way to Baghaihat Primary School. Arif grabbed her hand and made sexual advances. Joari protested and called him “Beyadob” (uncouth). But Arif, instead of being ashamed, became furious and threatened to do harm to her if she did not apologize. She found no other alternatives at that moment than to obey him.
Now the women folks cannot stay at home or go out all alone. There is fear of sexual attack. I had to send my sister, Sabina – a class five student – to Agalachara because of a fear of being sexually attacked by Arif.
There is nowhere we can complain. Arif threatened us saying: “if you mistreat any Bengali, I will finish you off. I will reduce everything to ashes.”
Warrant Officer Selim always employs abusive and filthy languages against the village elders. He never shows respect to them. No one dares to speak about it.
We are in deep anguish. We are at a loss what to do. Are we leading a human life in Sajek? Are we treated as human? I often ask to myself. As you know, we are all internally displaced persons (IDPs). We came here after being uprooted from our original homes by military oppression. When we settled in Sajek, we thought there would be no more army torture in there. But we were mistaken.
Even we had to pay a sum to be on the list of IDPs. We paid the money to JSS. I don’t know when our miseries will come to an end.
Sajek torture victims speak out
chtnews.com
July 05, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we are repeating in a series. Please read the third part of the series below. The first part was sent on 3 July and the second part on 4 July. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday, 1 July.
6. Interview of Jagot Joti Chakma, 32, village Korengatoli, Bongoltoli Union
It was 20 June. I was working on bamboo rafts [in the river Kachalong]. The army men came and asked whether I had seen some people running away nearby. I said ‘no’. But they would not believe me and began beating me. One soldier snatched my “tagol” (machete) from my hands and hit me on my neck with its blunt side. The army also kicked and beat me with a cane.
They took me to their camp [Baghaihat zone]. At Gol Ghar (round house) in the camp, they tortured me again. I was blindfolded and moved to another place. However, they did not torture me there.
I had Taka 1,230 in my pocket; they took it out and did not return. They took the money when I was in Gol Ghar.
Razzak Mazhi and Sottor came to the camp to recommend for my release.
After release, I went to Baghaihat bazaar and received medical treatment from a Hindu doctor.
When I was arrested, the army did not give me time to tie the bamboos so that thousands of them washed down the river. Some people caught the bamboos downstream, and I had to pay them Taka 30,000. Yet, I did not recover 7,000 pieces of bamboo. I have estimated the loss at Taka 75,000 ($1,071).
7. Interview of Ajit Chakma, 32, Gangaram Dore
It was 28 May. I went to Nanda Kishor’s shop at Gangaram Dore to sell the fish I caught in the river. At first a soldier hit me with an umbrella. I thought he was kidding. Later, the army got me on to their vehicle and drove to the camp [Baghaihat zone], blindfolded.
They hit me trice on my neck. They said: ‘you are a terrorist’. I said: ‘I do business and catch fish.’ ‘No, you are involved in terrorist activities.’ one retorted.
One soldier asked another to bring an electric device, and when he brought it, gave me electric shocks.
When I screamed in pain, they put a piece of wood between my teeth. They also beat me.
After 3 – 4 hours, I asked for water. They unfolded my eyes and said I could go. They served me biscuits, but I refused.
I was taken back to Gol Ghar where I saw Rip Babu, Joti Lal Karbari and Anwar, a member of Baghaihat Bazaar Committee. My wife also came to the camp, but she was not there.
I was released on the condition that I would see the Warrant Officer of the camp on every Sunday.
I was released after 6 - 7 hours of my arrest.
Just before the beating session began, one soldier said: ‘The 2-IC (Second-in-Command) will give you a feast today; which do you prefer – beef “Bhuna” or chicken “Bhuna”?’
It was Warrant Officer Selim who arrested me. Actually he was returning after inaugurating the planting of palm oil trees somewhere in the area.
Four Jummas are now in jail in connection with the killing of the two Bengalis. They are Kala Chulo Chakma, Suman Chakma, Laden Chakma and Mao Setung Chakma.
The army also arrested Boidyo Chakma and Ratan Priya Chakma of Chaminichara village on 7 or 8 May in connection with the murder of the two Bengalis. However, they were released after beating.
Sajek torture victims speak out
chtnews.com
July 04, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we are repeating in a series. Please read the second part of the series below. (Photos of the victims attached) The first part was sent yesterday. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday, 1 July.
3. Interview of Amar Dhan Karbari, age 49, Hogeyatoli
I was on my way to Hillahilly office, an NGO in Marishya, to discuss how to draw UNDP project money. It was on 20 June. When I reached Balughat around 12 noon, the army arrested me. Balughat is half a kilometer north-east of Baghaihat bazaar.
I told the army the purpose of my visit, and showed them the relevant papers, but yet they would not let me go. They took me to the camp, blindfolded. They hit me on the joints of my hands and legs. As a result, my wrists and knuckles got so swollen up that I could not grasp anything. However, they spared me of electric shocks.
Later on, village elders and [Baghaihat] market committee members went to the camp to recommend for my release. They had to go because they had found that I was not among those released earlier.
The army also arrested Mr. Dipayan from village Hogeyatoli. He works for a UNDP project. He has been sent to jail.
The settlers built houses after destroying my fruit garden. When I protested, the army took side with them. They said I talked too much.
About 15 – 20 settler families have already occupied the Bain Ghor (Waiving House) in Simanachara. This house belongs to Bana Vihara [a Buddhist temple]. The settlers also opened a shop there and grabbed lands belonging to Lakshmichandra Chakma.
In Balughat, the settlers built 11 houses after grabbing lands belonging to Pattor Karbari. And in Gangaram, 20 – 25 settler families have grabbed lands belonging to Mintu Chakma, Buddhi Chakma and a Kuthir (monk’s abode).
All this land grabbing took place after the disappearance of the two settlers.
