chtnews.com
News No. 135/2009, September 25, 2009
There are reports of mass arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers in Laxmichari under Khagrachari district.
Sources say army personnel from Laxmichari zone led by Commanding Officer Sharifuddin Ahmed arrested dozens of Jumma villagers from different areas of Laxmichari this morning (Friday).
Ratan Bidu Chakma (32) s/o Dhonya Chakma, a Jumma contractor, was arrested from Morachengey. He was supervising the construction of a bridge in Jotindra Karbari Para area.
Quoting local residents, UPDF’s Niron Chakma told chtnews.com that Mr. Ratan had been seen being taken away by army, blindfolded.
Pulindra Chakma (55) s/o late Badi Chakma was arrested from his house in the village of Badipara when he was performing Sanga Dana, a religious service, for his deceased father.
Another source said the army also arrested over a dozen people from 3 – 4 Jumma tea shops at Shilchari.
He added that the Jummas have been taken to an open ground in front of the army zone headquarters and tortured.
However, he could not provide further details.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Settlers burn down Jumma houses in Laxmichari
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News No. 134/2009, September 25, 2009
The illegal Bengali settlers have burned down 3 Jumma houses in Laxmichari under Khagrachari district, sources say.
Reports reaching from Laxmichari say a group of settlers from Mogaichari launched an overnight raid on the village of Bainamachara under Dulyatoli Union last night and set the houses ablaze.
The houses belong to Naibo Chakma (55) s/o Nayan Sen Chakma, his son Rashik Chakma (33) and Sudikya Chakma (30) s/o Mono Kumar Chakma.
All their belongings in the houses were burnt to ashes.
Bainamachara is about 2 kilometers away from Moghaichari, a concentration of illegal settlers brought in by the government in the 1980s.
The settlers also burned down 4 huts used by the guards of a controversial fruits garden raised by one Anisur Rahman, a Bengali businessman.
Anisur raised the garden on an area of 1,000 acres of land that the Jummas claim they own.
On 17 September, hundreds of villagers protested the illegal grabbing of their community land and uprooted the mango and jackfruit saplings planted there.
News No. 134/2009, September 25, 2009
The illegal Bengali settlers have burned down 3 Jumma houses in Laxmichari under Khagrachari district, sources say.
Reports reaching from Laxmichari say a group of settlers from Mogaichari launched an overnight raid on the village of Bainamachara under Dulyatoli Union last night and set the houses ablaze.
The houses belong to Naibo Chakma (55) s/o Nayan Sen Chakma, his son Rashik Chakma (33) and Sudikya Chakma (30) s/o Mono Kumar Chakma.
All their belongings in the houses were burnt to ashes.
Bainamachara is about 2 kilometers away from Moghaichari, a concentration of illegal settlers brought in by the government in the 1980s.
The settlers also burned down 4 huts used by the guards of a controversial fruits garden raised by one Anisur Rahman, a Bengali businessman.
Anisur raised the garden on an area of 1,000 acres of land that the Jummas claim they own.
On 17 September, hundreds of villagers protested the illegal grabbing of their community land and uprooted the mango and jackfruit saplings planted there.
Jumma villager arrested from wedding house in Naniachar
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News No. 133/2009, September 23, 2009
An innocent Jumma villager has been arrested from a wedding house in Naniachar under Rangamati district.
Sources said a group of 15 army personnel led by Warrant Officer Tapan from Burighat camp raided the house of Gale Bap Chakma in the village of North Edmara (Hatimara) under Burighat Union at around 8am today and picked up Nikhil Chakma (aged 25) s/o Hirohito Chakma from there.
He was attending a wedding ceremony in the house when the army arrested him. He is a resident of the same village.
Mr. Chakma has been taken to Burighat camp, two kilometers away from where he was arrested.
The army has not given any reason for his arrest. A team of the Jumma elders of the village is preparing to meet the army commander for his release.
News No. 133/2009, September 23, 2009
An innocent Jumma villager has been arrested from a wedding house in Naniachar under Rangamati district.
Sources said a group of 15 army personnel led by Warrant Officer Tapan from Burighat camp raided the house of Gale Bap Chakma in the village of North Edmara (Hatimara) under Burighat Union at around 8am today and picked up Nikhil Chakma (aged 25) s/o Hirohito Chakma from there.
He was attending a wedding ceremony in the house when the army arrested him. He is a resident of the same village.
Mr. Chakma has been taken to Burighat camp, two kilometers away from where he was arrested.
The army has not given any reason for his arrest. A team of the Jumma elders of the village is preparing to meet the army commander for his release.
DYF Khagrachari district Committee formed
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News No. 132/2009, September 20, 2009
A 15-member committee for the Democratic Forum Khagrachari District Unit was constituted yesterday, with Remin Chakma, Arpan Chakma and Subir Chakma elected as President, General Secretary and Organising Secretary respectively.
The committee, formed at a conference of the DYF Khagrachari District Unit members held at Surya Shikha club at Mahajonpara, will be formally announced today, Sunday, DYF sources said.
News No. 132/2009, September 20, 2009
A 15-member committee for the Democratic Forum Khagrachari District Unit was constituted yesterday, with Remin Chakma, Arpan Chakma and Subir Chakma elected as President, General Secretary and Organising Secretary respectively.
The committee, formed at a conference of the DYF Khagrachari District Unit members held at Surya Shikha club at Mahajonpara, will be formally announced today, Sunday, DYF sources said.
Innocent villager arrested by army in Naniachar
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News No. 131/2009, September 19, 2009
An innocent Jumma villager has been arrested by army in Naniachar under Rangamati district.
Sources said a group of army personnel from Naniachar zone raided the house of Ananda Chakma (aged 36) in the village of Suridas Karbari Para at midnight last night and picked him up.
Mr. Chakma is a bamboo trader and has been vocal against land grabbing in his area. His father’s name is Manek Chandra Chakma.
In April this year, Jumma villagers destroyed a pineapple plantation which the settlers had created on lands grabbed from the Jummas, and he was one of those arrested for this action. He had to spend one night in Rangamati police station before being released.
After the latest arrest, the army put an LG (Light Gun) and some live bullets in his hand, and accused him of providing shelter to the members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), a regional party of the Jumma people campaigning for full autonomy for Chittagong Hill Tracts through peaceful and democratic means.
Mr. Chakma has been taken to Naniachar zone, and there is likelihood that he may be handed over to the police.
UPDF organiser in Rangamati Mr. Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the arrest and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
He believes that the army arrested him at the behest of the settlers to silence his voice against illegal land grabbing.
News No. 131/2009, September 19, 2009
An innocent Jumma villager has been arrested by army in Naniachar under Rangamati district.
Sources said a group of army personnel from Naniachar zone raided the house of Ananda Chakma (aged 36) in the village of Suridas Karbari Para at midnight last night and picked him up.
Mr. Chakma is a bamboo trader and has been vocal against land grabbing in his area. His father’s name is Manek Chandra Chakma.
In April this year, Jumma villagers destroyed a pineapple plantation which the settlers had created on lands grabbed from the Jummas, and he was one of those arrested for this action. He had to spend one night in Rangamati police station before being released.
After the latest arrest, the army put an LG (Light Gun) and some live bullets in his hand, and accused him of providing shelter to the members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), a regional party of the Jumma people campaigning for full autonomy for Chittagong Hill Tracts through peaceful and democratic means.
Mr. Chakma has been taken to Naniachar zone, and there is likelihood that he may be handed over to the police.
