UPDF stages demo at Upazila headquarters in Khagrachari district

chtnews.com
News No. 151/2009, October 13, 2009

The United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) yesterday staged demonstrations in all Upazila headquarters in Khagrachari district, protesting the 9 October attack on its members in Laxmichari and urging the government to concede to its five-point demands including punishment to Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Sharif.

In Laxmichari, thousands of people gathered at Morachengey where a new bazaar has been set up in protest against the attack.

The army assembled hundreds of settlers at Laxmichri bazaar to prevent the demonstration from taking place. They were armed with sticks, iron rods and other sharp implements.

However, UPDF held its rally at Morachengey to avoid any confrontation with them.

Yet, the unruly settlers beat up Sunil Chakma (25) of Botgash Para village of Dullyatoli who was on his way to participate in the demonstration.

The settlers halted him at Moyurkhil at about 11am, beat him up and snatched his mobile set and Taka 200.

The settlers also halted 200 Jumma people at Mongla Para and prevented them from taking part in the demonstration. They were coming from Dulyatoli.

When Upazila Vice President Nirmal Chakma protested such undemocratic activities of the settlers, SI Faridur Alam said “There may be demonstrations in other areas, but I will not allow any such demonstration here.”

He also told him that he would not allow UPDF to hold any public meeting in Laxmichari.

The UPDF programme went off peacefully in other 7 Upazilas of the district. No untoward incidents have been reported.