We tried to resist, but the army provided protection to the settlers round the clock and helped them build the houses. Now the army has set up a permanent post at Gangaram Dore for the protection of the settlers. They stay there night and day. In addition, the army also patrols the area at night.
4. Interview of Sukkho Chakma, age 29, Jarulchari
I was working on bamboo rafts in the river Kachalong. It was about 1pm [20 June]. The army came on the river bank and called me out. When I went up to them, one of the soldiers snatched my dao (a kind of machete) from my hand. Another solider caught me by my shirt and kicked me. I fell on the ground. He pressed my body hard with his foot and pointed his gun close to my cheek. Then he kicked me again, tied my hands and led me on to a boat. When I was on the boat they untied me.
One of the soldiers said ‘we chased a man and he ran away; did you see him?’ I said ‘no’. Then they kicked me.
The soldiers took me to their camp [Baghaihat zone], blindfolded. In the camp, they beat me on my legs, on my shoulders, on my neck and on my back. I got terrible pain. Even now I have problem chewing foods. One soldier pointed a knife close to my body as if he would push it in anytime. However, they spared me of electric shocks.
It was Warrant Officer Selim who arrested me. From what the CO said to me at the time of my release I understood that Selim had lied to the CO about my arrest. He appeared to have told him that they had arrested me because I was running away.
“Chali Mazhi” Rajjak from Chandraghona went to the camp and recommended for my release.
5. Interview of Ms Kamala Chakma, age 26, Balurghat Purbopara
I was grazing cows on the bank of river Kachalong – another villager’s cows – for Taka 100 per day.
The army came and asked me whether I saw the terrorists. I said ‘yes, I saw them’. Then they asked whether I could recognize them. I said ‘no’. Then they hit me on my waist and on my hands.
One soldier said ‘why didn’t you recognize them with such big eyes?’ and then poked my eyes with his fingers. I got terrible pain in my eyes and had problems seeing things clearly for days. Still I cannot see clearly.
Someone had left a knife nearby. The army found it and pointed close at my nose. I was crying. One soldier asked why I was crying. I said ‘why shouldn’t I; I got pain’.
I wrapped Taka 500 at one end of my Khadi (kind of scarf). It was actually a donation for our Buddhist temple. One soldier took the money away.
After the solders had gone, I went to MSF office and bought some medicines.
I have 3 children – two girls and a boy.
..... to be continued.
Sajek torture victims speak out
chtnews.com
July 03, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we would like to repeat in a series starting today. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday.
1. Interview of Bali Kumar Chakma, age 53, MSF Para, Sajek
Bali Kumar Chakma says:
The day was Saturday, 20 June. The army surrounded the house of Baghya Master in MSF Para village. They came in boats as well as in jeeps. It was in the morning, about 11am.
I came back home after selling pineapples in the market. I was weeding my fruit garden when I saw the army. They came and took me away. They said to me: “we could not nab the terrorists because of you; you helped them to escape.” But I told them that I did not know anything about the terrorists.
The army took me to Baghaihat zone. They beat me with sticks and gave electric shocks twice in my body parts. I was released at about 7:30pm the same day.
Four of us were released in the first batch. Others that were released along with me were Sukkho Chakma, Jagat Joti Chakma and Chuchyang Naga Chakma.
2. Interview of Kala Dhan Chakma, age 52, Gongaram
Kala Dhan Chakma has the following to say:
In the first week of May two Bengalis were disappeared. [Their dead bodies were found later on] One of them was Alkajjya, leader of Gongaram Dore settlers. Before his disappearance, he had asked for a piece of land from my son-in-law, Sunesh Talukder. The army also recommended for him. Yet, my son-in-law withstood the pressure and refused to give away his land.
After Alkajjya’s disappearance, the settlers are now pointing their accusing fingers at my son-in-law, eventually, forcing him to go into hiding.
On the day of my arrest, I was taking a nap. It was Saturday. They came and surrounded my house at 3:30pm and picked me up. They took me to the camp. There I saw that the other arrested villagers were tied together with a single rope. They sat on the floor. But when rain came down, they were taken inside the Goal Ghar (Round House). From there Amar Dhan, Jagat Joti, Sukko and Chuchyan Naga were separated from the rest and taken to another place. Two of us were kept there.
They hit me first on the knee, and then give electricity shocks in my body.
They asked me who were involved in the killing of the Bengalis and how they were killed. I said I knew nothing about it. I screamed and begged them, and said I could not bear any longer. After that, they stopped beating me.
In the afternoon, three Bengali and three Jumma elders went to the camp to recommend for our release. They are Rib Babu, Narayan Member, Kalakuju, Najim Doctor, Anwar and Sottor.
After the release of Bali Kumar Chakma and others, the army took me inside the post, blindfolded. The whole night I was kept blindfolded. I was released the next morning after breakfast.
July 03, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we would like to repeat in a series starting today. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday.
1. Interview of Bali Kumar Chakma, age 53, MSF Para, Sajek
Bali Kumar Chakma says:
The day was Saturday, 20 June. The army surrounded the house of Baghya Master in MSF Para village. They came in boats as well as in jeeps. It was in the morning, about 11am.
I came back home after selling pineapples in the market. I was weeding my fruit garden when I saw the army. They came and took me away. They said to me: “we could not nab the terrorists because of you; you helped them to escape.” But I told them that I did not know anything about the terrorists.
The army took me to Baghaihat zone. They beat me with sticks and gave electric shocks twice in my body parts. I was released at about 7:30pm the same day.
Four of us were released in the first batch. Others that were released along with me were Sukkho Chakma, Jagat Joti Chakma and Chuchyang Naga Chakma.
2. Interview of Kala Dhan Chakma, age 52, Gongaram
Kala Dhan Chakma has the following to say:
In the first week of May two Bengalis were disappeared. [Their dead bodies were found later on] One of them was Alkajjya, leader of Gongaram Dore settlers. Before his disappearance, he had asked for a piece of land from my son-in-law, Sunesh Talukder. The army also recommended for him. Yet, my son-in-law withstood the pressure and refused to give away his land.