UPDF organiser in Rangamati Mr. Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the arrest and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
He believes that the army arrested him at the behest of the settlers to silence his voice against illegal land grabbing.
Released UPDF members say they were tortured in custody
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News No. 130/2009, September 17, 2009
Two United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) members, released from jail recently, have said they were tortured while in army and police custody after arrest on 13 May 2009.
Purna Bhushan Chakma (aged 40) and Mongol Dhan Chakma (aged 27) were speaking to chtnews.com correspondent after their release. They are currently in Chittagong for medical treatment of their physical injuries they sustained as a result of severe beatings. (Their photographs are attached herewith.)
They were released on bail from Rangamati jail on 9 September, about four months after their arrest.
They said they were arrested by army from the house of Purna Chakma in the village of Bhijakijing in Badalchari under Balukhali Union in Rangamati district.
“It was about 9:30 in the morning. Suddenly a group of 30 – 35 army personnel surrounded the house and detained us.” Purna Bhushan Chakma, who hails from Shukarchari village under Sapchari Union in Rangamati district, said. “They came from Kukipara Bhija Kijing camp which is under Banajogichara zone within Kaptai Brigade.”
They were not wanted in any case, and went there to attend a meeting with the villagers.
“The army bound us hand and foot and beat us with a big long stick. They tortured us in this way till 4pm, and at about 7:30pm they handed us over to Jurachari police station.” Mongol Dhan Chakma of Bamey Longudu village under Rangamati district told chtnews.com.
Both of them were shown arrested under section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code which gives the police sweeping powers to arrest anyone on mere suspicion. The next day, they were sent to Rangamati jail.
Later, a false case was filed against them alleging that both of them were engaged in a fictitious incident of shootout with the army.
While in Rangamati jail, they were taken on remand from 21 – 24 May and were tortured during interrogation.
Purna Bhushan Chakma, who have been working for the party since its inception in 1998, said he had one Nokia mobile set (Model No. 2626) along with a SIM, cash Taka over 3,000 and a Siko Five wrist watch. “But the army did not produce these items to the police.”
Mongol Dhan Chakma also brought the same allegation against the army. He said the army did not hand over his Nokia mobile phone, his Citizen wrist watch and Taka 2,400 to the police.
As a result of excessive torture both of them sustained serious injuries in their chests, spinal cords and other vital parts of the body.
They are currently receiving medical treatment from Dr. Anup Dewan and Sumedh Dewan in Chittagong.
News No. 130/2009, September 17, 2009
Two United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) members, released from jail recently, have said they were tortured while in army and police custody after arrest on 13 May 2009.
Purna Bhushan Chakma (aged 40) and Mongol Dhan Chakma (aged 27) were speaking to chtnews.com correspondent after their release. They are currently in Chittagong for medical treatment of their physical injuries they sustained as a result of severe beatings. (Their photographs are attached herewith.)
They were released on bail from Rangamati jail on 9 September, about four months after their arrest.
They said they were arrested by army from the house of Purna Chakma in the village of Bhijakijing in Badalchari under Balukhali Union in Rangamati district.
“It was about 9:30 in the morning. Suddenly a group of 30 – 35 army personnel surrounded the house and detained us.” Purna Bhushan Chakma, who hails from Shukarchari village under Sapchari Union in Rangamati district, said. “They came from Kukipara Bhija Kijing camp which is under Banajogichara zone within Kaptai Brigade.”
They were not wanted in any case, and went there to attend a meeting with the villagers.
“The army bound us hand and foot and beat us with a big long stick. They tortured us in this way till 4pm, and at about 7:30pm they handed us over to Jurachari police station.” Mongol Dhan Chakma of Bamey Longudu village under Rangamati district told chtnews.com.
Both of them were shown arrested under section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code which gives the police sweeping powers to arrest anyone on mere suspicion. The next day, they were sent to Rangamati jail.
Later, a false case was filed against them alleging that both of them were engaged in a fictitious incident of shootout with the army.
While in Rangamati jail, they were taken on remand from 21 – 24 May and were tortured during interrogation.
Purna Bhushan Chakma, who have been working for the party since its inception in 1998, said he had one Nokia mobile set (Model No. 2626) along with a SIM, cash Taka over 3,000 and a Siko Five wrist watch. “But the army did not produce these items to the police.”
Mongol Dhan Chakma also brought the same allegation against the army. He said the army did not hand over his Nokia mobile phone, his Citizen wrist watch and Taka 2,400 to the police.
As a result of excessive torture both of them sustained serious injuries in their chests, spinal cords and other vital parts of the body.
They are currently receiving medical treatment from Dr. Anup Dewan and Sumedh Dewan in Chittagong.
Kidnapped UPDF members released after paying ransom
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News No. 129/2009, September 15, 2009
Two United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) members, kidnapped by armed gangs of the JSS (Santu group) from Rangamati town on September 2, was released on payment of a ransom of Taka 210,000.
The UPDF members -- Shukra Sen Chakma (32) s/o Chitra Mohan Chakma of village Dhamaipara, Panchari under Jurachari Upazila and Laxmi Kumar Chakma 929) s/o Brisha Ketu Chakma of village Morongchari under Barkal Upazila – were released on September 13 from Rangapani, a stronghold of the Santu loyalists.
“We had to sell properties and seek other people’s help to raise the ransom money.” Sukra Sen Chakma’s parents told chtnews.com.
They said the two families managed to raise Taka 150,000 selling their properties, while Jurachari Upazila Chairman Prabartak Chakma and all the UP chairmen under his Upazila raised Taka 50,000, and Shubholong Union Council Chairman Bihari Ranjan Chakma, Aimachara UP Chairman Shyam Ratan Chakma and Barkal UP chairman Prabhat Chakma gave Taka 20,000.
Shukra Sen and Laxmi Kumar were kidnapped from Reserve Bazaar in Rangamati town by a group of JSS (Santu) members led by Bhagya Chakma.
The UPDF members, out on bail in false cases, had come to the town to appear before the court.
The Santu loyalists tortured them badly while in captivity – Laxmi Kumar’s one hand and Shukra’s one leg are believed to have broken.
Although they have been released, they are still unable to receive medical treatment as one of the conditions for their release was to become Sramanas (Buddhist novices) in Swargapuri Temple in Rangapani.
Another condition, apart from the payment of ransom money, is to quit UPDF.
The Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti has stepped up violent activities since the government announced partial withdrawal of the army from CHT on 29 July.
That the army is providing them full support up is an open secret, and the general people are too scared to discuss it in the open.
“The members of Santu group are misguided; from their activities it is apparent that they are hundreds of thousands of miles away from the Jumma struggle. They no longer consider the army as their enemy. What they want is the total destruction of UPDF and in trying to achieve that, they are making the common people to pay dearly.” a Jumma intellectual commented.
News No. 129/2009, September 15, 2009
Two United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) members, kidnapped by armed gangs of the JSS (Santu group) from Rangamati town on September 2, was released on payment of a ransom of Taka 210,000.
The UPDF members -- Shukra Sen Chakma (32) s/o Chitra Mohan Chakma of village Dhamaipara, Panchari under Jurachari Upazila and Laxmi Kumar Chakma 929) s/o Brisha Ketu Chakma of village Morongchari under Barkal Upazila – were released on September 13 from Rangapani, a stronghold of the Santu loyalists.
“We had to sell properties and seek other people’s help to raise the ransom money.” Sukra Sen Chakma’s parents told chtnews.com.
