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.