After Alkajjya’s disappearance, the settlers are now pointing their accusing fingers at my son-in-law, eventually, forcing him to go into hiding.
On the day of my arrest, I was taking a nap. It was Saturday. They came and surrounded my house at 3:30pm and picked me up. They took me to the camp. There I saw that the other arrested villagers were tied together with a single rope. They sat on the floor. But when rain came down, they were taken inside the Goal Ghar (Round House). From there Amar Dhan, Jagat Joti, Sukko and Chuchyan Naga were separated from the rest and taken to another place. Two of us were kept there.
They hit me first on the knee, and then give electricity shocks in my body.
They asked me who were involved in the killing of the Bengalis and how they were killed. I said I knew nothing about it. I screamed and begged them, and said I could not bear any longer. After that, they stopped beating me.
In the afternoon, three Bengali and three Jumma elders went to the camp to recommend for our release. They are Rib Babu, Narayan Member, Kalakuju, Najim Doctor, Anwar and Sottor.
After the release of Bali Kumar Chakma and others, the army took me inside the post, blindfolded. The whole night I was kept blindfolded. I was released the next morning after breakfast.
Sajek torture victims demand end to repression
chtnews.com
News No. 78/2009, July 02, 2009
A group of eight torture victims at a press conference today demanded that the government take effective measures to end repression of innocent people and stop grabbing of lands belonging to the Jumma people in Sajek.
They made this demand while speaking to the media at Reporters Unity Auditorium in the morning.
The victims traveled to Dhaka from Sajek to tell how they were subjected to inhuman torture in Baghaihat zone.
Prussing Thowai Marma read out a written text on behalf of the victims.
One of the victims, Bali Kumar Chakma, 53, of MSF Para in the text said the army beat him with sticks and gave electric shocks twice in his body parts.
Kala Dhan Chakma, 52, of Gangaran village said “They (army) hit me first in the knee, and then give electricity shocks in my body.”
Narrating how he was arrested, Amar Dhan Karbari, 49, of Hogeyatoli village has it to say: “I was on my way to Hillahilly office, an NGO in Marishya, to discuss how to draw UNDP project money. When I reached Balughata at 12 noon or 1pm, the army arrested me.”
He continued: “They took me to the camp, blindfolded. They hit me on the joints of my hands and legs. As a result, my wrists and knuckles got so swollen up that I could not grasp anything with my hands.”
Sukkho Chakma, 29, of Jarulchari said he was taken to Baghaiha zone, blindfolded and tortured.
Jagot Joti Chakma said he was kicked in the abdomen and hit on the neck with the blunt side of his own machete. “One of the soldiers took away Taka 1,230 from my pocket.” he added.
Ms Kamala Chakma, 26, of Balurghat Purbopara said on 20 June she was grazing cows on the bank of river Kachalong when the army came and asked her whether she had seen any terrorist.
“When I said ‘no’, a soldier hit me in the waist and hands with a stick, and poked my eyes with his fingers. I got terrible pain in my eyes, and still I can not see clearly.” she said and added that the army took away Taka 500 from her.
Another victim Mintu Chakma, 29, of Gangaram Dore was tortured on 18 May. He said he was taking a break from work when the army came and picked him up. “I was taken to Baghaihat zone and tortured inhumanly. The army gave me electric shocks.” he added.
Ajit Chakma, 32, of the same village said he was arrested on 28 May from Nanda Kishore Chakma’s shop. “The army took me to Baghaihat zone blindfolded and tortured.” he added.
“At first, they hit me on the neck. Thereafter, they beat me relentlessly accusing me of being a terrorist. The army also gave me electric shocks.” he continued.
Land grabbing
The victims said using the murder of two settlers as a pretext the settlers occupied lands belonging to the Jumma people under protective wings of the army. According to the victims, about 15 – 20 settler families have already occupied the Bain Ghor (waiving house) of a Buddhist temple in Simanachara village, about 20 – 25 settler families have been settled on lands belonging to Mintu Chakma, Buddhi Chakma and a temple in Gangaram, and built 11 houses in the village of Balughat.
Demands
The victims put forward a four point demands. These include 1. an end to repression of innocent people in Sajek and release of innocent victims detained on charge of involvement in the murder and disappearance [of the two Bengalis]; 2. putting an end to land grabbing in Sajek and return of the lands already taken away; 3. stoppage of intimidation in the name of army patrol; dismantling army posts and rolling back of Baghaihat zone; and putting army personnel involved in the torture of innocent people on trial; 4. impartial investigation into the kidnapping and disappearance of Alkajjya and Muzibar and bringing those responsible to justice.
Sajek torture victims to hold press conference tomorrow
chtnews.com
News No. 77/2009, July 01, 2009
A group of torture victims from Sajek in Rangamati district is now in Dhaka to narrate their harrowing experience and to highlight the recent land grabbing in their area, says a press release.
They will be speaking at a press conference tomorrow at Reporters Unity, Dhaka. The press conference will start at 11am.
“Recently military repression and land grabbing incidents have increased in Sajek,” Amar Dhan Karbari, one of the eight victims who traveled to Dhaka for the press conference told chtnews.com.
“The army of the Baghaihat zone is using the murder of two Bengali people in early May to torture Jumma people and grab their lands.” he added. “It all appears that they want us to leave the area so that they can occupy our lands more easily.”
He said the Jumma villagers continued to live in fear of army and settler attacks.
Sajek is one of the flashpoints in Chittagong Hill Tracts. On 20 April last year a group of settlers, in collaboration with the members of the Bangladesh Army, attacked a number of Jumma villages and burned down 77 houses.
The incident provoked protests from national human rights organisations as well as progressive forces of the country, and on 8 August members of the International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, including Lord Avebury, visited the area.
However, after their visit, the settlers carried out further attacks on 9 and 19 August, killing Ladu Moni Chakma and wounding four other villagers.