They said the two families managed to raise Taka 150,000 selling their properties, while Jurachari Upazila Chairman Prabartak Chakma and all the UP chairmen under his Upazila raised Taka 50,000, and Shubholong Union Council Chairman Bihari Ranjan Chakma, Aimachara UP Chairman Shyam Ratan Chakma and Barkal UP chairman Prabhat Chakma gave Taka 20,000.
Shukra Sen and Laxmi Kumar were kidnapped from Reserve Bazaar in Rangamati town by a group of JSS (Santu) members led by Bhagya Chakma.
The UPDF members, out on bail in false cases, had come to the town to appear before the court.
The Santu loyalists tortured them badly while in captivity – Laxmi Kumar’s one hand and Shukra’s one leg are believed to have broken.
Although they have been released, they are still unable to receive medical treatment as one of the conditions for their release was to become Sramanas (Buddhist novices) in Swargapuri Temple in Rangapani.
Another condition, apart from the payment of ransom money, is to quit UPDF.
The Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti has stepped up violent activities since the government announced partial withdrawal of the army from CHT on 29 July.
That the army is providing them full support up is an open secret, and the general people are too scared to discuss it in the open.
“The members of Santu group are misguided; from their activities it is apparent that they are hundreds of thousands of miles away from the Jumma struggle. They no longer consider the army as their enemy. What they want is the total destruction of UPDF and in trying to achieve that, they are making the common people to pay dearly.” a Jumma intellectual commented.
Two Jumma protesters released in Sindukchari
chtnews.com
News No. 128/2009, September 14, 2009
The two Jumma villagers arrested today in Sindukchari in connection with yesterday’s protest against the rape of Ms Noner Bala Tripura (19) have been released after torture, sources in Khagrachari and Lakshmichari confirmed.
Mr Ushamong Marma (45) s/o Tingli Boidyo and Chaingkyo Marma (30) s/o Mragya Marma were arrested at 2pm from their homes in the village of Lichu Bagan under Sindukchari Union in Mahalchari Upazila, Khagrachari district.
There were taken to Goriapara Army camp and tortured. Later, at around 5:30pm, the army set them free, without framing any charges against them.
Meanwhile, parents of the rape victim said they did not admit Noner Bala Tripura to the hospital fearing reprisal from the settlers.
They cited the case of Poney Mala Tripura (age 50) who was murdered by a group of settlers in the same area on 3 September for protesting against settler attempts to grab her lands.
In Sindukchari, the Jummas have to live side by side with the settlers under constant fear of attacks and encroachment on their land.
The army and local civil administration are said to be biased in favor of the settlers, and the Jummas rarely get any justice against daily harassment and threats they receive from the settlers.
“It has become very difficult for us to live here. They (settlers) always harass us and threaten us to leave the village.” a Marma villager told chtnews.com on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
News No. 128/2009, September 14, 2009
The two Jumma villagers arrested today in Sindukchari in connection with yesterday’s protest against the rape of Ms Noner Bala Tripura (19) have been released after torture, sources in Khagrachari and Lakshmichari confirmed.
Mr Ushamong Marma (45) s/o Tingli Boidyo and Chaingkyo Marma (30) s/o Mragya Marma were arrested at 2pm from their homes in the village of Lichu Bagan under Sindukchari Union in Mahalchari Upazila, Khagrachari district.
There were taken to Goriapara Army camp and tortured. Later, at around 5:30pm, the army set them free, without framing any charges against them.
Meanwhile, parents of the rape victim said they did not admit Noner Bala Tripura to the hospital fearing reprisal from the settlers.
They cited the case of Poney Mala Tripura (age 50) who was murdered by a group of settlers in the same area on 3 September for protesting against settler attempts to grab her lands.
In Sindukchari, the Jummas have to live side by side with the settlers under constant fear of attacks and encroachment on their land.
The army and local civil administration are said to be biased in favor of the settlers, and the Jummas rarely get any justice against daily harassment and threats they receive from the settlers.
“It has become very difficult for us to live here. They (settlers) always harass us and threaten us to leave the village.” a Marma villager told chtnews.com on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
New committee for PCP Khagrachari District Unit formed
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News No. 127/2009, September 14, 2009
A 17-member committee for the Khagrachari District Unit of the Hill Students’ Council was formed at the end of a 2-day conference on 11 and 12 September.
Held at Rega Club in Milonpur of Khagrachari town, the ninth PCP Khagrachari District conference was presided over by Ratan Chakma.
A 14-member subject committee, formed as per the provision of the PCP constitution, elected Ratan Chakma as President, Apruchi Marma as General Secretary and Umesh Chakma as Organising Secretary.
Later, the delegates unanimously approved of their election and of other members of the committee.
PCP central committee president Ricoh Chakma inaugurated the conference session as chief guest.
The closing session of the conference was addressed by Kalo Priya Chakma, organiser, UPDF Khagrachari District Unit and DYF leader Mithun Chakma, while Arpan Chakma conducted.
News No. 127/2009, September 14, 2009
A 17-member committee for the Khagrachari District Unit of the Hill Students’ Council was formed at the end of a 2-day conference on 11 and 12 September.
Held at Rega Club in Milonpur of Khagrachari town, the ninth PCP Khagrachari District conference was presided over by Ratan Chakma.
A 14-member subject committee, formed as per the provision of the PCP constitution, elected Ratan Chakma as President, Apruchi Marma as General Secretary and Umesh Chakma as Organising Secretary.
Later, the delegates unanimously approved of their election and of other members of the committee.
PCP central committee president Ricoh Chakma inaugurated the conference session as chief guest.
The closing session of the conference was addressed by Kalo Priya Chakma, organiser, UPDF Khagrachari District Unit and DYF leader Mithun Chakma, while Arpan Chakma conducted.
Jumma girl raped in Sindukchari
chtnews.com
News No. 126/2009, September 14, 2009
A Jumma girl has been raped by a Bengali settler in Sindukchari under Mahalchari Upazila in Khagrachari district.
Ms Noner Bala Tripura (19) of village Monajoy Karbari Para was raped by Md. Alamgir (20) s/o Altaf Munshi of village Sindukchari Muslim Para yesterday, Sunday.
The incident occurred at around 11:30am when she was carrying lunch for his father working at the jum field.
When she reached between Murapara and Muslimpara alone, Alamgir swooped on her, and after raping her, left the scene.
Jumma villagers became agitated when the news of her rape reached them. They put up road blocks and staged demonstrations in Sindukchari in protest and burned down a jeep, locally known as “Chander Gari”.
Today, at around 2pm, the army arrested two Jummas in connection with yesterday’s protest, and has kept them detained in Goriapara Army camp.
The arrested are Ushamong Marma (45) s/o Tingli Boidyo and Chaingkyo Marma (30) s/o Mragya Marma. They have been arrested from their homes in the village of Lichu Bagan under Sindukchari.
It is not known what charges have been brought against them.
The Hill Women’s Federation staged a demonstration in Khagrachari today demanding immediate arrest of rapist Alamgir.
A case has been filed with Guirama police station in connection with the rape incident, but the police have failed to arrest the culprit.
News No. 126/2009, September 14, 2009
A Jumma girl has been raped by a Bengali settler in Sindukchari under Mahalchari Upazila in Khagrachari district.
Ms Noner Bala Tripura (19) of village Monajoy Karbari Para was raped by Md. Alamgir (20) s/o Altaf Munshi of village Sindukchari Muslim Para yesterday, Sunday.
