chtnews.com
News No. 176/2009, November 08, 2009
The United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has vehemently denied allegations that Shukra Sen Chakma (32) was abducted by its members.
Refuting JSS claim that Mr. Chakma is a member of the JSS, UPDF’s Rangamati District Unit Organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma told chtnews.com “this is an absolute lie”.
“The fact is that Shukra Sen Chakma is a member of the UPDF. He and another UPDF member, Laxmi Kumar Chakma, were abducted by JSS members on 2 September from Rangamati town when they went there to appear before the court.” Shanti said.
He went on to say: “Later, they were released from Rangapani, a stronghold of the JSS Santu faction, on payment of a ransom of Taka 210,000. However, after the release the JSS put Shukra Sen Chakma under house arrest.”
“What our supporters have done is that they have rescued him from house arrest.” Shanti Chakma said.
The statement claiming Shukra Sen Chakma as their member has been published in today’s (Sunday) Daily Star.
It needs to be mentioned here that the incident of the release of Shukra Sen Chakma and Laxmi Kumar Chakma was reported in the chtnews.com on September 15, 2009.
In News No. 129/2009 chtnews.com said “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.”
It further added: 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.”
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Jumma woman raped in Ghilachari
chtnews.com
News No. 175/2009, November 08, 2009
A Jumma woman has been raped in Ghilachari under Rangamati district, sources say.
Mrs Juboni Chakma (22) was raped by an army soldier at around 3pm today when she was babysitting at her home in the village of Jurachari. His husband Shyamol Chakma was not at home at the time.
The unnamed soldier is from Ghilachari camp under Naniachar zone and was on duty at a sentry post near their house.
The village and the army post sit on Rangamati – Khagrachari road and are situated 2 miles from Ghilachari camp.
Hill Women’s Federation General Secretary Konika Dewan has condemned the incident and demanded an exemplary punishment of the culprit.
News No. 175/2009, November 08, 2009
A Jumma woman has been raped in Ghilachari under Rangamati district, sources say.
Mrs Juboni Chakma (22) was raped by an army soldier at around 3pm today when she was babysitting at her home in the village of Jurachari. His husband Shyamol Chakma was not at home at the time.
The unnamed soldier is from Ghilachari camp under Naniachar zone and was on duty at a sentry post near their house.
The village and the army post sit on Rangamati – Khagrachari road and are situated 2 miles from Ghilachari camp.
Hill Women’s Federation General Secretary Konika Dewan has condemned the incident and demanded an exemplary punishment of the culprit.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tortured voices:
Torture, as a form of human rights violation, is widely used by the members of the Bangladesh Army against the Jumma people. It invariably follows their arrests and continues till they are handed over to the police, who also in their turn use the same practice during remands. Torture includes beating, water-boarding, electric shocks, making one stand out in the sun for hours etc.
In this section we will continue to reproduce interviews with the tortured victims. Today, we begin with the interview of Jit Chakma, a member of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF). Editor, chtnews.com.
“They pulled me up by my testicles trice”
Interview: 01: November 01, 2009:
Jit Chakma alias Ujjal Chakma alias Gyana Lal Chakma
Father’s name: Purno Sen Chakma, Mother’s name: Simottoni Chakma
Village: Sonei, Longudu, Rangmati
I am the fourth of the siblings. We are four brothers and four sisters. I went to school about one year and then dropped out.
I joined UPDF (United Peoples’ Democratic Front) in June or July in 2007. I was posted in Golachari area.
When I was there, performing my organisational responsibilities, I was arrested by army. It was most probably in January 2008. Another party member, Dipayan, who is from the village of Gukchari, was also arrested along with me.
On the day we were arrested, we were going to Longudu by boat from Golachari. At Rangapanichara a group of about 15 – 20 army personnel led by Warrant Officer Rafiq ordered us to get to the shore where they were on patrol. It was about 3pm.
When we reached there, the army arrested us. Then we were boarded onto their boat and taken to Maieni zone.
In the camp I was tortured and given electric shocks. Warrant Officer Rafiq personally took part in the beating.
The army asked me whether I had any firearms and whether I knew Jallya and Bishal (local UPDF leaders). They said ‘if you have any firearms give it to us’.
I was bound hand and foot as they beat me. And they gave electric shocks in my head and hit in my feet with the barrel of a gun.
They pulled me up by my testicles trice.
I was detained in the camp for five days, and torture had continued for four days at a stretch.
At one stage the army put a Light Gun in my hands and then photographed.
On the fifth day I was handed over to the police along with the LG. The police took me to Longudu at night. From there I was sent to Rangamati jail.
I was charged with extortion and possession of illegal arms. I spent 19 months in jail and was released on bail on 15 October. During this time, I was in Chittagong jail for a brief period of two and a half months.
I did not have opportunity to receive medical treatment while in jail.
Now I am suffering from many physical problems: I feel dizzy and am hard of hearing; I don’t feel the feet and the tongue, and sometimes I cannot to speak; I have got back pain; the left part of my testicle has become swollen and the left part thinner, and I have got pain there.
Currently, I am receiving therapeutic treatment from Shafiqul Islam in Chittagong. I am also receiving treatment for my testicle problems from Dr. Rafiqul Haq, for pains from Dr. Anup Chakma, for eye problem from Dr. Bibagatullah and for hearing problem from Dr. Mahmudur Rahman.
My case numbers with Longudu police station are 5 and 4, GR – 83/08 under sections 385/387/109 of Bangladesh Penal Code and 19(ka) (cha) of Arms Act.
According to the police records, the cases were filed on 18 March 2009.
[The interview was done on 26 October 2009 in Chittagong]
Santu group kidnaps Jumma trader in Rangmati
chtnews.com
News No. 173/2009, November 03, 2009
A Jumma trader was kidnapped by Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samti yesterday, sources said.
Alo Bikash Chakma (age 42) son of late Natun Moni Chakma of Banojogichara under Jurachari Upazila was kidnapped around 11am from Samata Ghat in Banrupa in Rangamati town.
Some of the kidnappers have been identified as Ujjal, Bhaggyo, Barijhya and Ritan.
Mr. Chakma, an ex-JSS member, went to the town to sell bananas.
He was an active member of the JSS till 2006 and later became a supporter of the UPDF.
UPDF staged a demonstration in Jurachari today, Tuesday, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
“We urge the JSS not to harm him and release him immediately.” one of the speakers demanded.
He also called upon Santu Larma to shun the politics of killing and violence and launch a movement for full implementation of the CHT accord.
“We will throw our full weight behind such a movement” he said.
News No. 173/2009, November 03, 2009
A Jumma trader was kidnapped by Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samti yesterday, sources said.
Alo Bikash Chakma (age 42) son of late Natun Moni Chakma of Banojogichara under Jurachari Upazila was kidnapped around 11am from Samata Ghat in Banrupa in Rangamati town.
Some of the kidnappers have been identified as Ujjal, Bhaggyo, Barijhya and Ritan.
Mr. Chakma, an ex-JSS member, went to the town to sell bananas.
He was an active member of the JSS till 2006 and later became a supporter of the UPDF.
UPDF staged a demonstration in Jurachari today, Tuesday, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
“We urge the JSS not to harm him and release him immediately.” one of the speakers demanded.
He also called upon Santu Larma to shun the politics of killing and violence and launch a movement for full implementation of the CHT accord.
“We will throw our full weight behind such a movement” he said.
Irregularities in HYSAWA Fund Project alleged NGOs seek Danish Embassy intervention
chtnews.com
News No. 172/2009, November 03, 2009
The Non-Government Organisations operating in the CHT in a letter addressed to the Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy have alleged gross irregularities in the selection of NGOs for the implementation of the CHT HYSAWA Fund Project and sought the intervention of His Highness in the matter.
In the undated letter entitled “Unfair PNGO selection process for HYSAWA Fund Project in CHT”, circulated on the internet, the NGO leaders have listed 14 cases of irregularities in the selection process.
The letter alleged that the “Total NGO selection process was motivated, unfair and illegal”.
Without naming anyone, it said the selection was done mostly by one single individual “without following Danish (government’s) prescribed guidelines”.
It further alleged that many NGOs selected for the project -- such as SDO, Shantir Alo, Banchete Sikhi -- had no offices before their selection.
The letter is signed by Shimul Chakma, Executive Director, Welfare Association; Advocate Mrinal Kanti Chakma, Executive Director, HRDP; and Kiron Chakma, Executive Director, BORGANG.
They urged the Royal Danish Embassy to enquire into the matter and suggested four measures for it to be taken in mitigating the irregularities.
Similar letter has been written to the Chairman, CHT HYSAWA Fund Board and the Secretary, Ministry of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
Thirteen leading local NGOs including Jabarang, Kabidang, Alo, Jumphul, Shantir Alo Unnayan Sangsta and Ashika Manobik Unnayan Kendra signed the letter, which was also circulated on the internet and a copy of which has been obtained by chtnews.com.
UNDP funds misused?
When contacted, a NGO executive told chtnews.com requesting anonymity that most the NGOs selected are merely an extension of the JSS (Santu faction).
“Santu Larma has selected these NGOs in return for money or other favours” he alleged. “And what is more important is he does not invest this money in any productive sectors. He uses it to buy arms and ammunitions to kill his political rivals.”
Another leading NGO boss alleged that a significant portion of the development funds handled by the UNDP in some way falls into the hands of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti, which controls the activities of the NGOs in CHT.
“This is one reason why the fratricidal conflict goes on endlessly.” he said, adding the UNDP should ensure its funds do not contribute in any manner to the sustenance of intra-Jumma conflict.
News No. 172/2009, November 03, 2009
The Non-Government Organisations operating in the CHT in a letter addressed to the Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy have alleged gross irregularities in the selection of NGOs for the implementation of the CHT HYSAWA Fund Project and sought the intervention of His Highness in the matter.
In the undated letter entitled “Unfair PNGO selection process for HYSAWA Fund Project in CHT”, circulated on the internet, the NGO leaders have listed 14 cases of irregularities in the selection process.
The letter alleged that the “Total NGO selection process was motivated, unfair and illegal”.
Without naming anyone, it said the selection was done mostly by one single individual “without following Danish (government’s) prescribed guidelines”.
It further alleged that many NGOs selected for the project -- such as SDO, Shantir Alo, Banchete Sikhi -- had no offices before their selection.
The letter is signed by Shimul Chakma, Executive Director, Welfare Association; Advocate Mrinal Kanti Chakma, Executive Director, HRDP; and Kiron Chakma, Executive Director, BORGANG.
They urged the Royal Danish Embassy to enquire into the matter and suggested four measures for it to be taken in mitigating the irregularities.
Similar letter has been written to the Chairman, CHT HYSAWA Fund Board and the Secretary, Ministry of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
Thirteen leading local NGOs including Jabarang, Kabidang, Alo, Jumphul, Shantir Alo Unnayan Sangsta and Ashika Manobik Unnayan Kendra signed the letter, which was also circulated on the internet and a copy of which has been obtained by chtnews.com.
UNDP funds misused?
When contacted, a NGO executive told chtnews.com requesting anonymity that most the NGOs selected are merely an extension of the JSS (Santu faction).
“Santu Larma has selected these NGOs in return for money or other favours” he alleged. “And what is more important is he does not invest this money in any productive sectors. He uses it to buy arms and ammunitions to kill his political rivals.”
