Harassment of Buddhist monks: Naniachar zone commander threatens Jummas

chtnews.com
News No. 41/2009, May 25, 2009

Naniachar zone commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mushfikur Rahman (Bir-1) has threatened the leaders of a protest rally with dire consequences if they continued their agitation against the harassment of a group of Buddhist monks.

The commander on Sunday, 24 May, called 18 persons to the zone headquarters and ordered them to refrain from organising further protests against the 21 May incident involving Captain Shamim of Bogachari army camp.

Lt. Col. Mushfikur Rahman categorically denied that Ven. Bishuddananda Bhante was subjected to harassment and said he had video footage of how the Ven. Bhante behaved at the check post.

He said he would call a press conference and make it known to all.

He warned that if the protests were not stopped within 24 hours he would go tough and do his job as he had always done in the past.

Among those present at the meeting with the army commander were Bishwajit Barua, assistant teacher, Nannyachar High School; Pranati Bikash Chakma, Chairman, Burighat UP; Mithu Chakma, Chairman, Ghilachari UP; Ramani ranjan Talukder, Chairman, Nanyachar UP; Onadi Ranjan Chakma, Chairman, Sabekkhang UP; Shasil Jiban Chakma, President, Ratnankur Bouddha Bihara, Naniachar; Sentru Chakma and Rupayan Chakma.

Commenting on Mushfikur Rahman’s threat, one of those present at the meeting with him said it was a desperate bid of the army to cover up the incident of harassment and save Captain Shamim, the army officer responsible for the harassment of Ven. Bishuddananda Bhante.

“And it is to be expected from an army officer like him who have been terrorising the whole of Naniachar.” he said requesting anonymity for fear of reprisal.

“But people cannot be intimidated any longer... such tactics have become obsolete. The harassment of the Bhante is an insult to our religion and we cannot let it go unprotested.” he added.