The incident occurred at around 11:30am when she was carrying lunch for his father working at the jum field.
When she reached between Murapara and Muslimpara alone, Alamgir swooped on her, and after raping her, left the scene.
Jumma villagers became agitated when the news of her rape reached them. They put up road blocks and staged demonstrations in Sindukchari in protest and burned down a jeep, locally known as “Chander Gari”.
Today, at around 2pm, the army arrested two Jummas in connection with yesterday’s protest, and has kept them detained in Goriapara Army camp.
The arrested are Ushamong Marma (45) s/o Tingli Boidyo and Chaingkyo Marma (30) s/o Mragya Marma. They have been arrested from their homes in the village of Lichu Bagan under Sindukchari.
It is not known what charges have been brought against them.
The Hill Women’s Federation staged a demonstration in Khagrachari today demanding immediate arrest of rapist Alamgir.
A case has been filed with Guirama police station in connection with the rape incident, but the police have failed to arrest the culprit.
JSS (Santu) shoots at fish boat at Barkal
chtnews.com
News No. 125/2009, September 13, 2009
The armed members of the Santu faction the Jana Samhati Samiti fired gun shots at a fish boat in Kattali area of Barkal under Rangamati district when their signal for the boat to halt was ignored.
The incident occurred last night, at around 11:30pm. The JSS men fired from Ukchari Bhangamura. However, no one was hurt.
The fish boat was speeding through Kaptai Lake towards Longudu from Kaptai.
News No. 125/2009, September 13, 2009
The armed members of the Santu faction the Jana Samhati Samiti fired gun shots at a fish boat in Kattali area of Barkal under Rangamati district when their signal for the boat to halt was ignored.
The incident occurred last night, at around 11:30pm. The JSS men fired from Ukchari Bhangamura. However, no one was hurt.
The fish boat was speeding through Kaptai Lake towards Longudu from Kaptai.
JSS kills UPDF supporter in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 124/2009, September 13, 2009
A UPDF supporter kidnapped on 5 September by JSS gunmen has been found dead in Belaichari, Rangamati.
According to sources, Borpeda Tanchangya (40), s/o Nunnop Tanchangya was kidnapped by Santu Larma loyalists led by Birottam Tanchanya from his home in the village of Futtachari under Jiptali Union.
Later, on 11 September, his mutilated dead body was found in a nearby jungle.
After the incident, the JSS men reportedly warned his relatives not to report it to anyone and suppress the facts.
In the last few weeks, members of the Jana Samhati Samiti loyal to Santu Larma, Chairman of the Regional Council, have stepped up armed activities in some areas of Rangamati district.
When asked about the recent violent activities of the JSS, Democratic Youth Forum (DYF) leader Mithun Chakma told chtnews.com, “It is an enigma as to why they should step up armed actions at a time when the government has announced partial pull out of the army from CHT.”
“Is it to help the army by providing them pretexts to stall the process of withdrawal?” he asked.
News No. 124/2009, September 13, 2009
A UPDF supporter kidnapped on 5 September by JSS gunmen has been found dead in Belaichari, Rangamati.
According to sources, Borpeda Tanchangya (40), s/o Nunnop Tanchangya was kidnapped by Santu Larma loyalists led by Birottam Tanchanya from his home in the village of Futtachari under Jiptali Union.
Later, on 11 September, his mutilated dead body was found in a nearby jungle.
After the incident, the JSS men reportedly warned his relatives not to report it to anyone and suppress the facts.
In the last few weeks, members of the Jana Samhati Samiti loyal to Santu Larma, Chairman of the Regional Council, have stepped up armed activities in some areas of Rangamati district.
When asked about the recent violent activities of the JSS, Democratic Youth Forum (DYF) leader Mithun Chakma told chtnews.com, “It is an enigma as to why they should step up armed actions at a time when the government has announced partial pull out of the army from CHT.”
“Is it to help the army by providing them pretexts to stall the process of withdrawal?” he asked.
UPDF supporter shot at, escapes unhurt
chtnews.com
News No. 123/2009, September 13, 2009
The armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu group) shot at a supporter of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) in an overnight raid in Rajstali under Rangamati district, however, he escaped unhurt.
Sources said a group of JSS armed men surrounded the house of Ananta Bikash Tanchangya (37) in Rajstali bazaar in the small hours tonight, at 3:30am to be precise.
When his wife opened the door of the house, they JSS men asked her whether her husband was there.
She lied, fearing for his life. While she kept them talking at the door, Ananta ran away through the back door.
Other JSS men guarding nearby saw him and fired at him with their automatic weapons. However, he could escape unhurt and took refuge in the police station.
He is a staunch supporter of the UPDF. His father’s name is late Nalini Tanchanya.
News No. 123/2009, September 13, 2009
The armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu group) shot at a supporter of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) in an overnight raid in Rajstali under Rangamati district, however, he escaped unhurt.
Sources said a group of JSS armed men surrounded the house of Ananta Bikash Tanchangya (37) in Rajstali bazaar in the small hours tonight, at 3:30am to be precise.
When his wife opened the door of the house, they JSS men asked her whether her husband was there.
She lied, fearing for his life. While she kept them talking at the door, Ananta ran away through the back door.
Other JSS men guarding nearby saw him and fired at him with their automatic weapons. However, he could escape unhurt and took refuge in the police station.
He is a staunch supporter of the UPDF. His father’s name is late Nalini Tanchanya.
BCP poster against UPDF and UNDP
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News No. 122/2009, September 12, 2009
The Bangalee Chattra Parishad (BCP), an ultra-communal organisation of the settlers backed by the military, has put up posters against United People’s Democratic Front and UNDP in Laxmichari. (photo attached)
One of the posters reads: “Parbattya Banglee Chattra Parishad makes call: Down with UPDF and UNDP.”
Another says: “Collaborators of UPDF, Beware!”
There is no report of such posters being put up in other parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
A resident of Laxmichari town told chtnews.com on condition of anonymity that there was no presence of BCP in Laxmichari. He said “it (setting up of posters on walls) is the work of zone commander Shariful Islam.”
“In fact, it is the soldiers who have put up the posters in the name of BCP.” he added.
The army also tore down the posters put up by PCP-DYF-HWF announcing their joint conference of Khagrachari District Units.
News No. 122/2009, September 12, 2009
The Bangalee Chattra Parishad (BCP), an ultra-communal organisation of the settlers backed by the military, has put up posters against United People’s Democratic Front and UNDP in Laxmichari. (photo attached)
One of the posters reads: “Parbattya Banglee Chattra Parishad makes call: Down with UPDF and UNDP.”
Another says: “Collaborators of UPDF, Beware!”
There is no report of such posters being put up in other parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
A resident of Laxmichari town told chtnews.com on condition of anonymity that there was no presence of BCP in Laxmichari. He said “it (setting up of posters on walls) is the work of zone commander Shariful Islam.”
“In fact, it is the soldiers who have put up the posters in the name of BCP.” he added.
The army also tore down the posters put up by PCP-DYF-HWF announcing their joint conference of Khagrachari District Units.
HWF Khagrachari district committee formed
chtnews.com
News No. 121/2009, September 12, 2009
The seventh council session of the Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari District Unit ended yesterday with a call to strengthen the struggle of the Jumma people for the right to self-determination.
A 23-member committee has been formed at the end of the session held at Hill Star Club in Perachara. The councilors elected Riku Chakma as president, Madri Chakma as General Secretary and Swarna Chakma as Organising Secretary of the new committee.
