Jumma – settler communal tension in Ghilachari

chtnews.com
News No. 19/2009, April 6, 2009

There have been reports of heightened tension between Jumma villagers and illegal settlers in Ghilachari under Rangmati district over ownership of land.

Democratic Youth Forum leader, Alakesh Chakma from Rantgamati told chtnews.com that tension had been brewing over the last few days as the settlers began planting pineapple saplings on lands Jumma villagers claim to be their own.

The Jummas lodged a strong protest about it, but the settlers paid no heed.

The matter came to a head 3 days ago when the Jummas destroyed the planted saplings.

The settlers instantly made it an issue and tried to whip up communal sentiment against the Jummas.

Hundreds of settlers came out on the Rangamati – Khagrachari road yesterday, blocked vehicles and forced the passengers to witness “the destruction” of their pineapple gardens.

Alakesh Chakma farther informed that they were worrying for four Jumma villagers who had gone to Islampur bazaar, a settler dominated market place, yesterday. “They have not returned till now”, he said quoting villagers in the area. Two of them are from Nanakrum village and the other two from Guchagram (cluster village).

Another source said vehicular movement on Rangamti – Khagracahri road remained closed today.

“No vehicle is plying on the road, and some Bhantes (Buddhist monks) from Naniachar were supposed to attend a religious function in Ranamati town; but they could not go.” he said.

UPDF’s Rangamati district organiser Shanti Dev Chakma expressed concern over the incident and urged both the Jummas and settlers to stay calm.

He also urged the government to prevent the settlers from grabbing Jumma people’s lands.