Another leading NGO boss alleged that a significant portion of the development funds handled by the UNDP in some way falls into the hands of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti, which controls the activities of the NGOs in CHT.
“This is one reason why the fratricidal conflict goes on endlessly.” he said, adding the UNDP should ensure its funds do not contribute in any manner to the sustenance of intra-Jumma conflict.
JSS Santu group kidnaps UPDF member in Baghaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 171/2009, November 02, 2009
Militants loyal to Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti have kidnapped a member of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) in Baghaichari of Rangamati district, sources say.
A group of armed JSS men made a foray into the village of Baghaichari at about 8am today and kidnapped Lesson Chakma, a UPDF member.
Lesson Chakma is a resident of Bongol-toli village in Marishya.
UPDF’s Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the JSS action as “a desperate attempt to divert attention from growing demand for investigation into Santu Larma’s monumental corruption and scandals” and demanded his immediate release.
He called upon Santu Larma to stop violence and come to the negotiating table.
News No. 171/2009, November 02, 2009
Militants loyal to Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti have kidnapped a member of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) in Baghaichari of Rangamati district, sources say.
A group of armed JSS men made a foray into the village of Baghaichari at about 8am today and kidnapped Lesson Chakma, a UPDF member.
Lesson Chakma is a resident of Bongol-toli village in Marishya.
UPDF’s Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the JSS action as “a desperate attempt to divert attention from growing demand for investigation into Santu Larma’s monumental corruption and scandals” and demanded his immediate release.
He called upon Santu Larma to stop violence and come to the negotiating table.
Army picks up 4 villagers in Ramgarh
chtnews.com
News No. 170/2009, November 01, 2009
Members of the Bangladesh Army picked up four Jumma villagers from Beltali in Ramgarh under Khagrachari district, locals said.
The arrest was made on the night of 31 October after a raid in to the village by a group of army personnel from Batna camp in Manikchari Thana.
The arrested have been identified as Manindra Tripura (40), member of Patachara UP; Sanjeeb Tripura (22) s/o Kashiram Tripura; Kajol Tripura (37) s/o Naja Kumar Tripura; and Teja Roy Tripura (60).
They were taken to the camp and tortured ruthlessly.
Latest reports say they have been shifted to Sindukchari army camp, and the village elders have been making frantic efforts to get them released.
The sources could not say what might be the possible reasons for their arrest. However, arrest and detention of innocent people in arbitrary and unlawful manner is a common practice of the army in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Dev Danta Tripura, a member of the central committee of the UPDF, has condemned the detention of the innocent Jumma villagers and urged the authorities concerned to release them immediately.
News No. 170/2009, November 01, 2009
Members of the Bangladesh Army picked up four Jumma villagers from Beltali in Ramgarh under Khagrachari district, locals said.
The arrest was made on the night of 31 October after a raid in to the village by a group of army personnel from Batna camp in Manikchari Thana.
The arrested have been identified as Manindra Tripura (40), member of Patachara UP; Sanjeeb Tripura (22) s/o Kashiram Tripura; Kajol Tripura (37) s/o Naja Kumar Tripura; and Teja Roy Tripura (60).
They were taken to the camp and tortured ruthlessly.
Latest reports say they have been shifted to Sindukchari army camp, and the village elders have been making frantic efforts to get them released.
The sources could not say what might be the possible reasons for their arrest. However, arrest and detention of innocent people in arbitrary and unlawful manner is a common practice of the army in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Dev Danta Tripura, a member of the central committee of the UPDF, has condemned the detention of the innocent Jumma villagers and urged the authorities concerned to release them immediately.
Santu group militants order villagers to leave
chtnews.com
News No. 169/2009, October 31, 2009
A group of Jana Samhati Samiti militants loyal to Santu Larma raided the village of Bogachari in Rajstali Upazila yesterday and ordered the villagers to leave the village within two days.
The order came about 17 hours after they kidnapped Longa Moni Tanchangya, a UPDF supporter, from Rajstali Sadar.
The JSS men tortured him and took him to his village – Bogachari – in search of UPDF members. They fired blank shots to scare the villagers believed to be strong supporters of the UPDF and ordered them to leave the village by November 1.
Latest reports say most of the villagers have fled their homes in fear of JSS reprisals.
News No. 169/2009, October 31, 2009
A group of Jana Samhati Samiti militants loyal to Santu Larma raided the village of Bogachari in Rajstali Upazila yesterday and ordered the villagers to leave the village within two days.
The order came about 17 hours after they kidnapped Longa Moni Tanchangya, a UPDF supporter, from Rajstali Sadar.
The JSS men tortured him and took him to his village – Bogachari – in search of UPDF members. They fired blank shots to scare the villagers believed to be strong supporters of the UPDF and ordered them to leave the village by November 1.
Latest reports say most of the villagers have fled their homes in fear of JSS reprisals.
Santu group kidnaps UPDF supporter in Rajstali
chtnews.com
News No. 168/2009, October 30, 2009
A UPDF supporter was kidnapped by armed militants of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti from Rajstali, Rangamati last night.
UPDF and independent sources said the Santu loyalists led by Sadhan Tanchangya kidnapped Longa Moni Tanchangya (35) s/o Chok Kala Tanchangya from the house of Medoshi Marma in the village of Khagrachari in Rajstali Sadar at midnight.
Mr. Tanchangya is a resident of Bogachari village under Ghilachari Union in Rajstali. He went to Rajstali bazaar to buy daily necessities.
He decided to stay at Medoshi Marma’s house for the night to avoid threading back home through the jungle path after sunset.
News No. 168/2009, October 30, 2009
A UPDF supporter was kidnapped by armed militants of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti from Rajstali, Rangamati last night.
UPDF and independent sources said the Santu loyalists led by Sadhan Tanchangya kidnapped Longa Moni Tanchangya (35) s/o Chok Kala Tanchangya from the house of Medoshi Marma in the village of Khagrachari in Rajstali Sadar at midnight.
Mr. Tanchangya is a resident of Bogachari village under Ghilachari Union in Rajstali. He went to Rajstali bazaar to buy daily necessities.
He decided to stay at Medoshi Marma’s house for the night to avoid threading back home through the jungle path after sunset.
UPDF office searched in Ghagra
chtnews.com
News No. 167/2009, October 29, 2009
Members of the Rapid Action Battalion searched the Ghagra office of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) in Rangamati last night.
UPDF sources told chtnews.com that the RAB members had come in two jeeps at midnight and searched for what they said firearms in the office.
However, they found nothing incriminating.
There were three UPDF members in the office at the time, but the RAB did not harm any of them.
“When they (RAB) said there are firearms in the office, we asked them to check, and they turned the office upside down in the name of a search” Bitu Chakma, one of the UPDF members present during the search, said.
It needs to be mentioned that in last September, the Ghagra office of the UPDF had come under attack by JSS (Santu) members. The JSS men destroyed the office furnisher, the computer and other office materials in the presence of the security personnel during the said attack.
News No. 167/2009, October 29, 2009
Members of the Rapid Action Battalion searched the Ghagra office of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) in Rangamati last night.
UPDF sources told chtnews.com that the RAB members had come in two jeeps at midnight and searched for what they said firearms in the office.
However, they found nothing incriminating.
There were three UPDF members in the office at the time, but the RAB did not harm any of them.
“When they (RAB) said there are firearms in the office, we asked them to check, and they turned the office upside down in the name of a search” Bitu Chakma, one of the UPDF members present during the search, said.
It needs to be mentioned that in last September, the Ghagra office of the UPDF had come under attack by JSS (Santu) members. The JSS men destroyed the office furnisher, the computer and other office materials in the presence of the security personnel during the said attack.
Army arrests two in Manikchari
chtnews.com
News No. 166/2009, October 25, 2009
The army arrested two innocent villagers in a raid last night in Manikchari under Khagrachari district.
Sources said a group of army personnel from Manikchari camp raided the village of Mahamuni Para around 10pm on Saturday and picked up Kongyo Marma (40) s/o late Aungjairi Marma and Kyopru Marma (35) s/o late Nira Aung Marma.
Kongyo Marma was eating his dinner when the army came and began beating him.
Both of them were taken to the camp and tortured severely.
At one stage the army tried to photograph them after putting guns in their hands, but when they resisted the army put some Indian wine bottles in front of them and then photographed them.
Later, they were handed over to the police, and have been kept in their custody till the writing of this report at 10am.
A human rights activist, after making inquiry about the arrested Jummas, told chtnews.com that both of them are completely innocent.
“There could be only one possible reason for their arrest, and it is that they are relatives of Apruchi Marma, General Secretary of PCP Khagrachari District Unit, who played a very important role in organising protests against the recent land grabbing in the area.” he said.
Kongyo Marma is his elder brother while Kyopru Marma his sister’s husband, he said.
The Hill Students’ Council president Ricoh Chakma condemned the arrest and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
He said PCP will not tolerate such actions of the army any more and warned of vigorous programmes if it does not stop human rights violations in the CHT.
News No. 166/2009, October 25, 2009
The army arrested two innocent villagers in a raid last night in Manikchari under Khagrachari district.
Sources said a group of army personnel from Manikchari camp raided the village of Mahamuni Para around 10pm on Saturday and picked up Kongyo Marma (40) s/o late Aungjairi Marma and Kyopru Marma (35) s/o late Nira Aung Marma.
Kongyo Marma was eating his dinner when the army came and began beating him.
Both of them were taken to the camp and tortured severely.
At one stage the army tried to photograph them after putting guns in their hands, but when they resisted the army put some Indian wine bottles in front of them and then photographed them.
Later, they were handed over to the police, and have been kept in their custody till the writing of this report at 10am.
A human rights activist, after making inquiry about the arrested Jummas, told chtnews.com that both of them are completely innocent.
“There could be only one possible reason for their arrest, and it is that they are relatives of Apruchi Marma, General Secretary of PCP Khagrachari District Unit, who played a very important role in organising protests against the recent land grabbing in the area.” he said.
Kongyo Marma is his elder brother while Kyopru Marma his sister’s husband, he said.
The Hill Students’ Council president Ricoh Chakma condemned the arrest and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
He said PCP will not tolerate such actions of the army any more and warned of vigorous programmes if it does not stop human rights violations in the CHT.
Settlers seized goods from 3 Jumma traders
chtnews.com
News No. 165/2009, October 24, 2009
The settlers have seized goods from three Jumma traders as an overwhelming boycott of Laxmichari bazaar by Jumma people continues.
Sources said Shanti Kumar Chakma, ex-member of Laxmichari Union, Tarani Sen Chakma, incumbent member of Dulyatoli Union and Shanti Chakma today bought goods worth about Taka 20,000 from Manikchari bazaar to be sold at their shops in Laxmicahri.
When they reached Laxmichari bazaar at about 1:30pm the settlers led by Alamgir and Khokan, two Bengali traders, seized all their goods.
Earlier, on 12 October, the Sub Inspector of Laxmichari police station, Faridul Alam, had seized goods from five Jumma traders they bought from new Morachengey market.
However, he had to return it after protest.
The Jumma people have been boycotting Laxmichari bazaar in protest against a communal attack on them on 9 October.