HWF General Secretary Ms Konica Dewan and UPDF Khagrachari District Organiser Kalopriya Chakma also spoke at the council session, which was presided over by Rina Dewan, outgoing president of HWF Khagrachari District Unit.
News No. 121/2009, September 12, 2009
The seventh council session of the Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari District Unit ended yesterday with a call to strengthen the struggle of the Jumma people for the right to self-determination.
A 23-member committee has been formed at the end of the session held at Hill Star Club in Perachara. The councilors elected Riku Chakma as president, Madri Chakma as General Secretary and Swarna Chakma as Organising Secretary of the new committee.
HWF General Secretary Ms Konica Dewan and UPDF Khagrachari District Organiser Kalopriya Chakma also spoke at the council session, which was presided over by Rina Dewan, outgoing president of HWF Khagrachari District Unit.
Commander Shariful Islam again!
chtnews.com
News No. 120/2009, September 11, 2009
The Khagrachari district units of the Democratic Youth Forum, Hill Women’s Federation and Hill Students’ Council held their joint conference yesterday at Khagrachari Town Hall.
The conference was attended by an estimated 3,000 members and supporters who came in from different Upazilas in buses and jeeps. They met no obstacles on the way except in Guimara.
The Laxmichari zone commander Shariful Islam and his soldiers halted the jeeps carrying the participants of the conference at a place called Hatimura and searched their hand bags.
The commander was on his way to Guimara Brigade from Laxmichari. He held the participants there for one and a half hours in the name of search so that they reached the conference venue late.
Shariful asked Apruchi Marma, convenor of PCP Manikchari Unit -- who was leading the delegates -- who provided the funds for the conference and how they were collected.
He said “you are misguiding the youths and the school going children by talking about struggle and putting arms into their hands.”
He went on lecturing: “terrorism and extortion cannot be an ideal for any political party; you will join DYF from PCP and from DYF to UPDF. UPDF has one thousand armed cadres.”
He showed pictures of Rupali brand shoes on the screen of his mobile phone and said “UPDF ‘terrorists’ wear this footwear and practice extortion.”
When Aprichi refuted all these slanderous allegations, Shariful Islam took to a mean tactic of inciting communal division.
He asked Apruchi whether he is from Marma community. When he replied “yes”, Shariful said, cunningly: “in Chittagong Hill Tracts Marmas and Tripuras are deprived of opportunities. The Marmas get only 3 percent of the opportunities, while he Chakmas enjoy all the privileges.”
He went on to say: “out of 31 reserved seats for Australian scholarships for higher education, the Marmas have only 1. Being a Marma, why you are engaged in the struggle?”
In reply, Apruchi told the commander that there is no problem between the Chakmas, Marmas and Tripuras; “it is you who are misguiding the common people by spreading false propaganda.” he said.
Broaching the subject of the settlers, the zone commander said “you are harassing the Bengali people and encroaching on their lands.”
Apruchi refuted this again, saying that it was the settlers who were grabbing Jumma people’s lands and evicting them from their homesteads.
“We are not against the settlers. Rather, on their behalf we are demanding for their honourable rehabilitation in the plain land” Apruchi said. “It is you who are using them as human shields and inciting them to communal violence to destabilize the CHT situation.”
Apruchi protested the way the commander halted their vehicles and said: “it is the job of the terrorists to halt vehicles and harass the passengers like this. You are acting like a terrorist.”
Apruchi gave Shariful a good dressing down, and after much protest the commander had to let them go.
Zone commander Shariful also halted other public vehicles coming from Laxmicahri and Manikchari directions in front of Guimara Brigade and checked them.
Lest we forget! It is the same Shariful Islam who had tried to foil a rally organised jointly by Democratic Youth Forum and Boroitali Land Protection Committee in Manikchari on 10 July.
Again, this is the same army commander who held secret meetings with misguided Jumma youths in Manikchari and Laxmichari and persuaded them to join the so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts Nationalist Forum) created by the army in Bandarban.
The name of Shariful evokes terror in the hearts of the Jumma people. He reigns supreme in Laxmichari and Manikchari and terrorize the people.
News No. 120/2009, September 11, 2009
The Khagrachari district units of the Democratic Youth Forum, Hill Women’s Federation and Hill Students’ Council held their joint conference yesterday at Khagrachari Town Hall.
The conference was attended by an estimated 3,000 members and supporters who came in from different Upazilas in buses and jeeps. They met no obstacles on the way except in Guimara.
The Laxmichari zone commander Shariful Islam and his soldiers halted the jeeps carrying the participants of the conference at a place called Hatimura and searched their hand bags.
The commander was on his way to Guimara Brigade from Laxmichari. He held the participants there for one and a half hours in the name of search so that they reached the conference venue late.
Shariful asked Apruchi Marma, convenor of PCP Manikchari Unit -- who was leading the delegates -- who provided the funds for the conference and how they were collected.
He said “you are misguiding the youths and the school going children by talking about struggle and putting arms into their hands.”
He went on lecturing: “terrorism and extortion cannot be an ideal for any political party; you will join DYF from PCP and from DYF to UPDF. UPDF has one thousand armed cadres.”
He showed pictures of Rupali brand shoes on the screen of his mobile phone and said “UPDF ‘terrorists’ wear this footwear and practice extortion.”
When Aprichi refuted all these slanderous allegations, Shariful Islam took to a mean tactic of inciting communal division.
He asked Apruchi whether he is from Marma community. When he replied “yes”, Shariful said, cunningly: “in Chittagong Hill Tracts Marmas and Tripuras are deprived of opportunities. The Marmas get only 3 percent of the opportunities, while he Chakmas enjoy all the privileges.”
He went on to say: “out of 31 reserved seats for Australian scholarships for higher education, the Marmas have only 1. Being a Marma, why you are engaged in the struggle?”
In reply, Apruchi told the commander that there is no problem between the Chakmas, Marmas and Tripuras; “it is you who are misguiding the common people by spreading false propaganda.” he said.
Broaching the subject of the settlers, the zone commander said “you are harassing the Bengali people and encroaching on their lands.”
Apruchi refuted this again, saying that it was the settlers who were grabbing Jumma people’s lands and evicting them from their homesteads.
“We are not against the settlers. Rather, on their behalf we are demanding for their honourable rehabilitation in the plain land” Apruchi said. “It is you who are using them as human shields and inciting them to communal violence to destabilize the CHT situation.”
Apruchi protested the way the commander halted their vehicles and said: “it is the job of the terrorists to halt vehicles and harass the passengers like this. You are acting like a terrorist.”
Apruchi gave Shariful a good dressing down, and after much protest the commander had to let them go.
Zone commander Shariful also halted other public vehicles coming from Laxmicahri and Manikchari directions in front of Guimara Brigade and checked them.
Lest we forget! It is the same Shariful Islam who had tried to foil a rally organised jointly by Democratic Youth Forum and Boroitali Land Protection Committee in Manikchari on 10 July.
Again, this is the same army commander who held secret meetings with misguided Jumma youths in Manikchari and Laxmichari and persuaded them to join the so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts Nationalist Forum) created by the army in Bandarban.
The name of Shariful evokes terror in the hearts of the Jumma people. He reigns supreme in Laxmichari and Manikchari and terrorize the people.
