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.