News No. 165/2009, October 24, 2009
The settlers have seized goods from three Jumma traders as an overwhelming boycott of Laxmichari bazaar by Jumma people continues.
Sources said Shanti Kumar Chakma, ex-member of Laxmichari Union, Tarani Sen Chakma, incumbent member of Dulyatoli Union and Shanti Chakma today bought goods worth about Taka 20,000 from Manikchari bazaar to be sold at their shops in Laxmicahri.
When they reached Laxmichari bazaar at about 1:30pm the settlers led by Alamgir and Khokan, two Bengali traders, seized all their goods.
Earlier, on 12 October, the Sub Inspector of Laxmichari police station, Faridul Alam, had seized goods from five Jumma traders they bought from new Morachengey market.
However, he had to return it after protest.
The Jumma people have been boycotting Laxmichari bazaar in protest against a communal attack on them on 9 October.
Bengali woman stabbed by CHTNF terrorists
chtnews.com
News No. 164/2009, October 24, 2009
The so-called CHTNF terrorists, publicly known as Borka-pora (literally means clad in Muslim veils), stabbed a Bengali woman named Rumana Aktar yesterday in Ramgarh, Khagrachari.
The 25-year-old was on her way back home from a shop about 7pm when she met the terrorists, who were seven in number and wore pants and veils.
They struck her with a knife without asking her anything. When Rumana screamed for help people from nearby area rushed to the spot and rescued her.
However, the terrorists had left the scene before their arrival.
Rumana is a resident of Belchari village under Patachara Union. Her husband’s name is Rahim.
The CHTNF is a terrorist outfit created by a section of the army to create unrest in the CHT and to counter the growing influence of the UPDF.
Drawn from both Bengali and Jumma youths, its members are now engaged in theft and robbery in Manikchari and Ramgarh areas.
News No. 164/2009, October 24, 2009
The so-called CHTNF terrorists, publicly known as Borka-pora (literally means clad in Muslim veils), stabbed a Bengali woman named Rumana Aktar yesterday in Ramgarh, Khagrachari.
The 25-year-old was on her way back home from a shop about 7pm when she met the terrorists, who were seven in number and wore pants and veils.
They struck her with a knife without asking her anything. When Rumana screamed for help people from nearby area rushed to the spot and rescued her.
However, the terrorists had left the scene before their arrival.
Rumana is a resident of Belchari village under Patachara Union. Her husband’s name is Rahim.
The CHTNF is a terrorist outfit created by a section of the army to create unrest in the CHT and to counter the growing influence of the UPDF.
Drawn from both Bengali and Jumma youths, its members are now engaged in theft and robbery in Manikchari and Ramgarh areas.
JSS member shot dead in Baghaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 163/2009, October 24, 2009
Unknown assailants yesterday shot dead Tipu Chakma (32), a resident of Pablakhali village in Baghaichari, Rangamati.
Mr. Mongol Kumar Chakma, the publication and publicity secretary of the central committee of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu faction), claimed that he was the General Secretary of the JSS Khedarmara Union branch.
Locals believe that Tipu Chakma might have been killed as a result of an internal conflict between the two factions of the JSS.
The other faction of the JSS is led by former Shanti Bahini guerrilla leader and member of the CHT Regional Council, Rupayan Dewan.
Army raids UPDF house in Laxmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 162/2009, October 24, 2009
Army personnel last night raided a house rented by United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) in Laxmichari, Khagrachari.
The raid was carried out by police and army personnel from Laxmichari zone about 10pm.
They searched and turned the house upside down, but found nothing incriminating.
The UPDF office staff members, who lived in the house, had fled before the arrival of the army, fearing that they might be arrested.
Before raiding UPDF house, the army also searched the house of Satyo Ranjan Chakma, a primary school teacher.
On 20 October, the house of Ms Sagarika Chakma, the lady vice president of Laxmichari Upazila, was also raided. She was not at home at the time.
She, along with the Chairman and other vice chairman, has gone into hiding fearing harassment by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam.
In a press conference in Dhaka on 17 October they demanded that the zone commander Sharif be removed and punished for inciting communal violence, torturing innocent people and plotting murder.
UPDF member shot dead by JSS (Santu)
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News No. 161/2009, October 22, 2009
A member of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been shot dead by armed militants of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti.
The incident occurred about 12:30pm today when six UPDF members went to Sakrachari village, 2 kilometers south-east of Barkal Upazila headquarters in Rangamati district, to attend a meeting.
The JSS men fired on them indiscriminately, killing Rafel Chakma on the spot. He hails from Aimachara Union, Barkal. However, other UPDF members could escape unhurt.
JSS (Santu) has intensified its armed offensive against UPDF in the last few months, killing at least three.
It has also kidnapped 5 members and supporters of the UPDF, tortured scores of villagers and attacked UPDF offices in Ghagra and Subholong.
Torture victims demand removal of Lt. Col. Sharif
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News No. 160/2009, October 21, 2009
A group of torture victims have demanded that the Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam is removed and punished for creating unrest and torturing innocent people indiscriminately. (photo attached)
They made the demand at a press conference held at Reporters Unity in Dhaka today. Of the scores of people who were tortured at the hands of Lt. Col. Sharif, seven Jummas and two Bengalees came to Dhaka to speak of their sufferings to the journalists.
In a written statement read out by Pai Prue Sain Marma they said “We have been tortured at various points of times at the hands of Laxmicahri zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam for no faults of ours.”
“We had to flee our homes and go into hiding in fear of further torture.” they said.
One of the torture victims, Al Amin (20) [photo attached] said “On 10 September, when I was returning from Khagrachari I was halted by army personnel who were in wait for me in two pick-up vans near the police barrack at Jaliapara.
“They forced me get off my Honda bike and slapped me in my face repeatedly. 10 – 15 minutes later when CO Sharif came I was blindfolded with a piece of black cloth and boarded an army van.
“I was led into a deep jungle and tortured. Mr. Sharif asked where UPDF men live. He also asked, ‘Where is the UPDF man that you carried on your bike?’”
Al Amin said that he was made to dig his own grave.
“Mr. Sharif kicked me into the grave and buried me up to my neck, and then asked the same questions about the UPDF man.” he added.
When he gave the same answer, Sharif lifted him from the grave and ordered his solders to beat him again.
“The soldiers beat me with sticks and rifle butts” he said.
Then the army men took Al Amin to a store house made of mud at Hatimura where a group of Pahari and Bengali people attacked him and snatched away Taka 1,000 from him, he alleged.
The next morning he was taken to Manikchari camp and was interrogated one more time. They army put a pistol in his hand and then photographed him and threatened him to file false cases against him.
Before releasing him, the army broke the headlight and signal light of his bike and scratched the petrol tank with bricks.
“Then they asked me to tell the people that the bike was broken when the terrorists attacked me,” he said.
Al Amin’s father Abul Kashem (45) said he was taken to the army camp on 25 September and tortured.
He said Sharif had ordered him to produce his son Al Amin before him by the evening of that day.
He said both he and his son had to flee their home in Laxmichari in fear of further torture.
Similar stories were also shared by Ratan Bindu Chakma (32), Pai Prue Sain Marma (32), New Hla Prue Marma alias Ning Hla Prue (37), Aungsa Prue Marma (25), Barun Bikash Chakma, Mong Sajai Marma (21) and Rumi Chakma (20).
On 17 October, six elected public representatives from Laxmichari including Upazila chairman Mr Remrachai Chowdhury also held a press conference in Dhaka and demanded that Lt. Col. Sharif and OC Faridul Alam be removed and punished.
At both the press conferences, Sharif and Alam were accused of fomenting unrest and whipping up communal sentiment among the settlers.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Bangali Chattra Parishad demands banning of UPDF
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News No. 159/2009, October 21, 2009
The so-called Bangali Chattra Parishad, an ultra-communal settler outfit backed by the military, will hold a rally in Baghaichari, Rangamati tomorrow to demand the banning of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF).
The Parishad members have been propagating their programme through loudspeakers since yesterday.
“All activities of the UPDF must be banned”, shouted the announcer. However, he stopped short of providing any ground for the ban.
Commenting on the BCP’s programme a UPDF activist said “UPDF is a democratic organisation which has broadened its support base in the last couple of years, and we know it is this which has made a few people in the army quite jittery.”
He said, “Santu Larma is also making similar demands; on 19 October, at a rally in Rangamati he repeated his demand for banning UPDF. But we don’t care about what he says, but when BCP and his likes make the same demand we have to ponder, because these organisations are proxy of the army. They are merely spokesperson of the military in the CHT.”
Knowledgeable persons admit that that attempts are being made to curb the growing influence of the UPDF is quite evident.
They cited the creation of a terrorist group called CHTNF, denying democratic space to the UPDF, attacks on its rallies and offices, arrest and killing of its leaders and supporters, providing support to the Santu Larma faction of the JSS as some of the measures taken to cut the UPDF to size.
“The overall aim is to sustain the conflict between the UPDF and JSS.” one CHT observer commented.
“But no matter what you do you cannot prop up someone all the time who has lost public confidence; history has proved this fact over and over again.” she added.
News No. 159/2009, October 21, 2009
The so-called Bangali Chattra Parishad, an ultra-communal settler outfit backed by the military, will hold a rally in Baghaichari, Rangamati tomorrow to demand the banning of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF).
The Parishad members have been propagating their programme through loudspeakers since yesterday.
“All activities of the UPDF must be banned”, shouted the announcer. However, he stopped short of providing any ground for the ban.
Commenting on the BCP’s programme a UPDF activist said “UPDF is a democratic organisation which has broadened its support base in the last couple of years, and we know it is this which has made a few people in the army quite jittery.”
He said, “Santu Larma is also making similar demands; on 19 October, at a rally in Rangamati he repeated his demand for banning UPDF. But we don’t care about what he says, but when BCP and his likes make the same demand we have to ponder, because these organisations are proxy of the army. They are merely spokesperson of the military in the CHT.”
Knowledgeable persons admit that that attempts are being made to curb the growing influence of the UPDF is quite evident.
They cited the creation of a terrorist group called CHTNF, denying democratic space to the UPDF, attacks on its rallies and offices, arrest and killing of its leaders and supporters, providing support to the Santu Larma faction of the JSS as some of the measures taken to cut the UPDF to size.
“The overall aim is to sustain the conflict between the UPDF and JSS.” one CHT observer commented.
“But no matter what you do you cannot prop up someone all the time who has lost public confidence; history has proved this fact over and over again.” she added.
Settlers raid Jumma village in Ramgarh
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News No. 158/2009, October 20, 2009
The settlers had taken hostage 5 Jumma villagers after a raid into the village of Goiapara under Patachara Union of Ramgarh Upazila in Khagrachari district, sources from Khagrachari said.
Over one hundred settlers led by Latu Master (50), Oli Ahmed (50) and Nur Mohammad (45) from Ratnapur and Mohammadpur villages under Dantmara Union in Fatikchari took part in the attack that was taken place today, 20 October, about 9:30am.
Armed with sharp weapons, the marauding settlers used jeeps during the attack.
They beat up Mon Kumar Chakma (50) s/o late Shyama Charan Chakma and his daughter Sonabo Chakma (25) and took away five villagers including these two.
The attack was carried out without slightest provocation, and the Jummas were not prepared for it.
The motive of the attack could not be known. However, the settlers alleged that “the Jummas were involved in theft and robbery in their villages.”