Friday, September 25, 2009
UPDF’s front organisations hold joint conference in Khagrachari: Demand complete withdrawal of troops
chtnews.com
News No. 119/2009, September 10, 2009
A joint conference of the Khagrachari district units of the Democratic Youth Forum, Hill Women’s Federation and Hill Students’ Council has demanded a complete withdrawal of Bangladesh Army troops from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. (Photo attached)
An estimated 3,000 members and supporters of these three front organisations of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) took part in the conference held at Khagrachari Town Hall today.
Presided over by Rina Dewan, convenor of the Joint Conference Preparatory Committee, the conference was also addressed by Ujjal Smriti Chakma, member of UPDF central committee, Konika Dewan, General Secretary (in charge) of Hill Women’s Federation, Mithun Chakma, DYF leader, and Ricoh Chakma, president of PCP.
Besides, Biddut Bhoumik, member of Jatiyo Mukti Council Eastern Chapter – 3, Ashish Sharma, convenor, Biplobi Chattra Sangha (Revolutionary Students’ Society), Mir Nixon, Joint Convenor, Bangladesh Students’ Federation Chittagong Unit, and Prince Mahmud, Secretary of Lamppost, a progressive study circle also addressed the conference expressing solidarity with the just struggle of the Jumma people.
The conference passed a resolution moved by Ratan Chakma, Member Secretary of the Joint Conference Preparatory Committee. The participants approved it with thunderous applause and hoisting their fists.
UPDF leader Ujjal Smriti Chakma said the ruling elites have spread their tentacles of conspiracy to undermine the struggle of the Jumma people. “On the one hand, they are trying to gag the voices of the people by not allowing the news of our struggle and our demands to get into the print and electronic media, and on the other hand, they are launching a racist, communal and ultra-nationalist campaign in the most crudest form.” he added.
Commenting on the decision of the CHT Land commission to conduct land survey in mid-October, he said if it is conducted before a recognition to the customary land rights of the Jumma, it will further complicate the issue.
He urged the government not to conduct land surveys in the CHT until the customary land rights of the Jumma people are restored.
The speakers said despite the announcement of partial troop pullout, the Awami League government is in reality trying to perpetuate military occupation of the CHT.
“The army has created the so-called Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum (CHTNF) to create anarchy in the area and thereby justify their continued presence in the CHT.” they said.
The speakers called for the government to immediately demilitarize CHT, end military rule and concede to the just demand of full autonomy.
Remin Chakma, organiser of DYF, delivered a welcome address while Arpan Chakma, GS of PCP Khagrachari district unit conducted the conference.
After the conference, a huge procession paraded the main city streets of Khagrachari.
UPDF supporter arrested in Kaokhali
chtnews.com
News No. 118/2009, September 10, 2009
The army last night arrested a supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Kaokhali of Rangamati district.
Soldiers from Kaokhali army camp raided the house of Atushi Marma (38 years) in the village of Bot-toli in the small hours and took him away. Bot-toli is approximately 7 miles north of Kaokhali town.
Mr. Marma is the president of pro-UPDF Bot-toli Village Committee and provides active support to the members of the party.
The army claims that a home-made gun has been found during a search in the hen house of Mr. Atushi Marma, but his family members denied this, saying it “was a pure lie”.
30 Jumma villagers tortured by JSS
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News No. 117/2009, September 10, 2009
Armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu group) tortured 30 Jumma villagers in Maghainpara under Rajstali Upazila in Rangamati district.
The incident took place on 1 September, Tuesday. UPDF and independent sources said a group of armed members of the JSS (Santu) led by Sadhan Tanchangya and Bhagya Tanchangya raided Punorbashon Elaka (Rehabilitation area) No. 1, 2 and 3 and beat up the villagers en mass accusing them of supporting UPDF.
Even minor boys, women and teachers were not spared.
The JSS thugs also snatched away a mobile hand set from Ven. Pragga Bongshaw Bhikkhu of Milon Bihar in Maghainpara, and prevented the villagers from offering him mid-day meals (Seyong).
chtnews.com has obtained a list of the torture victims which we reproduce below:
No.NameAgeFather’s Name / Husband’s NameOccupation
01Tejendra Tanchangya43Brojo Kumar TanchangyaFarming
02Arjun Kumar Tanchangya14Tejendra Tanchangya6th grade student, Titong Para High School
03Shanti Kumar Tanchangya26Fukong TanchangyaFarming
04Bombeya Karbari (Village head)45Hegera TanchangyaFarming
05Amal Kanti Tanchangya30Kironto TanchangyaFarming
06Kironto Tanchangya50Late Rashikya KarbariFarming
07Kanta Lala Tanchangya36Brojo Kumar TanchangyaFarming
08Ratri Mohan Tanchangya45Bhokto TanchangyaFarming
09Jotin Tanchangya14Ratri Mohan Tanchangya8th grade student
10Rohin Kumar Tanchangya37Late Indra Mohan TanchangyaFarming
11Uday Bikash Tanchangya42Singha Ram TanchangyaFarming
12Chandan Tanchangya13Priya Tanchangya6th grade student
13Khula Dhan Tanchangya13Roamuni Tanchangya6th grade student
14Bacharam Tanchangya35Paati Mohan TanchangyaFarming
15Natun Joy Tanchangya40Laxmi Aung TanchangyaFarming
16Laxmi Aung Tanchangya62unknownphysically challenged
17Dhappya Hulo Chakma35unknownFarming
18Paran Joy Tanchangya35Takko Mohan TanchangyaFarming
19Suro Moni Tanchangya35Rejendra TanchangyaFarming
20Bhat Hia Tanchangya35Nonokya TanchangyaFarming
21Mrs Nishati Tanchangya35Udoy Bikash TanchangyaHouse wife
22Rabi Chan Tanchangya35unknownFarming
23Anik Kumar Tanchangya16Rabi Dhan Tanchangya
24Rubel Tanchangya14Bombeya Karbari7th grade student
25Tantu Tanchangya23Mullya Kumar TanchangyaFarming
26Noaram Tanchangya23Pati Mohan TanchangyaFarming
27Rabindra Tanchangya50Khulo Mohan TanchangyaFarming
28Nanekya Tanchangya52Late Gondi Aung TanchangyaFarming
29Upajoy Tanchangya20Suken TanchangyaFarming
30Aung Thoai Ching Marma of village Sayong-gong Karbari Para35Suni Aung MarmaTeachar, Shilchari Govt. Primary School.
Tensions mount over death of a settler in Marishya
chtnews.com
News No. 116/2009, September 09, 2009
There have been reports of escalating tensions between the Jumma villagers and Bengali settlers over the death of a Bengali settler under mysterious circumstances.
Sources said 4 – 5 days ago a Bengali settler was allegedly disappeared from Baghaichari in Rangamati district. Later, on 7 September, his dead body was found floating on the Kaptai lake water near Sijok Dore area.
The settlers tried to use his death as a pretext to fan communal tension and launch attacks on Jumma villages. They claimed that the Jummas were responsible for his death, but gave no evidence in their support.
The Jummas, on the other hand, denied the claim, saying a section of the settlers are engaged in a plot to launch communal attacks on them.
“These settlers might have killed him to create a pretest” one Jumma villager told chtnews.com by mobile phone from a hill top in Marishya.
However, as the telephone line was noisy, the name of deceased settler could not be heard clearly.
Two settlers tortured for not agreeing to organise rally against army withdrawal
chtnews.com
News No. 115/2009, September 09, 2009
Bangladesh military personnel from Naniachar zone yesterday beat up two settler leaders in Naniachari under Rangamati district for refusing to help organise a rally against government decision to withdraw one brigade of troops from Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The army had been putting pressure on Ayub Hossain, former chairman of Burighat Union, and Ansar Ali, an incumbent member of the same Union, to organise the rally in the name of Sama Odhikar Andolon, a platform of the Bengali settlers, which is backed the military.