News No. 77/2009, July 01, 2009
A group of torture victims from Sajek in Rangamati district is now in Dhaka to narrate their harrowing experience and to highlight the recent land grabbing in their area, says a press release.
They will be speaking at a press conference tomorrow at Reporters Unity, Dhaka. The press conference will start at 11am.
“Recently military repression and land grabbing incidents have increased in Sajek,” Amar Dhan Karbari, one of the eight victims who traveled to Dhaka for the press conference told chtnews.com.
“The army of the Baghaihat zone is using the murder of two Bengali people in early May to torture Jumma people and grab their lands.” he added. “It all appears that they want us to leave the area so that they can occupy our lands more easily.”
He said the Jumma villagers continued to live in fear of army and settler attacks.
Sajek is one of the flashpoints in Chittagong Hill Tracts. On 20 April last year a group of settlers, in collaboration with the members of the Bangladesh Army, attacked a number of Jumma villages and burned down 77 houses.
The incident provoked protests from national human rights organisations as well as progressive forces of the country, and on 8 August members of the International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, including Lord Avebury, visited the area.
However, after their visit, the settlers carried out further attacks on 9 and 19 August, killing Ladu Moni Chakma and wounding four other villagers.
Ex-Law Minister Maudud admits they made mistakes with regard to CHT
chtnews.com
News No. 76/2009, June 28, 2009
Former Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Maudud Ahmed has admitted that their government (2001 – 2006) had made mistakes with regard to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and said the present government can rectify them.
He was speaking at a round table conference on ‘UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture’ at CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka yesterday, Saturday, organised jointly by Odhikar, a human rights organisation, and RCT Denmark.
During question and answer session Democratic Youth Forum General Secretary, Mithun Chakma questioned the legality and justifiability of the continuing military rule in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in the name of “Operation Dabanol” and Operation Uttoron”.
Maudud Ahmed asked Mithun Chakma whether the military rule was still continuing during the rule of the present AL government. When Mithun replied in the positive, he said “we made mistakes, and for this the people (of CHT) have punished us by voting us out.”
He continued: “the present government can rectify the mistake, if it so wishes.”
The conference was presided over by Dr. C. R. Abrar Chowdhury, President of Odhikar, and moderated by its Secretary Advocate Adilur Rahman Khan.
Dr. Salimullah Khan, Chief Academic Adviser, Department of Law, Stamford University, presented the keynote paper on torture.
The conference was also addressed among others by Asafuddollah, ex-secretary and incumbent Executive Director of private TV channel Bangla Vision; Maudud Ahmed, former Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs; Dr. Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir MP; Mahmudur Rahman, Chairman, Amar Desh Publications; Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, Organising Secretary, Bangladesh Awami League; Advocate Sigma Huda, Motiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor, Manob Jamin; and Saiful Haq, leader of Biplobi Workers Party.
Participants to the conference from Chittagong Hill Tracts were UPDF member Ripon Chakma, General Secretary of Democratic Youth Forum Mithun Chakma and Information and Publicity Secretary Alakesh Chakma.
News No. 76/2009, June 28, 2009
Former Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Maudud Ahmed has admitted that their government (2001 – 2006) had made mistakes with regard to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and said the present government can rectify them.
He was speaking at a round table conference on ‘UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture’ at CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka yesterday, Saturday, organised jointly by Odhikar, a human rights organisation, and RCT Denmark.
During question and answer session Democratic Youth Forum General Secretary, Mithun Chakma questioned the legality and justifiability of the continuing military rule in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in the name of “Operation Dabanol” and Operation Uttoron”.
Maudud Ahmed asked Mithun Chakma whether the military rule was still continuing during the rule of the present AL government. When Mithun replied in the positive, he said “we made mistakes, and for this the people (of CHT) have punished us by voting us out.”
He continued: “the present government can rectify the mistake, if it so wishes.”
The conference was presided over by Dr. C. R. Abrar Chowdhury, President of Odhikar, and moderated by its Secretary Advocate Adilur Rahman Khan.
Dr. Salimullah Khan, Chief Academic Adviser, Department of Law, Stamford University, presented the keynote paper on torture.
The conference was also addressed among others by Asafuddollah, ex-secretary and incumbent Executive Director of private TV channel Bangla Vision; Maudud Ahmed, former Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs; Dr. Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir MP; Mahmudur Rahman, Chairman, Amar Desh Publications; Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, Organising Secretary, Bangladesh Awami League; Advocate Sigma Huda, Motiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor, Manob Jamin; and Saiful Haq, leader of Biplobi Workers Party.
Participants to the conference from Chittagong Hill Tracts were UPDF member Ripon Chakma, General Secretary of Democratic Youth Forum Mithun Chakma and Information and Publicity Secretary Alakesh Chakma.
Commemoration held for four martyred in Baghaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 75/2009, June 28, 2009
A commemoration meeting was held yesterday for Rupon, Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh, who were killed in the course of a protest against the abduction of Kalpana Chakma in 1996.
Held at Rupokari High School ground at 9am, the commemoration was presided over by Abhinoy Chakma, president, Baghaichari Unit of Hill Students’ Council.
Among those spoke were Jewel Chakma, UPDF organiser in Baghaichari; Bishwajit Chakma, Chairman of Rupokari Union; Ranjit Chakma, leader of Democratic Youth Forum Baghaichari Unit; Rina Dewan, president, Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari district unit; and Arpan Chakma, General Secretary, Hill Students’ Council Khagrachari District Unit.
The commemoration began with the leaders placing floral wreaths at the altar of the martyred.
About 1,000 took part in the program.
Of the martyred, Rupon was shot dead by a settler when he was picketing in Baghaichari town in support of a peaceful road block. PCP members Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh were disappeared from a place called Muslim Block, a settler area, while they were on their way to Baghaichari town to participate in the picketing. They were believed to have been murdered. All these incidents took place on 27 June in 1996.