Talking to the chtnews.com one Jumma villager vehemently denied the allegation and said it was the members of the army-sponsored CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum) terrorists who committed these crimes.
“These terrorists are patronized by the army, and to be precise, by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam.” he said.
The other villagers taken away by the settlers have been identified as Guri Morotto Chakma (25) s/o Thandra Ram Chakma, Juddha Kumar Chakma (22) s/o Chikon Chan Karbari and Milon Dhan Chakma (22).
However, all of them were released after Dev Danta Tripura, Organiser of UPDF’s Ramgarh Unit, contacted the settler leaders including Dant Mara UP Chairman Md. Habib and proved their innocence.
Sources said the so-called CHTNF terrorists, comprised of both Jumma and Bengali youths, had been committing crimes in the area with direct support from the army.
The CHTNF was created by the army to create unrest in the CHT to frustrate the decision of the Awami League government to withdraw troops from CHT. They were given Light Guns (LG) and ordered to kidnap people indiscriminately, especially Bengali businessmen in Bandarban.
This terror outfit came into the media spotlight when its members kidnapped a number of Bengali businessmen in Bandarban.
Many joined the CHTNF in the hope that they would be able to earn quick bulks, but when they found the risk involved they left.
Some of them told chtnews.com that “the one thing the army asks us is to kidnap people and exact ransom from them.”
Now that their aim has been achieved, they army have turned their attention away from the CHTNF, and in Bandarban they have arrested four of its members along with the arms they had given them.
News No. 158/2009, October 20, 2009
The settlers had taken hostage 5 Jumma villagers after a raid into the village of Goiapara under Patachara Union of Ramgarh Upazila in Khagrachari district, sources from Khagrachari said.
Over one hundred settlers led by Latu Master (50), Oli Ahmed (50) and Nur Mohammad (45) from Ratnapur and Mohammadpur villages under Dantmara Union in Fatikchari took part in the attack that was taken place today, 20 October, about 9:30am.
Armed with sharp weapons, the marauding settlers used jeeps during the attack.
They beat up Mon Kumar Chakma (50) s/o late Shyama Charan Chakma and his daughter Sonabo Chakma (25) and took away five villagers including these two.
The attack was carried out without slightest provocation, and the Jummas were not prepared for it.
The motive of the attack could not be known. However, the settlers alleged that “the Jummas were involved in theft and robbery in their villages.”
Talking to the chtnews.com one Jumma villager vehemently denied the allegation and said it was the members of the army-sponsored CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum) terrorists who committed these crimes.
“These terrorists are patronized by the army, and to be precise, by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam.” he said.
The other villagers taken away by the settlers have been identified as Guri Morotto Chakma (25) s/o Thandra Ram Chakma, Juddha Kumar Chakma (22) s/o Chikon Chan Karbari and Milon Dhan Chakma (22).
However, all of them were released after Dev Danta Tripura, Organiser of UPDF’s Ramgarh Unit, contacted the settler leaders including Dant Mara UP Chairman Md. Habib and proved their innocence.
Sources said the so-called CHTNF terrorists, comprised of both Jumma and Bengali youths, had been committing crimes in the area with direct support from the army.
The CHTNF was created by the army to create unrest in the CHT to frustrate the decision of the Awami League government to withdraw troops from CHT. They were given Light Guns (LG) and ordered to kidnap people indiscriminately, especially Bengali businessmen in Bandarban.
This terror outfit came into the media spotlight when its members kidnapped a number of Bengali businessmen in Bandarban.
Many joined the CHTNF in the hope that they would be able to earn quick bulks, but when they found the risk involved they left.
Some of them told chtnews.com that “the one thing the army asks us is to kidnap people and exact ransom from them.”
Now that their aim has been achieved, they army have turned their attention away from the CHTNF, and in Bandarban they have arrested four of its members along with the arms they had given them.
One arrested, released later in Laxmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 157/2009, October 17, 2009
One Jumma villager was arrested in an army raid last night in Laxmichari under Khagrachari district. However, he was released later, sources said.
According to sources, a group of army personnel led by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam raided Morachengey Dor area at around 8pm.
“We heard Sharif ordering his men to shoot anyone running away”, one villager told chtnews.com.
Later, the soldiers picked up Bitti Chakma (32 years) s/o Tambul Charan Chakma of Jatindra Karbari Para village from the passenger shed at Badipara.
They took him up to Shilachari, near the army camp and released him from there.
News No. 157/2009, October 17, 2009
One Jumma villager was arrested in an army raid last night in Laxmichari under Khagrachari district. However, he was released later, sources said.
According to sources, a group of army personnel led by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam raided Morachengey Dor area at around 8pm.
“We heard Sharif ordering his men to shoot anyone running away”, one villager told chtnews.com.
Later, the soldiers picked up Bitti Chakma (32 years) s/o Tambul Charan Chakma of Jatindra Karbari Para village from the passenger shed at Badipara.
They took him up to Shilachari, near the army camp and released him from there.
Jumma girl raped in Matiranga
chtnews.com
News No. 156/2009, October 15, 2009
A Jumma girl is alleged to have been raped in Ballyachari under Matiranga Upazila in Khagrachari district, according to sources.
The incident occurred at around 1pm today when Ms Sumita Tripura of Arbari village was on her way back home after attending exams at her school.
She is a ten grade student in Matiranga Pilot High School. She has to pass through a settler village – Rasulpur – to and from her school.
The 17-years-old is alleged to have been raped by some settler youths when she reached Rasulpur.
She is still being held by the settlers, who are trying to force her parents – Dukhi Ram Tripura and Redu Tripura -- to reach a compromise with the rapists.
Sexual violence against Jumma women by illegal Bengali settlers is common in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and in the past not a single perpetrator has been punished for the crime.
Konica Dewan, General Secretary of the Hill Women’s Federation, a front organisation of the UPDF, has condemned the rape of Sumita Tripura, terming it “outrageous”.
“The settlers continue to commit such heinous crimes with impunity because no one is punished, because the culprits roam scot-free and because there is virtual sanction of the state for such acts of violence against Jumma women.” she said.
Hill Women’s Federation will stage demonstrations tomorrow in Khagrachari and Chittagong in protest against the incident.
News No. 156/2009, October 15, 2009
A Jumma girl is alleged to have been raped in Ballyachari under Matiranga Upazila in Khagrachari district, according to sources.
The incident occurred at around 1pm today when Ms Sumita Tripura of Arbari village was on her way back home after attending exams at her school.
She is a ten grade student in Matiranga Pilot High School. She has to pass through a settler village – Rasulpur – to and from her school.
The 17-years-old is alleged to have been raped by some settler youths when she reached Rasulpur.
She is still being held by the settlers, who are trying to force her parents – Dukhi Ram Tripura and Redu Tripura -- to reach a compromise with the rapists.
Sexual violence against Jumma women by illegal Bengali settlers is common in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and in the past not a single perpetrator has been punished for the crime.
Konica Dewan, General Secretary of the Hill Women’s Federation, a front organisation of the UPDF, has condemned the rape of Sumita Tripura, terming it “outrageous”.
“The settlers continue to commit such heinous crimes with impunity because no one is punished, because the culprits roam scot-free and because there is virtual sanction of the state for such acts of violence against Jumma women.” she said.
Hill Women’s Federation will stage demonstrations tomorrow in Khagrachari and Chittagong in protest against the incident.
UPDF stages demo against attack on its Subholong office
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News No. 155/2009, October 15, 2009
The United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) and its front organisatons staged demonstrations at Subholong bazaar, protesting an attack on their office by members of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti.
The demonstrators chanted slogans against the attack. At a rally held at 3:30pm, the speakers held Santu Larma responsible for the attack and demanded of the government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Presided over by Smriti Moy Chakma, President of Barkal Upazila Unit of Democratic Youth Forum, the rally was addressed by Moharon Chakma, Vice President, Jurachari Upazila Unit, DYF; Riton Chakma, Joint Secretary, Jurachari Upazila Unit, DYF; and Bindu Chakma, a UPDF member.
The rally was followed by a procession which paraded the small island town of Subholong.
Over 250 took part at the demonstration.
News No. 155/2009, October 15, 2009
The United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) and its front organisatons staged demonstrations at Subholong bazaar, protesting an attack on their office by members of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti.
The demonstrators chanted slogans against the attack. At a rally held at 3:30pm, the speakers held Santu Larma responsible for the attack and demanded of the government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Presided over by Smriti Moy Chakma, President of Barkal Upazila Unit of Democratic Youth Forum, the rally was addressed by Moharon Chakma, Vice President, Jurachari Upazila Unit, DYF; Riton Chakma, Joint Secretary, Jurachari Upazila Unit, DYF; and Bindu Chakma, a UPDF member.
The rally was followed by a procession which paraded the small island town of Subholong.
Over 250 took part at the demonstration.
JSS (Santu) attacks UPDF office at Subholong
chtnews.com
News No. 154/2009, October 15, 2009
A group of Jana Samhati Samiti members (Santu faction) led by Sadhan Chakma attacked the office of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) at Subholong bazaar under Barkal Upazila, Rangamati, UPDF and independent sources said.
The incident took place at about 8:15am this morning. The Santu loyalists came in boats from Rangamati town and Halamba.
They ransacked the office, destroying furnishers, smashing the signboard and tearing down a banner.
The JSS men then tried to open their old office, but failed as the owner of the house they had hired refused to renew an agreement. In the end of the day, they had to come back, crestfallen.
UPDF Rangamati district organiser Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the attack and urged the government to bring the culprits to justice.
He said “It is sad that despite our repeated appeal to come to the negotiating table, the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti continues to attack us.”
“All such attacks, all his policies with regard to UPDF certainly benefit those who want perpetual domination over the Jumma people.” he added.
Mr. Chakma called upon all the patriotic Jummas and their well wishers to put pressure on Santu Larma to shun violence and agree to the offer of talks with UPDF.
News No. 154/2009, October 15, 2009
A group of Jana Samhati Samiti members (Santu faction) led by Sadhan Chakma attacked the office of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) at Subholong bazaar under Barkal Upazila, Rangamati, UPDF and independent sources said.
The incident took place at about 8:15am this morning. The Santu loyalists came in boats from Rangamati town and Halamba.
They ransacked the office, destroying furnishers, smashing the signboard and tearing down a banner.
The JSS men then tried to open their old office, but failed as the owner of the house they had hired refused to renew an agreement. In the end of the day, they had to come back, crestfallen.
UPDF Rangamati district organiser Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the attack and urged the government to bring the culprits to justice.
He said “It is sad that despite our repeated appeal to come to the negotiating table, the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti continues to attack us.”
“All such attacks, all his policies with regard to UPDF certainly benefit those who want perpetual domination over the Jumma people.” he added.
Mr. Chakma called upon all the patriotic Jummas and their well wishers to put pressure on Santu Larma to shun violence and agree to the offer of talks with UPDF.
UPDF holds road blockade in Khagracahri
chtnews.com
News No. 153/2009, October 14, 2009
Traffic to and from Khagrachari district headquarters remained suspended as the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) held road blockade to force the government to concede to their five-point demands including punishment for Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam for masterminding the killing of one of its central leaders.