However, the settler leaders consistently refused to take the diktat of the army, and this invited the anger of the army who summoned them to the camp and did the beating.
Even the Second-in-Command (2-IC) of Naniachar zone (1 Bir), Morshed Khan Pathan, took part in torturing them himself.
On the night of 8 September, the army also spread a rumour that the Jumma people had attacked Bengali settlers.
However, after investigation the settlers learnt that it was a hoax.
On 29 July, the Awami League government announced that it would pull out one brigade of troops from the CHT by September this year. In conformity with the said decision 16 army and para-military camps have been withdrawn so far.
However, the process of withdrawal has apparently been stalled in the face of opposition from the Bengali settlers.
It is now an open secret that the army is trying flat out to frustrate the pull out. It is not only giving full support to the settlers in their opposition to the government decision to withdraw troops, but also directly instigating them to resort to violence to thwart the withdrawal process.
Over the last four decades, the army has developed a vested interest in perpetuating their presence in the CHT.
According to a Samakal (Bengali daily) report, the army receives a huge amount of funds and food stuffs annually from the government under the so-called “Pacification Program” and “Operation Uttoron”.
They spend a tiny fraction of this amount and misappropriate the rest.
The army commanders also inflate their pockets by controlling the lucrative logging business in the CHT. No trucks load of logs can move out of the CHT without paying taxes to the army commanders.
If they are withdrawn, they will lose all these opportunities, and hence their opposition to the pull-out decision.
Army arrests two innocent villagers in Laxmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 114/2009, September 08, 2009
Bangladesh military personnel from Joroppya Para camp under Naniachar zone arrested two innocent Jumma villagers in Laxmichari on Monday.
Sources said on 6 September a group of army personnel from Joroppya Para camp went to Laxmichari zone and returned to their camp the next day, 7 September.
On their way back to their camp, the soldiers picked up the two Jummas from Simana Para and Dojor Para villages.
The arrested are Sadhan Chakma (22 years) s/o Forachan Chakma of Simana Para village and Noaram Chakma (20 years) s/o Rabi Chandra Chakma (Headman) of Dojor Para village.
They were taken to Bogachari army camp, sources said. The army gave no reason for their arrest. One of the arrested, Mr. Noaram Chakma, is a son of a headman or chief of a Mouza, which is composed of a number of villages.
Upon request from Rabi Chandra Chakma, father of arrested Noaram Chakma, Laxmichari Upazila chairman Remrachai Chowdhury contacted Laxmichari zone commander to inquire about the arrested Jummas today.
However, the zone commander Mr. Shariful Islam denied having arrested any one. He said the soldiers had destroyed hemp plants on their way back to the camp.
Protest against murder of Poney Mala Tripura held
chtnews.com
News No. 113/2009, September 08, 2009
Jumma organisations held a protest demonstration against continuing military repression and the killing of Ms Poney Mala Tripura in Khagrachari.
The Hill Students’ Council, Hill Women’s Federation and Democratic Youth Forum jointly organised the demonstration on Saturday, 5 September.
They brought out a procession from Swanirbhor bazaar and paraded city streets chanting slogans before holding a protest rally at Chengi Square.
Hundreds of members and supporters of these front organisations of the UPDF joined the demonstration.
Presided over by Arpan Chakma, General Secretary of PCP Khagrachari District Unit, the rally was also addressed by Remin Chakma, central member of DYF, and Konika Dewan, General Secretary (in charge) of Hill Women’s Federation.
The speakers condemned the arrest of PCP president Ricoh Chakma and others in Panchari and the killing of Poney Mala Tripura in Sindukchari.
Arpan Chakma said “Ricoh Chakma went to Panchari on a speaking tour to persuade Jumma youths and students to take part in a joint conference of the Khagrachari District Units of the three organisaitons to be held on 10 September. But the army detained him along with many others and harassed him.”
Mr. Chakma condemned the undemocratic and fascist behaviour of the army and demanded their complete withdrawal from the CHT.
“The army is the perpetual threat to peace, democracy and development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and therefore they must go back to their barracks in the plain land.” he said.
He also urged the government to bring the killer of Poney Mala Tripura to justice. “It is regrettable that the police have done nothing to arrest Noab Ali and his accomplices” he said and demanded that the government must take measures to ensure that Poney Mala Tripura’s lands cannot be captured illegally by the settlers.
UPDF Dighinala Unit office launched
chtnews.com
News No. 112/2009, September 07, 2009
The United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) has opened its Dighinala Upazila Unit office at Master Para of Dighinala town.
The office was launched on 2 September at a ceremony held at the office premises. In his inaugural address Mr. Uday Chakma, an organiser of Dighinala Unit of the party, urged the government to demilitarize the CHT and restore the customary land rights of the Jumma people.
Commenting on the government announcement of partial troop withdrawal, he said “it is an eyewash; the government made this announcement to hoodwink the international community.”
He said without a complete withdrawal of the army and an end to “operation Uttoran” which gives the army sweeping powers in the CHT, there will be no peace.
Mr. Chakma alleged that the present Awami League government had been following in the footsteps of the previous BNP government and unleashed repressive measures against the UPDF.
“The present government does not represent any change when it comes to the political freedom in CHT. The government is hell bent on crushing our movement by arresting and intimidating our members and supporters.” he said.
“But we will defeat the design of the government with the support of the people.” he added.
The inauguration meeting was also attended among others by Choyon Chakma, a distinguished elder; Chirot Joti Chakma, former chairman of Boalkhali Union; Nagor Chakma and Iruk Chakma, members of CHT Bus Owners Assiciation; Joti Bikash Chakma, a Jumma businessman; and Dayal Kumar Chakma, a service holder.
PCP President, 21 others arrested by army, released later
chtnews.com
News No. 111/2009, September 07, 2009
The Hill Students Council President Ricoh Chakma was arrested along with 21 others including 5 women in Panchari under Khagrachari district on 4 September.
Army personnel from Panchari zone made the arrest at 3:15pm when PCP leaders were returning from a meeting organised by Democratic Youth Forum. They were arrested from a tea shop at Taltola.
“The army came in two jeeps and caught us without assigning any reason.” Ricoh Chakma told chtnews.com.
The army gave no reason for the arrest and took them to the Panchari police station. However, they were released after midnight.
Among the arrested were PCP Khagrachari district unit president Ratan Chakma, Chairman (in-charge) of Chengi Union Council Mr. Nabo Kumar Chakma, Chengi UP member Khagendra Tripura and businessman Hirohito Chakma.
The arrested also included 5 Jumma women who were returning from a meeting of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF). All other arrested excepting the PCP members had also taken part in the same meeting.
The army beat up nine of the arrested including Tripti Dhan Chakma, Tinku Chakma and Kamleshwar Chakma.
“We don’t know why they have been tortured. None of them has committed any crime and the army personnel also did not ask them anything; they just beat them up.” Ricoh Chakma said.
“The army tied Tripti Dhan and Tinku to a wooden pole and beat them mercilessly”, he added.
He further said the army released them in phases: the five women were released first from Panchari bazaar after forcing them to sign a bond.
All others were released after midnight.
Jumma woman killed by settlers in Sindukchari
chtnews.com
News No. 110/2009, September 07, 2009
A group of settlers chopped to death a Jumma woman in Sindukchari under Mahalchari Upazila of Khagrachari district on 3 September.