The speakers said the supreme sacrifice of these four valiant fighters will not go in vain. The Jumma struggle could not be subdued with these brutal murders, and it will never be subdued in the future, no matter how much repression the Jumma people are made to endure.
“The Jummas will always hold their heads high.” declared the speakers.
Terming the cold-blooded murder of the four valiant fighters preplanned, the speakers said it was aimed at covering up the kidnapping of Kalpana Chakma.
They demanded punishment for those responsible for the murder of Rupon, Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh.
Expressing concern over the increase in army repression since the 12 June Baghaichari rally marking 13 years after abduction of Kalpana Chakma, peoples are being tortured and harassed in the name of house searches.
They demanded that all sorts of repression are immediately stopped.
They also urged the government to publish the inquiry report on the abduction of Kalpana Chakma and punish Lt. Ferdous and his cohorts.
News No. 75/2009, June 28, 2009
A commemoration meeting was held yesterday for Rupon, Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh, who were killed in the course of a protest against the abduction of Kalpana Chakma in 1996.
Held at Rupokari High School ground at 9am, the commemoration was presided over by Abhinoy Chakma, president, Baghaichari Unit of Hill Students’ Council.
Among those spoke were Jewel Chakma, UPDF organiser in Baghaichari; Bishwajit Chakma, Chairman of Rupokari Union; Ranjit Chakma, leader of Democratic Youth Forum Baghaichari Unit; Rina Dewan, president, Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari district unit; and Arpan Chakma, General Secretary, Hill Students’ Council Khagrachari District Unit.
The commemoration began with the leaders placing floral wreaths at the altar of the martyred.
About 1,000 took part in the program.
Of the martyred, Rupon was shot dead by a settler when he was picketing in Baghaichari town in support of a peaceful road block. PCP members Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh were disappeared from a place called Muslim Block, a settler area, while they were on their way to Baghaichari town to participate in the picketing. They were believed to have been murdered. All these incidents took place on 27 June in 1996.
The speakers said the supreme sacrifice of these four valiant fighters will not go in vain. The Jumma struggle could not be subdued with these brutal murders, and it will never be subdued in the future, no matter how much repression the Jumma people are made to endure.
“The Jummas will always hold their heads high.” declared the speakers.
Terming the cold-blooded murder of the four valiant fighters preplanned, the speakers said it was aimed at covering up the kidnapping of Kalpana Chakma.
They demanded punishment for those responsible for the murder of Rupon, Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh.
Expressing concern over the increase in army repression since the 12 June Baghaichari rally marking 13 years after abduction of Kalpana Chakma, peoples are being tortured and harassed in the name of house searches.
They demanded that all sorts of repression are immediately stopped.
They also urged the government to publish the inquiry report on the abduction of Kalpana Chakma and punish Lt. Ferdous and his cohorts.
Army raid two villages in Kawkhali
chtnews.com
News No. 74/2009, June 27, 2009
A villager was tortured during an army raid into the remote villages of Manji Adam and Gongotyatoli under Fatikchari Union of Kawkhali Upazila in the small hours of Saturday, 27 June.
The two villages are situated 3 kilometers apart, and about 15 kilometers north-west of Kawkhali town.
The soldiers are from Ghagra zone, but the name of the army officers who led the raid could not be known.
While it is not yet known what happened during the raid in Gongotyatoli village, in Manji Adam the army beat up Sona Ram Chakma, a Jumia farmer (or Jum cultivator), and forced him to climb and pick green coconuts from trees.
It is not known whether the soldiers paid for the coconuts.
The soldiers searched all the eight houses of the village and found a homemade gun from the house of Shanti Ram Chakma who used it to keep away hordes of monkeys from his jum field.
Mr. Chakma ran away fearing arrest.
The army personnel also interrogated the villagers about the whereabouts of the “terrorists” meaning UPDF.
Two Jummas wearing bandanas around their faces were seen along with the army during the raid.
“They put off their bandanas at Khiram army camp, and they have been recognised,” claimed a UPDF leader.
The soldiers left the village at 8am.
News No. 74/2009, June 27, 2009
A villager was tortured during an army raid into the remote villages of Manji Adam and Gongotyatoli under Fatikchari Union of Kawkhali Upazila in the small hours of Saturday, 27 June.
The two villages are situated 3 kilometers apart, and about 15 kilometers north-west of Kawkhali town.
The soldiers are from Ghagra zone, but the name of the army officers who led the raid could not be known.
While it is not yet known what happened during the raid in Gongotyatoli village, in Manji Adam the army beat up Sona Ram Chakma, a Jumia farmer (or Jum cultivator), and forced him to climb and pick green coconuts from trees.
It is not known whether the soldiers paid for the coconuts.
The soldiers searched all the eight houses of the village and found a homemade gun from the house of Shanti Ram Chakma who used it to keep away hordes of monkeys from his jum field.
Mr. Chakma ran away fearing arrest.
The army personnel also interrogated the villagers about the whereabouts of the “terrorists” meaning UPDF.
Two Jummas wearing bandanas around their faces were seen along with the army during the raid.
“They put off their bandanas at Khiram army camp, and they have been recognised,” claimed a UPDF leader.
The soldiers left the village at 8am.
200 Mro families in fear of land-grabbers and terrorists in Bandarban
chtnews.com
News No. 73/2009, June 25, 2009
About 200 ethnic Mro families in Ronjupara, Penaipara, Chakkoipara and Bhattyapara under Tonkaboti Union in Bandarban Sadar Upazila have been living in fear of land grabbers and terrorists, says Prothom Alo, a leading national Bengali daily.
In a news article today, 25 June, the daily says “Since the attack on a villager of Penaipara on 18 June, the residents of the area have been living in fear of further terrorist attacks on them.”
“The villagers spoke of their sense of insecurity at a press conference held at Bandarban press club on Sunday. The chairman and members of Tonkaboti Union Council and village chiefs at the press conference demanded that land-grabber Shaha Alam and his terrorist gang members are arrested and brought to justice.