Despite deployment of a large contingent army and police personnel to combat the pickets, the blockade ended successfully and by and large peacefully, without any major untoward incidents.
“The transport owners and workers associations responded positively to our request to honour our road blockade programme, and we thank them for this.” Ujjal Smriti Chakma told chtnews.com.
“It is good to see that they have ignored the pressure of the army commanders to defy our call and operate as usual.” he added.
Mr. Chakma urged the government to meet their five-point demands, and warned that “more of such programmes are in the offing if they are not met”.
UPDF called the road blockade following a series of attacks on its members and supporters in Laxmichari, leaving its central committee member Rui Khoi Marma dead and six injured.
The party blamed Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam for masterminding these attacks and called for his punishment.
Today’s road blockade is the first such programmes UPDF has undertaken during its nearly 12- year existence as a party.
bdnews24.com reports, “Transport link between Khagrachhari and all Upazilas of the district remained suspended from Wednesday morning as the United People's Democratic Front enforced a road blockade programme in the district town.”
It adds: “Pickets enforcing the road blockade Wednesday damaged five vehicles in front fire service station at around 9:30am. No vehicles were moving towards the Upazilas fearing the pickets.”
Some over enthusiast pickets (or agent provocateurs?) beat up a Marma boy named Chailaprue Marma of Headman Para, Panchari in Khagrachari town for a petty issue. He has been admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment.
UPDF activists saw him at the hospital and enquired about his well being.
UPDF Khagrachari District Unit organiser Kalo Priya Chakma and PCP General Secretary Aongay Marma apologized for the incident and announced that they would bear all his medical expenses.
News No. 153/2009, October 14, 2009
Traffic to and from Khagrachari district headquarters remained suspended as the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) held road blockade to force the government to concede to their five-point demands including punishment for Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam for masterminding the killing of one of its central leaders.
Despite deployment of a large contingent army and police personnel to combat the pickets, the blockade ended successfully and by and large peacefully, without any major untoward incidents.
“The transport owners and workers associations responded positively to our request to honour our road blockade programme, and we thank them for this.” Ujjal Smriti Chakma told chtnews.com.
“It is good to see that they have ignored the pressure of the army commanders to defy our call and operate as usual.” he added.
Mr. Chakma urged the government to meet their five-point demands, and warned that “more of such programmes are in the offing if they are not met”.
UPDF called the road blockade following a series of attacks on its members and supporters in Laxmichari, leaving its central committee member Rui Khoi Marma dead and six injured.
The party blamed Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam for masterminding these attacks and called for his punishment.
Today’s road blockade is the first such programmes UPDF has undertaken during its nearly 12- year existence as a party.
bdnews24.com reports, “Transport link between Khagrachhari and all Upazilas of the district remained suspended from Wednesday morning as the United People's Democratic Front enforced a road blockade programme in the district town.”
It adds: “Pickets enforcing the road blockade Wednesday damaged five vehicles in front fire service station at around 9:30am. No vehicles were moving towards the Upazilas fearing the pickets.”
Some over enthusiast pickets (or agent provocateurs?) beat up a Marma boy named Chailaprue Marma of Headman Para, Panchari in Khagrachari town for a petty issue. He has been admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment.
UPDF activists saw him at the hospital and enquired about his well being.
UPDF Khagrachari District Unit organiser Kalo Priya Chakma and PCP General Secretary Aongay Marma apologized for the incident and announced that they would bear all his medical expenses.
Jumma traders’ goods seized by Laxmichari SI
chtnews.com
News No. 152/2009, October 13, 2009
The Sub Inspector of Laxmichari police station, Faridul Alam, yesterday seized goods from five Jumma traders they bought from new Morachengey market.
The Jumma traders were carrying the goods in a jeep to Manikchari bazaar.
SI Faridul Alam, who is in charge of Laxmichari police station, seized the goods at 7:30am.
The goods are perishable and include fruits and vegetables.
He demanded that the goods must be sold at Laxmichari bazaar, but the Jummas refused.
The Jumma people have been boycotting Laxmichari bazaar in protest against an attack on them on 9 October.
The Jumma traders whose goods have been seized have been identified as Hridoy Chakma, Kajol Chakma, Dhannaka Chakma and Ms Rani Chakma from Jotindra Karbari Para of Morachengey and Bhubon Chakma of Sumanta Para village.
News No. 152/2009, October 13, 2009
The Sub Inspector of Laxmichari police station, Faridul Alam, yesterday seized goods from five Jumma traders they bought from new Morachengey market.
The Jumma traders were carrying the goods in a jeep to Manikchari bazaar.
SI Faridul Alam, who is in charge of Laxmichari police station, seized the goods at 7:30am.
The goods are perishable and include fruits and vegetables.
He demanded that the goods must be sold at Laxmichari bazaar, but the Jummas refused.
The Jumma people have been boycotting Laxmichari bazaar in protest against an attack on them on 9 October.
The Jumma traders whose goods have been seized have been identified as Hridoy Chakma, Kajol Chakma, Dhannaka Chakma and Ms Rani Chakma from Jotindra Karbari Para of Morachengey and Bhubon Chakma of Sumanta Para village.
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.
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.
Laxmichari attack: bazaar boycott begins
chtnews.com
News No. 150/2009, October 11, 2009
In protest against the 9 October communal attack, the Jumma people have begun an indefinite boycott of Laxmichari bazaar.
Today was the market day for Laxmichari bazaar where the gruesome attack took place. At least six UPDF members and supporters were injured and three others went missing in that unprovoked attack.
The Laxmichari zone commander, Lt. Col. Sharif, one of the architects of the attack and who has committed numerous violations of human rights including masterminding the recent killing of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma, tried to force the Jumma villagers to come to Laxmichari bazaar.
When the Jummas rejected his request to participate in the Laxmichari bazaar, he boarded a few Jummas on to his lorry and dumped them at the bazaar.
The Jummas not only boycotted Laxmichari bazaar, but also set up a new bazaar at Morachengey, one and a half kilometers east of the old bazaar.
The Jummas said they would continue the boycott.
Sources from Laxmichari further add: in protest against the barbarous attack the Jumma students have begun a boycott of classes. The boycott, called separately by the students themselves, will continue for a week.
They also wore black badges as a mark of protest.
Another source said the army have snatched a bag from a Jumma who was carrying it from Laxmichari bazaar. The bag belongs to Democratic Youth Forum leader Remin Chakma.
He had left the bag at a house in Laxmichari bazaar before fleeing the attack on 9 October.
News No. 150/2009, October 11, 2009
In protest against the 9 October communal attack, the Jumma people have begun an indefinite boycott of Laxmichari bazaar.
Today was the market day for Laxmichari bazaar where the gruesome attack took place. At least six UPDF members and supporters were injured and three others went missing in that unprovoked attack.
The Laxmichari zone commander, Lt. Col. Sharif, one of the architects of the attack and who has committed numerous violations of human rights including masterminding the recent killing of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma, tried to force the Jumma villagers to come to Laxmichari bazaar.
When the Jummas rejected his request to participate in the Laxmichari bazaar, he boarded a few Jummas on to his lorry and dumped them at the bazaar.
The Jummas not only boycotted Laxmichari bazaar, but also set up a new bazaar at Morachengey, one and a half kilometers east of the old bazaar.
The Jummas said they would continue the boycott.
Sources from Laxmichari further add: in protest against the barbarous attack the Jumma students have begun a boycott of classes. The boycott, called separately by the students themselves, will continue for a week.
They also wore black badges as a mark of protest.
Another source said the army have snatched a bag from a Jumma who was carrying it from Laxmichari bazaar. The bag belongs to Democratic Youth Forum leader Remin Chakma.
He had left the bag at a house in Laxmichari bazaar before fleeing the attack on 9 October.
Laxmichari attack on UPDF: protests continue
chtnews.com
News No. 149/2009, October 10, 2009
There have been protest rallies throughout the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in Dhaka and Chittagong following the settler attack on UPDF in Laxmichari, Khagrachari yesterday.
Boycott
UPDF Laxmichari Unit enforced a boycott of Laxmichari bazaar today in protest against yesterday’s attack on its members and supporters by illegal settlers.
It also held a protest meeting at Morachengi dor area, near Laxmichari Upazila headquarters.
UPDF leaders alleged that the settlers had been instigated by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Sharif.
HWF leader Rina Dewan, while speaking to chtnews.com, said the police had intentionally given the settlers the opportunity to attack them.
Manikcahri
Sources from Manikchari said in protest against the attack the general people of the area had removed the plates of three bailey bridges at Kalapani, Thulipara and Toimatai (Ballyachari) on Khagrachari – Chittagong road, disrupting traffic till noon today.
Naniachar
In Naniachar of Rangamati district Hill Women’s Federation and Hill Students’ Council staged a demonstration protesting the attack.
They held a rally at Rest House ground at 1pm and later took out a procession, which paraded Naniachar bazaar.
Presided over by Bilash Chakma, President of PCP Naniachari Upazila Committee, the rally was also addressed by HWF leader Juthika Chakma, Bigna Khisha, Binayon Chakma and Tapu Moni Chakma.
Dhaka
PCP Dhaka Unit staged a demonstration at Muktangon in the afternoon. Later they held a rally in front of National Press Club. Presided over by Sumen Chakma, President of PCP Dhaka Unit, the rally was addressed by Ashim Chakma, Subrata Tripura, Ahsish Sharma of Biplobi Chattra Sangha and Ayon Ahmed from Lamp Post, a progressive literary circle.
The programme was moderated by Thuiko Ching Marma.
The Students Unity Against Imperialism also staged a demonstration on Dhaka University campus in protest against the Laxmichari settler attack.
They took out a procession at 11:30am and held a rally on the campus. Moderated by PCP leader Thuiko Ching Marma, the rally was addressed by Samiul Alam Richi, President of Bangladesh Chattra Federation, and Ram Krishna Mazhi, a representative from Naya Bangla Lal Padakkep, a progressive organisation.
Chittagong
The Chittagong protest was organised jointly by Hill Women’s Federation, Hill Students’ Council and Democratic Youth Forum.
They took out a procession from Chittagong Press Club and held a rally at Dost Building near New Market.
The rally was addressed by Konica Dewan, General Secretary of HWF; Sumi Chakraborty, convenor of Progotishil Porabrajok Dol Chittagong University Unit; Anwar Hossain, convenor, Jatiya Chattra Dal; Piki Majumder, member, Jatiya Mukti Council; Mohammad Mamun, General Secretary, Jatiya Gonotantric Front; and Michael Chakma, a leader of Democratic Youth Forum.
Protests were also held in Mahalchari, Dighinala and Betbunia.
News No. 149/2009, October 10, 2009
There have been protest rallies throughout the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in Dhaka and Chittagong following the settler attack on UPDF in Laxmichari, Khagrachari yesterday.
Boycott
UPDF Laxmichari Unit enforced a boycott of Laxmichari bazaar today in protest against yesterday’s attack on its members and supporters by illegal settlers.
It also held a protest meeting at Morachengi dor area, near Laxmichari Upazila headquarters.
UPDF leaders alleged that the settlers had been instigated by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Sharif.
HWF leader Rina Dewan, while speaking to chtnews.com, said the police had intentionally given the settlers the opportunity to attack them.
