Police frustrate land grab attempt in Khagrachari

chtnews.com
News No. 67/2009, June 21, 2009
Police have frustrated a settler attempt to grab land in Khagrachari.

The settlers have been trying to occupy approximately 600 acres of land in Betchari under Kamalchari Union No. 2.

On 19 June, a group of settlers went to Moddyo (Middle) Betchari and began planting trees there. But the local people informed the police about the illegal act of the settlers, and police immediately swung into action and drove the settlers away.

The police also arrested a few settlers and uprooted the tree saplings.

Earlier on 16 June, the settlers went in droves to Betchari to cut jungles for construction of houses. However, as the local people resisted they had to come back.

The following day Khagrachari Upazila Chairman Shane Alam and the Khagrachari UNO went to Betchari and held a ‘compromise meeting’ with Jumma and Bengali elders.

It was decided in the meeting that until the CHT Land Commission decides on the issue, no one should enter the ‘disputed’ land.

But within two days, the settlers violated the decision by planting trees on the said land.

Local villagers alleged that most of the settlers are peaceful and don’t want a conflict with the Jumma villagers.

They said the settlers are instigated by Abul Hossain, ex-UP member and leader of Bhuachari Settler Para, Habibur Rahman, ex-UP member and Mostafa.