“At the press conference Tonkaboti Union Council Chairman Purna Chandra Mro said: ‘Shah Alam, a resident of Choromba area under Lohagora Upazila in Chittagong, has occupied without legal documents hundreds of acres of land belonging to Mro people with the help of his Rohinga terrorist gang. As a result the Mro people of Ronjupara and Penaipara have been unable to cultivate Jum for the last three years, plagued by dire financial crisis and compelled to live a substandard life. Complaints have been lodged with the government administration but to no avail, and the lack of effective measures on the part of the government has been a shot in the arms of terrorist Shah Alam.’
“Expressing anger village chief of Ronjupara, Luring Mro said: ‘I can no longer enter the land where we have been cultivating Jum for generations.’ He said Shah Alam and his terrorists tortured Rengrao while he was working at Jum field. He is still undergoing treatment in Bandarban Sadar Hospital. A case has been filed against six persons including Shah Alam; however police has so far failed to arrest any of them.’
“UP member Majeda Begum and Ashraf Mian told the press conference that they have been living in peaceful co-existence with the Mro. As Shah Alam has illegally occupied the lands of Mro people, who are simple and peaceful, they cannot cultivate their Jum fields and have to live in starvation.
“Bandarban Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anupam Barua said Shah Alam has no land in Tonkaboti Union. He is doing this defying an order not to occupy Jum lands belonging to Mro people.”
News No. 73/2009, June 25, 2009
About 200 ethnic Mro families in Ronjupara, Penaipara, Chakkoipara and Bhattyapara under Tonkaboti Union in Bandarban Sadar Upazila have been living in fear of land grabbers and terrorists, says Prothom Alo, a leading national Bengali daily.
In a news article today, 25 June, the daily says “Since the attack on a villager of Penaipara on 18 June, the residents of the area have been living in fear of further terrorist attacks on them.”
“The villagers spoke of their sense of insecurity at a press conference held at Bandarban press club on Sunday. The chairman and members of Tonkaboti Union Council and village chiefs at the press conference demanded that land-grabber Shaha Alam and his terrorist gang members are arrested and brought to justice.
“At the press conference Tonkaboti Union Council Chairman Purna Chandra Mro said: ‘Shah Alam, a resident of Choromba area under Lohagora Upazila in Chittagong, has occupied without legal documents hundreds of acres of land belonging to Mro people with the help of his Rohinga terrorist gang. As a result the Mro people of Ronjupara and Penaipara have been unable to cultivate Jum for the last three years, plagued by dire financial crisis and compelled to live a substandard life. Complaints have been lodged with the government administration but to no avail, and the lack of effective measures on the part of the government has been a shot in the arms of terrorist Shah Alam.’
“Expressing anger village chief of Ronjupara, Luring Mro said: ‘I can no longer enter the land where we have been cultivating Jum for generations.’ He said Shah Alam and his terrorists tortured Rengrao while he was working at Jum field. He is still undergoing treatment in Bandarban Sadar Hospital. A case has been filed against six persons including Shah Alam; however police has so far failed to arrest any of them.’
“UP member Majeda Begum and Ashraf Mian told the press conference that they have been living in peaceful co-existence with the Mro. As Shah Alam has illegally occupied the lands of Mro people, who are simple and peaceful, they cannot cultivate their Jum fields and have to live in starvation.
“Bandarban Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anupam Barua said Shah Alam has no land in Tonkaboti Union. He is doing this defying an order not to occupy Jum lands belonging to Mro people.”
Reception for successful SSC candidates held in Panchari
chtnews.com
News No. 72/2009, June 24, 2009
Reception for successful SSC candidates was held today in Panchari.
The program was organised by Panchari Degree College Organising Committee in close cooperation with the Hill Students’ Council (PCP).
It was scheduled to be held at Panchari Pilot School. But the organisers shifted the venue to College Gate after the TNO refused to give permission.
The TNO and Upazila Chairman were also scheduled to participate in the program. But under intense pressure from the army, both of them had to decline in the last moment.
Presided over by Chandra Dev Chakma, a student of Panchari Degree College, the reception was also addressed among others by Rina Dewan, President of Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari District Unit, Arpan Chakma, General Secretary of Hill Students’ Council Khagrachari District Unit and Sona Gulo Chakma, a second year student of Panchari Degree College.
Reception was accorded to over 150 students in Panchari Upazila who passed in the last Secondary School Certificate examination.
The speakers said the Jummas are being subjected to discrimination in all spheres of life including education.
“There is no congenial atmosphere for education in CHT. Jumma students who go out of the CHT to pursue studies in different higher educational institutions of the country also face harassment.” they alleged.
They said conspiracy was afoot to replace “Pahari or Hill quota” reserved for the Jumma students with “Parbottyo (CHT) quota” to provide reserved seats to the settlers at the cost of the Jumma students.
Rina Dewan said children of all the ethnic nationalities have an inalienable right to education up to primary level in their own languages; but the government is depriving them of this right.
Terming the primary education system in CHT as unsatisfactory, Arpan Chakma said hundreds of children drop out every year at primary level, while many children suffer malnutrition.
He urged the government to give priority to primary education and end discriminatory policies in respect of education in CHT.
News No. 72/2009, June 24, 2009
Reception for successful SSC candidates was held today in Panchari.
The program was organised by Panchari Degree College Organising Committee in close cooperation with the Hill Students’ Council (PCP).
It was scheduled to be held at Panchari Pilot School. But the organisers shifted the venue to College Gate after the TNO refused to give permission.
The TNO and Upazila Chairman were also scheduled to participate in the program. But under intense pressure from the army, both of them had to decline in the last moment.
Presided over by Chandra Dev Chakma, a student of Panchari Degree College, the reception was also addressed among others by Rina Dewan, President of Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari District Unit, Arpan Chakma, General Secretary of Hill Students’ Council Khagrachari District Unit and Sona Gulo Chakma, a second year student of Panchari Degree College.