Manikcahri
Sources from Manikchari said in protest against the attack the general people of the area had removed the plates of three bailey bridges at Kalapani, Thulipara and Toimatai (Ballyachari) on Khagrachari – Chittagong road, disrupting traffic till noon today.
Naniachar
In Naniachar of Rangamati district Hill Women’s Federation and Hill Students’ Council staged a demonstration protesting the attack.
They held a rally at Rest House ground at 1pm and later took out a procession, which paraded Naniachar bazaar.
Presided over by Bilash Chakma, President of PCP Naniachari Upazila Committee, the rally was also addressed by HWF leader Juthika Chakma, Bigna Khisha, Binayon Chakma and Tapu Moni Chakma.
Dhaka
PCP Dhaka Unit staged a demonstration at Muktangon in the afternoon. Later they held a rally in front of National Press Club. Presided over by Sumen Chakma, President of PCP Dhaka Unit, the rally was addressed by Ashim Chakma, Subrata Tripura, Ahsish Sharma of Biplobi Chattra Sangha and Ayon Ahmed from Lamp Post, a progressive literary circle.
The programme was moderated by Thuiko Ching Marma.
The Students Unity Against Imperialism also staged a demonstration on Dhaka University campus in protest against the Laxmichari settler attack.
They took out a procession at 11:30am and held a rally on the campus. Moderated by PCP leader Thuiko Ching Marma, the rally was addressed by Samiul Alam Richi, President of Bangladesh Chattra Federation, and Ram Krishna Mazhi, a representative from Naya Bangla Lal Padakkep, a progressive organisation.
Chittagong
The Chittagong protest was organised jointly by Hill Women’s Federation, Hill Students’ Council and Democratic Youth Forum.
They took out a procession from Chittagong Press Club and held a rally at Dost Building near New Market.
The rally was addressed by Konica Dewan, General Secretary of HWF; Sumi Chakraborty, convenor of Progotishil Porabrajok Dol Chittagong University Unit; Anwar Hossain, convenor, Jatiya Chattra Dal; Piki Majumder, member, Jatiya Mukti Council; Mohammad Mamun, General Secretary, Jatiya Gonotantric Front; and Michael Chakma, a leader of Democratic Youth Forum.
Protests were also held in Mahalchari, Dighinala and Betbunia.
Laxmichari attack: UPDF announces fresh action programme
chtnews.com
News No. 148/2009, October 10, 2009
The United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) Khagrachari District Unit has announced a fresh programme of action to force the government to meet its five point demands, which include, among others, punishment of Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Sharif, the mastermind behind the killing of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma on 2 October.
The programmes include road blockade in Khagrachari district on 14 October, protest rallies in all Upazila headquarters of the district on 12 October and putting on black badge by school and college students in Laxmichari from 12 – 14 October.
The other demands put forward include arrest of the killers of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma, arrest of military-sponsored CHTNF terrorists, arrest and punishment of those involved in the attack on UPDF on 9 October in Laxmichari, and put an end to military repression of innocent people in Laxmichari.
News No. 148/2009, October 10, 2009
The United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) Khagrachari District Unit has announced a fresh programme of action to force the government to meet its five point demands, which include, among others, punishment of Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Sharif, the mastermind behind the killing of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma on 2 October.
The programmes include road blockade in Khagrachari district on 14 October, protest rallies in all Upazila headquarters of the district on 12 October and putting on black badge by school and college students in Laxmichari from 12 – 14 October.
The other demands put forward include arrest of the killers of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma, arrest of military-sponsored CHTNF terrorists, arrest and punishment of those involved in the attack on UPDF on 9 October in Laxmichari, and put an end to military repression of innocent people in Laxmichari.
JSS (Santu) kidnaps UPDF supporter in Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 147/2009, October 10, 2009
A supporter of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been kidnapped in Rangamati, UPDF sources said.
JSS militants belonging to Santu faction kidnapped Bancha Ram Chakma, 37, s/o Dhananjoy Chakma from Rangamati town at around 10am today.
He was beaten up and taken to an unknown location.
The incident comes amid CHT-wide protests against setter attacks on UPDF members in Laxmichari yesterday.
Bancha Ram Chakma is a resident of Kudukchari Abashik, 10 kilometers north-west of Rangamati town, and a staunch supporter of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front.
UPDF Rangamati district unit organiser Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the incident and demanded his immediate release.
News No. 147/2009, October 10, 2009
A supporter of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been kidnapped in Rangamati, UPDF sources said.
JSS militants belonging to Santu faction kidnapped Bancha Ram Chakma, 37, s/o Dhananjoy Chakma from Rangamati town at around 10am today.
He was beaten up and taken to an unknown location.
The incident comes amid CHT-wide protests against setter attacks on UPDF members in Laxmichari yesterday.
Bancha Ram Chakma is a resident of Kudukchari Abashik, 10 kilometers north-west of Rangamati town, and a staunch supporter of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front.
UPDF Rangamati district unit organiser Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the incident and demanded his immediate release.
Bengalees go into hiding fearing torture by Sharif
chtnews.com
News No. 146/2009, October 9, 2009
Four Bengalee people have gone into hiding fearing torture by Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, commander of Laxmichari Zone in Khagrachari.
One of his torture victims, Md. Al Amin Hossain (23), commented, “I have seen many army officers, but I have not seen one as ruthless and as communal as Sharif is.”
Both Al Amin and his father Abul Kashem were tortured by of Lt. Col. Sharif for allegedly providing support to the UPDF. They have now gone into hiding fearing further torture and arrest.
A resident of Shilachari Para, Al Amin ekes out a living by ferrying passengers on his motorbike for a charge, while his father is a shopkeeper in Laxmichari bazaar.
Bengalee sources in Laxmichari told chtnews.com, on 9 September, Al Amin had ferried a UPDF member from Laxmichari to Khagrachari.
When he was returning from Khagrachari the following day, 10 September, he was halted by Lt. Col. Sharif at Kalapani camp at Guimara.
He was accused of helping the UPDF activist and tortured badly. The so-called CHTNF terrorists comprising both misguided Bengalee and Jumma youths also took part in the beating.
By the night he was taken to a jungle and was buried alive up to his neck.
The next morning Al Amin was taken to Manikchari army camp and was interrogated further.
He was asked the same question again and again: Why he had gone to help UPDF activists?
After he had been released, he sold his motorbike and went into hiding, fearing further torture.
When Sharif knew about this, he put pressure on his father to bring him back and hand him over to him.
Bengalees told chtnews.com that on 25 September, Al Amin’s father, Md. Abul Kashem, was tortured along with other four Jumma villagers for their alleged support to the UPDF.
Abul Kashem also went into hiding after being released.
The other two Bengalees went into hiding, according to sources, are Sohag of village Moshkaba and Jaminul of a cluster village.
However, the reasons why they went into hiding could not be known. Jaminul was an army informer, according to the sources.
News No. 146/2009, October 9, 2009
Four Bengalee people have gone into hiding fearing torture by Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, commander of Laxmichari Zone in Khagrachari.
One of his torture victims, Md. Al Amin Hossain (23), commented, “I have seen many army officers, but I have not seen one as ruthless and as communal as Sharif is.”
Both Al Amin and his father Abul Kashem were tortured by of Lt. Col. Sharif for allegedly providing support to the UPDF. They have now gone into hiding fearing further torture and arrest.
A resident of Shilachari Para, Al Amin ekes out a living by ferrying passengers on his motorbike for a charge, while his father is a shopkeeper in Laxmichari bazaar.
Bengalee sources in Laxmichari told chtnews.com, on 9 September, Al Amin had ferried a UPDF member from Laxmichari to Khagrachari.
When he was returning from Khagrachari the following day, 10 September, he was halted by Lt. Col. Sharif at Kalapani camp at Guimara.
He was accused of helping the UPDF activist and tortured badly. The so-called CHTNF terrorists comprising both misguided Bengalee and Jumma youths also took part in the beating.
By the night he was taken to a jungle and was buried alive up to his neck.
The next morning Al Amin was taken to Manikchari army camp and was interrogated further.
He was asked the same question again and again: Why he had gone to help UPDF activists?
After he had been released, he sold his motorbike and went into hiding, fearing further torture.
When Sharif knew about this, he put pressure on his father to bring him back and hand him over to him.
Bengalees told chtnews.com that on 25 September, Al Amin’s father, Md. Abul Kashem, was tortured along with other four Jumma villagers for their alleged support to the UPDF.
Abul Kashem also went into hiding after being released.
The other two Bengalees went into hiding, according to sources, are Sohag of village Moshkaba and Jaminul of a cluster village.
However, the reasons why they went into hiding could not be known. Jaminul was an army informer, according to the sources.
Settlers attack UPDF members in Laxmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 145/2009, October 9, 2009
At least six persons have been wounded and three others missing when Bengalee settlers attacked a UPDF rally in Laxmichari.
Sources said UPDF staged a demonstration in the afternoon today protesting an attack on its Laxmichari Unit office on 5 October.
When, after the demonstration, the UPDF members and supporters gathered at their office, hundreds of Bengalee settlers laid a siege to it and pelted them with brick bats.
There were about 70 UPDF members and supporters trapped in the office. At around 7:30pm police came to their rescue.
As the police were escorting them out of the office and to the safety, the unruly settlers, believed to have been instigated by Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, commander of Laxmichari zone, attacked them with sticks, knives and iron rods.
At least six UPDF members or supporters are believed to have been injured, most of them seriously.
Three persons including two HWF members are still missing. They have been identified as Rumi, Sanchana and Paiprue.
The wounded are Maxon Chakma, Pratul, Mongsajai, Minoti Chakma from Morachengi dor in Laxmichari, Joya of Dhudhukchara in Panchari and Zeko from Panchari.
The injured could not be admitted to the hospital for fear of further attacks.
Army personnel led by Lt. Col. Sharif Aziz are now searching the houses of the Jumma people in Laxmichari Sadar to arrest UPDF members.
Later in the day, he had seized a jeep UPDF has hired for its 12 October commemoration meeting for Rui Khoi Marma, a central committee member of the UPDF assassinated on 2 October.
UPDF condemned the attack on UPDF members and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.
“The attack has been carried out without slightest provocation, and it is Lt. Col. Sharif who is responsible for the attack.” said Ujjal Smriti Chakma, a central committee member of the UPDF.
News No. 145/2009, October 9, 2009
At least six persons have been wounded and three others missing when Bengalee settlers attacked a UPDF rally in Laxmichari.
Sources said UPDF staged a demonstration in the afternoon today protesting an attack on its Laxmichari Unit office on 5 October.
When, after the demonstration, the UPDF members and supporters gathered at their office, hundreds of Bengalee settlers laid a siege to it and pelted them with brick bats.
There were about 70 UPDF members and supporters trapped in the office. At around 7:30pm police came to their rescue.
As the police were escorting them out of the office and to the safety, the unruly settlers, believed to have been instigated by Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, commander of Laxmichari zone, attacked them with sticks, knives and iron rods.
At least six UPDF members or supporters are believed to have been injured, most of them seriously.
Three persons including two HWF members are still missing. They have been identified as Rumi, Sanchana and Paiprue.
The wounded are Maxon Chakma, Pratul, Mongsajai, Minoti Chakma from Morachengi dor in Laxmichari, Joya of Dhudhukchara in Panchari and Zeko from Panchari.