Sources said a group of 4 - 5 settlers led by Noab Ali of Sindukchari village went to the house of Ms Poney Mala Tripura (age 50) in the village of Chotomura Para and chopped her to death. The incident occurred at around 9:30 PM. Her husband’s name is Bibishon Tripura.
Her dead body was taken to Khagrachari for autopsy. A case has been filed with Guimara police station against 4 settlers and a Jumma in connection with the killing.
The accused have been identified as Noab Ali, Rustam Ali, Khairul Islam, Aksar Gaji and Shola Ana Tripura. No one has been arrested till the writing of this report.
Ms Poney Mala Tripura might have been killed over a land dispute with Noab Ali, one of the accused, who has been trying to capture her land. Before the incident, he had been continuously giving threats to her, it has been learnt.
In a village arbitration, it was decided that the disputed land belongs to Ms Tripura. However, Noab Ali refused to accept the verdict.
Conspiracy on to foil partial army pull out
chtnews.com
News No. 109/2009, August 20, 2009
There is a deep conspiracy to frustrate the government move to withdraw some of the temporary army camps from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, observers say.
“A vested interest group inside the army and the settlers is involved in the conspiracy” said Ujjal Smriti Chakma, a central leader of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF).
According to him, the so-called settler leaders and the army made huge profits by plundering food rations provided to the settlers by the government.
The Samakal, a national Bengali daily, ran a report by Samir Kumar Dey and Sotrong Chakma in its 19 August issue on development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
They said “the army is allocated thousands of tons of food grains and huge amounts of money under ‘Pacification Programme’ and ‘Operation Uttoron’; but the army don’t account for it.”
“Sama Odhikar Andolon leader Jahangir Kamal said the people of the country think that these money and food grains are provided to the Bengalee people in the Hill Tracts, but in reality the Bengalees don’t get anything. He said that there must be accountability for such food grains and funds provided to the army. He thinks that this was one of the factors contributing to the misunderstanding between the Pahari and Bengalee people.”
A section of the settlers have been opposing the troop withdrawal decision openly and a section of the army providing them support secretly.
“They are opposing the withdrawal of the army because that would mean that they will no longer be able to plunder public funds in the name of spurious programmes” commented Ujjal Smriti Chakma.
The interest groups are trying to foil the withdrawal process by destabilizing the situation in the CHT.
It has been learnt that a zone commander in Khagrachari district held a number of secret meetings with their Jumma agents in Manikchari and formed the so-called Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum (CHTNF). The recent kidnappings in Bandarban might have been committed this group. There should be a serious investigation to ascertain the identity and motive of the kidnappers.
On 15 August, a Bengali settler named Shohel was murdered, and his dead body was found the following day near Sorbeshwar Para, a bordering Jumma village in Feni under Khagrachari district. A section of the settlers tried to create communal tensions by blaming the Jummas for his dead. But the police and the civil administration intervened immediately and arrested Taher, the perpetrator.
On 18 August, Nasima Begum’s dead body was found in the paddy field of Awal near a Jumma village in Panchari. Some settlers claim that she was killed by the Jumma villagers of Horigopal Para when she went to the jungle to collect firewood.
The Jummas vehemently denied the allegation and termed it a conspiracy to create communal tension and thereby justify their opposition to troop withdrawal.
One villager said it is unusual and unbelievable that Nasima Begum should go deep into the jungle all by herself.
“Secondly, it is also unthinkable that the Jummas should let her dead body lying in a paddy field or anywhere in the open if they had committed the crime.” he added.
Nonetheless, some settlers staged demonstrations in Panchari chanting communal slogans and are scheduled to observe hartal today.
“The vested interest groups desperately need issues to justify the presence of the army in CHT; and since there is none, they are creating issues artificially. The killing of Nasima is one of such issues, and it is horrible and disgusting.” Ujjal said.
“The government should immediately investigate her killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
He demanded that the government must take stern actions against those who are creating unrest and murdering innocent people to create communal tension and thereby justify their opposition to the decision of troop withdrawal.
Settlers attempt to create riot in Panchari over death of a woman
chtnews.com
News No. 108/2009, August 19, 2009
Tensions have been mounting in Panchari as the settlers are trying to use the death of a settler woman to launch attacks on Jumma villages, reports from the area say.
Ms Nasima Begum (26 years) of Islampur died yesterday in mysterious conditions. Her body was recovered near the paddy field of Mohammad Awal. Her husband’s name is Mohammad Khokan.
Some of the settlers allege that Nasima went to the jungle of Wadokchara adjacent to Horigopal Para, a village of the Jumma people, to collect firewood. As she did not return home till the evening, the settlers began to search for her, and eventually found her lying dead near the paddy field of Awal which is situated near a Jumma village.
Afterwards, the settlers tried to whip up communal sentiment among their fellow brothers by deliberately propagating that she was killed by the Jumma people.
At around 9pm the agitated settlers of Islampur tried to launch a communal attack on Horigopal para village, but the attempt failed as the police intervened in a swift manner.
Panchari Upazila chairman Sorbottam Chakma told chtnews.com that he had tried to contact the local army zone headquarters by phone to seek their help to prevent the settlers, but none responded.
He further said that fears and anxiety had been prevailing among Jumma villagers of Horigopal para last night, and many, specially the women and children, had fled the village fearing settler attacks.
Independent sources said relations between Nasima and her husband had become sore and acrimonious over the last few months, and many believe that she might have been killed in a planned way by taking advantage of the charged political situation.
Her dead body has been taken to Khagrachari for autopsy. However, the settlers staged demonstrations in Panchari today against her killing.
A state of fear and anxiety is now prevailing among the Jumma inhabitants in the area.
UPDF supporter beaten in Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 107/2009, August 19, 2009
A supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) was beaten up by Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu group) members in Rangamati town on Monday, 17 August.
Mr. Bidit Dewan (36 years), a businessman, was on his way to meet his business partner at around 5pm when the incident took place.
A gang of JSS (Santu) members led by Pohel Chakma halted him at T&T area and roughed him up. They kicked and punched him, and hit him with sticks.
He was admitted to Rangamati Sadar Hospital with serious injuries.
Mr. Dewan is a supporter of the UPDF and lives in Kalindipur of Rangamati town. He ran for the post of Upazila Chairman of Barkal in the last Upazila elections held in January.
One of his neighbours said “this is the second time he has been beaten up by the Santu’s gang members.”
Mr. Dewan was first beaten up before the last parliamentary elections in December last year, he added.
Posters about CHTNF in Bandarban and Khagrachari
chtnews.com
News No. 106/2009, August 17, 2009
There have been hand-written posters put up in various places in Bandarban and Khagrachari towns saying that the so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum) is the creation of the army. Photo attached.
Some of the posters branded the CHTNF as the “new version of the Mukosh Bahini” or Masked force created and patronized by the army in 1995 – 1996.
Others carried slogans such as “stop human rights violations in CHT”, “we demand full withdrawal of troops from the CHT” and “put an end to army rule in CHT” etc.
The posters have been put up in the name of Democratic Youth Forum.
The posters created sensation in both the towns.
In Bandarban, a group of army personnel dressed in civvies went to the house of Rupon Marma, General Secretary of the PCP Bandarban District Unit, in Jadipara yesterday apparently to arrest him.
Mr. Marma was not available at home at the time.
The army men interrogated her mother about him and then left.
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