Reception was accorded to over 150 students in Panchari Upazila who passed in the last Secondary School Certificate examination.
The speakers said the Jummas are being subjected to discrimination in all spheres of life including education.
“There is no congenial atmosphere for education in CHT. Jumma students who go out of the CHT to pursue studies in different higher educational institutions of the country also face harassment.” they alleged.
They said conspiracy was afoot to replace “Pahari or Hill quota” reserved for the Jumma students with “Parbottyo (CHT) quota” to provide reserved seats to the settlers at the cost of the Jumma students.
Rina Dewan said children of all the ethnic nationalities have an inalienable right to education up to primary level in their own languages; but the government is depriving them of this right.
Terming the primary education system in CHT as unsatisfactory, Arpan Chakma said hundreds of children drop out every year at primary level, while many children suffer malnutrition.
He urged the government to give priority to primary education and end discriminatory policies in respect of education in CHT.
Six innocent villagers tortured in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 71/2009, June 24, 2009
Six innocent Jummas were tortured in Sajek in Rangamati district during an army raid on a village.
Sources said on 20 June, at 2pm a group of Bangladesh Army soldiers from Baghaihat zone carried out a surprise raid into the village of MSF Para.
The soldiers surrounded the village and began searching for what they said “terrorists”. Finding no ‘terrorist’, the soldiers picked up 6 innocent villagers, took them to the camp and tortured them severely.
They army beat them with stick and gave electric shocks in their bodies.
Five of the torture victims have been identified as Ballya Chakma, 50, of village MSF Para; Chuchyang Naga Chakma, 40, of Bhuachari; Jagadish Chakma, 40, of Karengatoli; Amar Dhan Chakma, 45, of Nakshachari; Kaladhan Chakma, 50, of Gangaram Dore.
The victim whose name could not be known is a friend of Jagadish Chakma, himself a torture victim. Both of them are day labourers.
Ballya Chakma was picked up from his home, while Chuchyang Naga Chakma was arrested while he was on his way to Baghaihat bazaar.
Jagadish Chakma and his friend were preparing to float bundles of bamboo down the river Kachalong to be carried to Kaptai for Karnaphuli Paper Mill, while the army arrested them.
The army arrested Amar Dhan Chakma while he was on his way to Baghaichari Upazila headquarters to draw UNDP’s Village Development Project money from a bank.
Kaladhan Chakma was arrested from his home in Gangaram Dore.
The army released Ballya Chakma, Chuchyang Naga Chakma, Jagadish Chakma and his friend in the evening, the same day, while the rest two were set free the following day.
Baghaihat zone is notorious for carrying out raids, torture and arrest of innocent villagers.
The army takes these repressive measures as part of a general plan to capture land in the area.
In April last year, the settlers burned down hundreds of Jumma houses in ten villages and made a series of attempts to grab land belonging to the Jumma people.
Following the April incident, many human rights organisaitons including International CHT Commission have visited the area. Yet, the conditions have not improved.
Close on the heels of the CHT Commission’s visit last year, the settlers launched further attacks and killed one Ladu Moni Chakma in the most brutal fashion.
A few days ago, the army made a number of arrests in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of a Bengali settler.
Baghaihat zone, under Khagrachari brigade, is commanded by Lt. Col. Anisuzzaman of 14 Bir.
News No. 71/2009, June 24, 2009
Six innocent Jummas were tortured in Sajek in Rangamati district during an army raid on a village.
Sources said on 20 June, at 2pm a group of Bangladesh Army soldiers from Baghaihat zone carried out a surprise raid into the village of MSF Para.
The soldiers surrounded the village and began searching for what they said “terrorists”. Finding no ‘terrorist’, the soldiers picked up 6 innocent villagers, took them to the camp and tortured them severely.
They army beat them with stick and gave electric shocks in their bodies.
Five of the torture victims have been identified as Ballya Chakma, 50, of village MSF Para; Chuchyang Naga Chakma, 40, of Bhuachari; Jagadish Chakma, 40, of Karengatoli; Amar Dhan Chakma, 45, of Nakshachari; Kaladhan Chakma, 50, of Gangaram Dore.
The victim whose name could not be known is a friend of Jagadish Chakma, himself a torture victim. Both of them are day labourers.
Ballya Chakma was picked up from his home, while Chuchyang Naga Chakma was arrested while he was on his way to Baghaihat bazaar.
Jagadish Chakma and his friend were preparing to float bundles of bamboo down the river Kachalong to be carried to Kaptai for Karnaphuli Paper Mill, while the army arrested them.
The army arrested Amar Dhan Chakma while he was on his way to Baghaichari Upazila headquarters to draw UNDP’s Village Development Project money from a bank.
Kaladhan Chakma was arrested from his home in Gangaram Dore.
The army released Ballya Chakma, Chuchyang Naga Chakma, Jagadish Chakma and his friend in the evening, the same day, while the rest two were set free the following day.
Baghaihat zone is notorious for carrying out raids, torture and arrest of innocent villagers.
The army takes these repressive measures as part of a general plan to capture land in the area.
In April last year, the settlers burned down hundreds of Jumma houses in ten villages and made a series of attempts to grab land belonging to the Jumma people.
Following the April incident, many human rights organisaitons including International CHT Commission have visited the area. Yet, the conditions have not improved.
Close on the heels of the CHT Commission’s visit last year, the settlers launched further attacks and killed one Ladu Moni Chakma in the most brutal fashion.
A few days ago, the army made a number of arrests in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of a Bengali settler.
Baghaihat zone, under Khagrachari brigade, is commanded by Lt. Col. Anisuzzaman of 14 Bir.
Who is pulling the string?
chtnews.com
News No. 70/2009, June 24, 2009
Panchari Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s volte face over a reception to the successful SSC candidates has raised many eyebrows.
The reception is scheduled to be held today at Panchari Pilot High School. Initially, it was decided that the program would be held under the banner of the Panchari branch of the Hill Students’ Council (PCP).