The injured could not be admitted to the hospital for fear of further attacks.
Army personnel led by Lt. Col. Sharif Aziz are now searching the houses of the Jumma people in Laxmichari Sadar to arrest UPDF members.
Later in the day, he had seized a jeep UPDF has hired for its 12 October commemoration meeting for Rui Khoi Marma, a central committee member of the UPDF assassinated on 2 October.
UPDF condemned the attack on UPDF members and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.
“The attack has been carried out without slightest provocation, and it is Lt. Col. Sharif who is responsible for the attack.” said Ujjal Smriti Chakma, a central committee member of the UPDF.
Army raids houses in Laxmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 144/2009, October 9, 2009
Soldiers led by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam raided and searched four houses in Laxmichari town last night, Hill Women’s Federation leaders told chtnews.com.
“The aim of the search is not to find firearms or terrorists, but to intimidate us because the army knows that we have come to the town to perform Shraddhanustan (rituals performed in memory of a deceased) for UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma.” Rina Dewan, a prominent leader of the HWF, said.
The houses searched belong to Shanti Brata Chakma, Kalendra Chakma, Suniti Bikash Chakma and Sukomol Dewan (Rina Dewan’s Father).
The soldiers carried out the search at around 8:30pm in the name of searching for “four armed terrorists who had come to the town along with Rina Dewan.”
Earlier, the soldiers went to Kushinagar Bana Vihar and asked Dhana Mala Chakma, Rina Dewan’s mother, whether her daughter had come to the house.
Mrs. Dhana Mala and her sister-in-law Pushpa Rani Chakma were attending to their religious duties when the soldiers visited the temple.
UPDF will organise a mass gathering in Laxmichari town on 12 October in commemoration of Rui Khoi Marma, party sources said.
News No. 144/2009, October 9, 2009
Soldiers led by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam raided and searched four houses in Laxmichari town last night, Hill Women’s Federation leaders told chtnews.com.
“The aim of the search is not to find firearms or terrorists, but to intimidate us because the army knows that we have come to the town to perform Shraddhanustan (rituals performed in memory of a deceased) for UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma.” Rina Dewan, a prominent leader of the HWF, said.
The houses searched belong to Shanti Brata Chakma, Kalendra Chakma, Suniti Bikash Chakma and Sukomol Dewan (Rina Dewan’s Father).
The soldiers carried out the search at around 8:30pm in the name of searching for “four armed terrorists who had come to the town along with Rina Dewan.”
Earlier, the soldiers went to Kushinagar Bana Vihar and asked Dhana Mala Chakma, Rina Dewan’s mother, whether her daughter had come to the house.
Mrs. Dhana Mala and her sister-in-law Pushpa Rani Chakma were attending to their religious duties when the soldiers visited the temple.
UPDF will organise a mass gathering in Laxmichari town on 12 October in commemoration of Rui Khoi Marma, party sources said.
Lt. Col. Sharif admits to his involvement in Rui Khoi murder
chtnews.com
News No. 143/2009, October 8, 2009
Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, Commander of Laxmichari zone, has admitted to his involvement in the murder of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma.
Sharif made his admission while addressing a monthly law and order review meeting held at his office yesterday.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), UP members and chairmen and headmen of Laxmichari Upazila took part in the meeting.
Alluding to the 2 October murder of Rui Khoi Marma, Mr. Sharif said he had finally been able to “fell a big tree” and that he had begun to strike at the “heart of the UPDF”.
A UP member told chtnews.com on condition of anonymity that “from his (Sharif) address it is abundantly clear that he is the mastermind behind the killing of Rui Khoi Marma.”
He said Sharif had also called upon “all the headmen under house arrest” to come out without fear as the “big tree had been fallen down”.
News No. 143/2009, October 8, 2009
Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, Commander of Laxmichari zone, has admitted to his involvement in the murder of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma.
Sharif made his admission while addressing a monthly law and order review meeting held at his office yesterday.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), UP members and chairmen and headmen of Laxmichari Upazila took part in the meeting.
Alluding to the 2 October murder of Rui Khoi Marma, Mr. Sharif said he had finally been able to “fell a big tree” and that he had begun to strike at the “heart of the UPDF”.
A UP member told chtnews.com on condition of anonymity that “from his (Sharif) address it is abundantly clear that he is the mastermind behind the killing of Rui Khoi Marma.”
He said Sharif had also called upon “all the headmen under house arrest” to come out without fear as the “big tree had been fallen down”.
Protests held against assassination of Rui Khoi Marma
chtnews.com
News No. 141/2009, October 3, 2009
Hundreds of people took to the streets today to protest against the assassination of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma, who was gunned down yesterday by military-backed CHTNF terrorists at Bermachari, Khagrachari.
In a protest rally held at Chengi Square in Khagrachari town, the leaders of Hill Students’ Council, Hill Women’s Federation and Democratic Youth Forum vowed to punish culprits.
Blaming the killing on military-backed Chittagong Hill Tracts National Front, the speakers said “Both JSS Supremo Santu Larma and Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam have a hand behind the dastardly killing.”
They termed the CHTNF as neo-Mukhosh Bahini or Masked Force, a military-backed terrorist group which terrorised and tormented the whole of Khagrachari in 1995 and 1996.
“For the traitors, for the enemies of the people and for the murderers, there will be no more mercy” they said. “We will face them taking the people along with us.”
Demanding immediate arrest of the murderers and their God fathers, Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, commander of Laxmichari zone, and Santu Larma, President of one of the two factions of the JSS, the speakers said “Rui Khoi Marma was an able leader, who played an important role in mobilizing common people of his area against illegal land grabbing and rampant human rights violations.”
Terming Rui Khoi Marma a valiant fighter, they said, “The ideals with which he had fought for the rights of the downtrodden will live for ever.”
Protests were also held in Laxmichari, Panchari, Dighinala, Mahalchari and in Dhaka and Chittagong.
News No. 141/2009, October 3, 2009
Hundreds of people took to the streets today to protest against the assassination of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma, who was gunned down yesterday by military-backed CHTNF terrorists at Bermachari, Khagrachari.
In a protest rally held at Chengi Square in Khagrachari town, the leaders of Hill Students’ Council, Hill Women’s Federation and Democratic Youth Forum vowed to punish culprits.
Blaming the killing on military-backed Chittagong Hill Tracts National Front, the speakers said “Both JSS Supremo Santu Larma and Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam have a hand behind the dastardly killing.”
They termed the CHTNF as neo-Mukhosh Bahini or Masked Force, a military-backed terrorist group which terrorised and tormented the whole of Khagrachari in 1995 and 1996.
“For the traitors, for the enemies of the people and for the murderers, there will be no more mercy” they said. “We will face them taking the people along with us.”
Demanding immediate arrest of the murderers and their God fathers, Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, commander of Laxmichari zone, and Santu Larma, President of one of the two factions of the JSS, the speakers said “Rui Khoi Marma was an able leader, who played an important role in mobilizing common people of his area against illegal land grabbing and rampant human rights violations.”
Terming Rui Khoi Marma a valiant fighter, they said, “The ideals with which he had fought for the rights of the downtrodden will live for ever.”
Protests were also held in Laxmichari, Panchari, Dighinala, Mahalchari and in Dhaka and Chittagong.
“If necessary I will leave Laxmichari, but before I leave I will create a different situation.”
On 25 September 2009, six innocent Jumma villagers were picked up on suspicion of being supporters of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) and tortured in Laxmichari army zone under Khagrachari district. The interviews of three of the victims – Ratan Bindu Chakma, Pai Prue Chai Marma and Nila Prue Marma – taken a few days ago in Khagrachari testifies how rampantly the army uses torture to intimidate the supporters of a particular party. We excerpt the interviews below:
Ratan Bindu Chakma
On the day of the incident, 25 September, I was on my way to Morachengi Mukh Para to attend as an invited guest a religious event marking the anniversary of Mon Kumar Chakma’s death. On my way there, I halted at Bimal Chakma’s shop for a while. It was about 10:15am. All on a sudden a group of army personnel led by Laxmichari zone commander in a lorry appeared at the shop.
I recognised the zone commander and saluted. He asked my name. When I told him, he said, "Oh! I see I have caught you at last!" To his soldiers he said, "Handcuff and blindfold him."
Then I was handcuffed and blindfolded. The zone commander flung abuses at me and said, “I will not take you to the camp. I will just take you in this direction and then kill you.” Then they hit me a few times with a stick.
The zone commander asked me, “Do you know why you have been arrested?” I replied, “I am innocent. I don’t know on what charges I have been arrested.”
Then the zone commander said, “You keep contacts with UPDF; you are involved with the incident of Rannyamachara.”
Thereafter, I was taken to the village of Jotindra Karbari Para, where I was interrogated and tortured again. The zone commander said, “You must speak the truth.”
Then I was taken in a vehicle to the Zone where I was caned and given electric shocks.
Later, they measured my blood pressure and stopped torture. The zone commander asked whether I had been to Khagrachari with Shukla and how many times I had been to Dullyatoli.
He said, “Everyone who visits Dulyatoli is required to register his or her name with the camp. Your name appears 10 times on the entry book. That means you have been to Dullyatoli 10 times to meet Shukla.”
He also asked whether I knew that Super Joti Chakma had come to Laxmichari. He said, “I know Super Joti has come to Laxmichari.”
In fact, I did not know that Super Joti had come to Laxmichari. Then the zone commander made me to call Super Joti from my mobile phone and directed me what to tell him.
The zone commander further asked if I had met Buddha Chakma, what were his duties, how Antar Barua looked, whether he looked like a Chakma or a Bengalee.
I said I know Buddha, but I do not know what he does. As regards Antar Barua, I told him that he looks more like a Bengalee.
When I was released, the zone commander said to me, “Whenever I call you, you will have to meet me. Until you have been successful in aiding the arrest of any of these UPDF members – Tarum, Antar, Buddha, Shukla and Beauty – you will have no freedom.
Thereafter, the army set me and other arrested villagers free. It was 2:30pm by then.
On 26 September, when Jotindra Lal Tripura MP came to Laxmichari, we narrated the whole incident to him. I told him how I was tortured – physically and mentally – and given electric shocks at the zone. Like me, others also spoke of the torture they suffered.
However, as soon as Mr. Jotin had left at around 1:30pm, the zone commander called us to his office. Then Pai Prue Chai and I went to the zone. Others were not available at home and did not go with us.
The Zone commander also called a Bengalee to the camp. He had appeared in the camp before us.
The Zone commander asked him (the Bengalee) several questions, such as ‘who have met with the MP’, ‘what they have told him’ etc.
When we arrived at the Zone, Captain Himel asked us why we had met with the MP and told him about yesterday’s incident.
He told us ‘you will get into troubles if you go too far. We will not spare you. You are genuine members of the UPDF, and now you are pretending to be members of Awami League and have brought the MP here.”
The Zone Commander appeared a few minutes later and began to threaten us.
The commander asked us why we had told the MP about yesterday’s incident.
The commander said, ‘I did not torture you, and yet why did you bring up false allegations (against me)?’
Then I told him “we had told him (MP) what was true. When you brought me here in broad day light, handcuffed and blindfolded, all could see it. After that, you tortured me with beatings and electric shocks. These are not lies.”
