Borkha party’s terror campaign in Laxmichari

chtnews.com
News No. 222/2009, December 21, 2009

The military-backed Borkha Party members have unleashed a reign of terror in Laxmichari.

“They are terrorising people with direct support from Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam.” alleged Rina Dewan, Organising Secretary of Hill Women’s Federation.

A resident of Laxmichari, Rina said on Sunday, 19 December, the Borkha Party terrorists led by Nirmal Kanti Chakma stopped a jeep at Kali Mandir area of Hatichara and forced those bound for Manikchari bazaar to get down along with their merchandise.

The terrorists tried to force them to sell their goods at Laxmichari bazaar, instead of Manikchari bazaar.

“When the people tried to resist the terrorists, they phoned zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, who appeared there within minutes with his force.” Rina further informed.

Then the Borkha men beat up the market-going people in his presence.

One of those tortured is Juddha Moni Chakma (46) son of Smriti Mohan Chakma of village Gobmara. He was on his way to Manikchari bazaar to sell goods.

On 20 December, four Borkha party men accompanied a group of army men from Laxmichari zone during a raid on Jatindra Karbari Para village in Morachengey area. They are Kapil Sen Chakma, Bishu Chakma, Phorachan Chakma and Alubo Chakma.

The terrorists threatened the villagers and ordered them to shut their shops down.

The same say another group of Borkha terrorists went to the village of Master Para in Dullyatoli Union, terrorised the people and ordered them to come to Laxmichari bazaar.

The Borkha terrorists also collect tolls regularly from people in Bannyachola of Laxmichari Upazila, and in Bholachola of Manikchari Upazila, and share the booty with Sharif.

The Jumma people have been boycotting Laxmichari bazaar since 9 October following a communal attack on them. They are demanding punishment to Lt. Col. Sharif, the chief culprit who masterminded this violent attack that left many Jumma people wonded.

Lt. Col. Sharif, who is also responsible for deterioration of relations between Jummas and Bengalis in recent months in Laxmichari, has been trying to coerce the Jummas to come back to Laxmichari bazaar.