However, PCP agreed not to use its banner to facilitate UNO’s participation as special guest at the reception.
On 21 June, UNO Mohammad Abdul Kader Sheikh agreed to attend the reception if it is not held under the banner of PCP.
After obtaining his consent the PCP began preparation under the banner of Organising Committee.
But the following day, the UNO changed his decision and told the organisers that he would not be able to attend the program and that no such program could be held within the boundaries of Panchari Pilot High School.
On inquiry, it was learnt that the UNO was summoned to the Panchari army zone on 22 June, and it is believed that the zone commander, Lt. Col. Hamidul Haq forced him to change his mind.
The organisers were taken aback at the volte face of the UNO. They ask who is running the civil administration in Panchari and who is pulling the string behind the scene?
However, they are determined to hold the reception as scheduled.
News No. 70/2009, June 24, 2009
Panchari Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s volte face over a reception to the successful SSC candidates has raised many eyebrows.
The reception is scheduled to be held today at Panchari Pilot High School. Initially, it was decided that the program would be held under the banner of the Panchari branch of the Hill Students’ Council (PCP).
However, PCP agreed not to use its banner to facilitate UNO’s participation as special guest at the reception.
On 21 June, UNO Mohammad Abdul Kader Sheikh agreed to attend the reception if it is not held under the banner of PCP.
After obtaining his consent the PCP began preparation under the banner of Organising Committee.
But the following day, the UNO changed his decision and told the organisers that he would not be able to attend the program and that no such program could be held within the boundaries of Panchari Pilot High School.
On inquiry, it was learnt that the UNO was summoned to the Panchari army zone on 22 June, and it is believed that the zone commander, Lt. Col. Hamidul Haq forced him to change his mind.
The organisers were taken aback at the volte face of the UNO. They ask who is running the civil administration in Panchari and who is pulling the string behind the scene?
However, they are determined to hold the reception as scheduled.
JSS Reformist rally in Khagrachari
chtnews.com
News No. 69/2009, June 23, 2009
The Reformist faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti led by Rupayan Dewan has held a rally in Khagrachari against armed attacks on its leaders and activists by rival Santu faction.
The rally, held today at Shapla Chattar of the town, was addressed by JSS leaders Samiron Chakma, Sudhakor Tripura and Sudhasindhu Khisha.
The speakers condemned the attacks on their leaders and activists and demanded immediate arrest of those responsible.
They termed their faction as the real JSS and vowed to carry on the movement for full implementation of the CHT Accord.
News No. 69/2009, June 23, 2009
The Reformist faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti led by Rupayan Dewan has held a rally in Khagrachari against armed attacks on its leaders and activists by rival Santu faction.
The rally, held today at Shapla Chattar of the town, was addressed by JSS leaders Samiron Chakma, Sudhakor Tripura and Sudhasindhu Khisha.
The speakers condemned the attacks on their leaders and activists and demanded immediate arrest of those responsible.
They termed their faction as the real JSS and vowed to carry on the movement for full implementation of the CHT Accord.
Another JSS Reformist leader shot and wounded in Balukhali, Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 68/2009, June 22, 2009
Yet another leader of the Jana Samhati Samiti’s Reformist faction have been shot and wounded in Rangamati.
Mr. Aungshuman Chakma (40), who was shot at his home in Balukhali yesterday, is now undergoing treatment in Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
Mr. Chakma received bullet injuries in his left elbow and has got his bone fractured. Doctors said he needed to be operated on.
His father Dhirendra Kishore Chakma, also a former JSS member, blamed Santu Larma for the attack on his son and said he would file a criminal case in connection with the incident.
Eyewitnesses said at about 7pm Aungshuman Chakma and his friend Ashin Chakma were taking rest in the courtyard of his house when a group of five JSS (Santu) men appeared and shot at them.
Ashin Chakma, a former leader of Santu Larma backed student front, told chtnews.com “we were sitting in the courtyard after taking a stroll. Suddenly five people armed with sophisticated weapons appeared before us, with one of them saying ‘oh, I see, you are here!’.”
“At first they tried to catch us alive. But we knew who they were, and immediately began running away. Then they shot at us.”
Both of them escaped – Ashim Chakma unhurt.
Mr. Ashin said the armed men came in a boat from Manikchari Dore via the edge of Assam Bosti in Rangamati town.
“Each of them had a gun” he said.
Mr. Aungshuman Chakma was a staff member of the central committee of the JSS. He is one of those highly critical of Santu Larma’s corruption and questionable policies.
News No. 68/2009, June 22, 2009
Yet another leader of the Jana Samhati Samiti’s Reformist faction have been shot and wounded in Rangamati.
Mr. Aungshuman Chakma (40), who was shot at his home in Balukhali yesterday, is now undergoing treatment in Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
Mr. Chakma received bullet injuries in his left elbow and has got his bone fractured. Doctors said he needed to be operated on.
His father Dhirendra Kishore Chakma, also a former JSS member, blamed Santu Larma for the attack on his son and said he would file a criminal case in connection with the incident.
Eyewitnesses said at about 7pm Aungshuman Chakma and his friend Ashin Chakma were taking rest in the courtyard of his house when a group of five JSS (Santu) men appeared and shot at them.
Ashin Chakma, a former leader of Santu Larma backed student front, told chtnews.com “we were sitting in the courtyard after taking a stroll. Suddenly five people armed with sophisticated weapons appeared before us, with one of them saying ‘oh, I see, you are here!’.”
“At first they tried to catch us alive. But we knew who they were, and immediately began running away. Then they shot at us.”
Both of them escaped – Ashim Chakma unhurt.
Mr. Ashin said the armed men came in a boat from Manikchari Dore via the edge of Assam Bosti in Rangamati town.
“Each of them had a gun” he said.
Mr. Aungshuman Chakma was a staff member of the central committee of the JSS. He is one of those highly critical of Santu Larma’s corruption and questionable policies.
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