The Zone commander then repeated his question in a threatening voice: ‘Did I torture you?’ This time we were forced to tell him, ‘No sir, you did not torture us.’
Then, the Zone commander phoned the Upazila Chairman and told him ‘your people have come to me and said they were not beaten up.’
We had no other alternatives than to retract our statements under such circumstances.
The zone commander had emphatically told us “if necessary I will leave Laxmichari, but before I leave I will create a different situation.”
However, the commander did not say what he meant by “different situation”.
He ordered us to appear at the zone again at 10am on 27 September.
We are really very scared. We are living in fear of arrest.
Pai Prue Chai Marma
I had been at the shop since early in the morning. It was about 9:30am. All on a sudden, the army came and surrounded the shop. The zone commander himself began to shout at us in indecorous language. The soldiers brought Battya Kashem from his home and tied his hands. However, I don’t know what they have asked him. Some time later, they untied him and then took him in a vehicle towards Morachengi Mukh. From there they picked up Ratan Bindu and Pulindra. When I saw Ratan Bindu blindfolded and handcuffed, I became certain that we were also going to meet the same fate.
Later, they were taken in a vehicle to the zone. Then all of us including Aungsa Prue, Nila Prue and me were taken to the zone.
In the zone we were at first kept under the shadow of a tree. Later, a captain shouted, “blindfold these people and take them out in the sun”.
Then we were kept standing in the sun. After about two hours the zone commander came and we were taken to the Gol Ghar (round house) where they removed the folds from our eyes. At this time, they hit me trice with a stick.
The zone commander said, “Why don’t you inform me when UPDF members come? When we are on patrol, you inform them with your mobile phones sitting at the shop. It is because of you that I am not being able to nab UPDF people.”
So, our offence is that we do not inform the army when UPDF members come.
The zone commander is particularly suspicious of me. When Mustafizur was 2-IC, he tortured me. Now I am living in fear.
Nila Prue Marma
At first the army surrounded all our shops. It was about 9:30am. As soon as they came, they tied up Battya Kashem. He said, “I will show you (the whereabouts of) the UPDF members.” I was sitting at the shop.
The Zone Commander came up to me and said, “hey Nila Prue! Kuttar Bachcha (son of a bitch)”. He continued to shout obscenities at me, and then said, “Give me your mobile phone.” I said, “I don’t have any.” “I know you don’t have a mobile phone” he said.
Then he snatched away a mobile phone from Aung Sa Prue and said, “You people pass messages (to UPDF men) with these mobile phones. If you pass messages like this, then you must shut your shops completely.”
After that, the Zone Commander left for Morachengi, leaving a few army personnel guarding us at the shops.
About one hour later, they came back with Ratan Bindu and Pulindra. The army took them away in a vehicle to the Zone. They also took Pai Pru Chai, Aung Sa Prue and me to the Zone.
At the zone, we were at first kept under the shadow of a tree. Later a captain came and ordered his men to take us out in the sun and blindfold us. They blindfolded us in such a manner that we could neither see nor hear anything.
They kept us in the sun for about two hours, and then removed the folds from our eyes when the Zone Commander came.
When we were released, Zone Commander said, “UPDF people sit cross-legged like village elders. When you see people like this, then you will have to consider them as UPDF men and inform us. And when you pass the message to us, just say ‘a big hen is coming’.
Ratan Bindu Chakma
On the day of the incident, 25 September, I was on my way to Morachengi Mukh Para to attend as an invited guest a religious event marking the anniversary of Mon Kumar Chakma’s death. On my way there, I halted at Bimal Chakma’s shop for a while. It was about 10:15am. All on a sudden a group of army personnel led by Laxmichari zone commander in a lorry appeared at the shop.
I recognised the zone commander and saluted. He asked my name. When I told him, he said, "Oh! I see I have caught you at last!" To his soldiers he said, "Handcuff and blindfold him."
Then I was handcuffed and blindfolded. The zone commander flung abuses at me and said, “I will not take you to the camp. I will just take you in this direction and then kill you.” Then they hit me a few times with a stick.
The zone commander asked me, “Do you know why you have been arrested?” I replied, “I am innocent. I don’t know on what charges I have been arrested.”
Then the zone commander said, “You keep contacts with UPDF; you are involved with the incident of Rannyamachara.”
Thereafter, I was taken to the village of Jotindra Karbari Para, where I was interrogated and tortured again. The zone commander said, “You must speak the truth.”
Then I was taken in a vehicle to the Zone where I was caned and given electric shocks.
Later, they measured my blood pressure and stopped torture. The zone commander asked whether I had been to Khagrachari with Shukla and how many times I had been to Dullyatoli.
He said, “Everyone who visits Dulyatoli is required to register his or her name with the camp. Your name appears 10 times on the entry book. That means you have been to Dullyatoli 10 times to meet Shukla.”
He also asked whether I knew that Super Joti Chakma had come to Laxmichari. He said, “I know Super Joti has come to Laxmichari.”
In fact, I did not know that Super Joti had come to Laxmichari. Then the zone commander made me to call Super Joti from my mobile phone and directed me what to tell him.
The zone commander further asked if I had met Buddha Chakma, what were his duties, how Antar Barua looked, whether he looked like a Chakma or a Bengalee.
I said I know Buddha, but I do not know what he does. As regards Antar Barua, I told him that he looks more like a Bengalee.
When I was released, the zone commander said to me, “Whenever I call you, you will have to meet me. Until you have been successful in aiding the arrest of any of these UPDF members – Tarum, Antar, Buddha, Shukla and Beauty – you will have no freedom.
Thereafter, the army set me and other arrested villagers free. It was 2:30pm by then.
On 26 September, when Jotindra Lal Tripura MP came to Laxmichari, we narrated the whole incident to him. I told him how I was tortured – physically and mentally – and given electric shocks at the zone. Like me, others also spoke of the torture they suffered.
However, as soon as Mr. Jotin had left at around 1:30pm, the zone commander called us to his office. Then Pai Prue Chai and I went to the zone. Others were not available at home and did not go with us.
The Zone commander also called a Bengalee to the camp. He had appeared in the camp before us.
The Zone commander asked him (the Bengalee) several questions, such as ‘who have met with the MP’, ‘what they have told him’ etc.
When we arrived at the Zone, Captain Himel asked us why we had met with the MP and told him about yesterday’s incident.
He told us ‘you will get into troubles if you go too far. We will not spare you. You are genuine members of the UPDF, and now you are pretending to be members of Awami League and have brought the MP here.”
The Zone Commander appeared a few minutes later and began to threaten us.
The commander asked us why we had told the MP about yesterday’s incident.
The commander said, ‘I did not torture you, and yet why did you bring up false allegations (against me)?’
Then I told him “we had told him (MP) what was true. When you brought me here in broad day light, handcuffed and blindfolded, all could see it. After that, you tortured me with beatings and electric shocks. These are not lies.”
The Zone commander then repeated his question in a threatening voice: ‘Did I torture you?’ This time we were forced to tell him, ‘No sir, you did not torture us.’
Then, the Zone commander phoned the Upazila Chairman and told him ‘your people have come to me and said they were not beaten up.’
We had no other alternatives than to retract our statements under such circumstances.
The zone commander had emphatically told us “if necessary I will leave Laxmichari, but before I leave I will create a different situation.”
However, the commander did not say what he meant by “different situation”.
He ordered us to appear at the zone again at 10am on 27 September.
We are really very scared. We are living in fear of arrest.
Pai Prue Chai Marma
I had been at the shop since early in the morning. It was about 9:30am. All on a sudden, the army came and surrounded the shop. The zone commander himself began to shout at us in indecorous language. The soldiers brought Battya Kashem from his home and tied his hands. However, I don’t know what they have asked him. Some time later, they untied him and then took him in a vehicle towards Morachengi Mukh. From there they picked up Ratan Bindu and Pulindra. When I saw Ratan Bindu blindfolded and handcuffed, I became certain that we were also going to meet the same fate.
Later, they were taken in a vehicle to the zone. Then all of us including Aungsa Prue, Nila Prue and me were taken to the zone.
In the zone we were at first kept under the shadow of a tree. Later, a captain shouted, “blindfold these people and take them out in the sun”.
Then we were kept standing in the sun. After about two hours the zone commander came and we were taken to the Gol Ghar (round house) where they removed the folds from our eyes. At this time, they hit me trice with a stick.
The zone commander said, “Why don’t you inform me when UPDF members come? When we are on patrol, you inform them with your mobile phones sitting at the shop. It is because of you that I am not being able to nab UPDF people.”
So, our offence is that we do not inform the army when UPDF members come.
The zone commander is particularly suspicious of me. When Mustafizur was 2-IC, he tortured me. Now I am living in fear.
Nila Prue Marma
At first the army surrounded all our shops. It was about 9:30am. As soon as they came, they tied up Battya Kashem. He said, “I will show you (the whereabouts of) the UPDF members.” I was sitting at the shop.
The Zone Commander came up to me and said, “hey Nila Prue! Kuttar Bachcha (son of a bitch)”. He continued to shout obscenities at me, and then said, “Give me your mobile phone.” I said, “I don’t have any.” “I know you don’t have a mobile phone” he said.
Then he snatched away a mobile phone from Aung Sa Prue and said, “You people pass messages (to UPDF men) with these mobile phones. If you pass messages like this, then you must shut your shops completely.”
After that, the Zone Commander left for Morachengi, leaving a few army personnel guarding us at the shops.
About one hour later, they came back with Ratan Bindu and Pulindra. The army took them away in a vehicle to the Zone. They also took Pai Pru Chai, Aung Sa Prue and me to the Zone.
At the zone, we were at first kept under the shadow of a tree. Later a captain came and ordered his men to take us out in the sun and blindfold us. They blindfolded us in such a manner that we could neither see nor hear anything.
They kept us in the sun for about two hours, and then removed the folds from our eyes when the Zone Commander came.
When we were released, Zone Commander said, “UPDF people sit cross-legged like village elders. When you see people like this, then you will have to consider them as UPDF men and inform us. And when you pass the message to us, just say ‘a big hen is coming’.
UPDF leader shot dead in Bermachari
chtnews.com
News No. 140/2009, October 3, 2009
A top leader of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been assassinated in Bermachari under Laxmichari Union.
Mr. Rui Khoi Marma, a central committee member of the UPDF, was shot dead at Bot-toli, near Fatikchari tea estate on Friday, 2 October, at around 7pm.
UPDF blamed a military-backed armed gang for the killing and declared a three-day mourning period, to be observed in all party units throughout the CHT.
Mr. Rui Khoi Marma, 59, was returning home after a meeting with other party members when the incident took place.
UPDF member Ratan Marma, who was present at the same meeting, told chtnews.com that he had heard five gun shots. “I heard the gun shots a few minutes after we had parted with each other” he said.
Rabi Shankar Chakma, General Secretary of the UPDF, termed the attack as cowardice and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.
Mr. Rui Khoi played an important role in building the new party, UPDF, and in mobilizing the masses against continuous land grabbing and human rights violations.
The army was particularly angry with him because of this and made numerous attempts, including two raids into his house, to arrest him.
The army, and especially Laxmichari Zone Commander, Sharif, became more ferocious when their favourite candidate lost to a candidate supported by UPDF in the last Upazila elections held in February.
After this defeat, Sharif began to patronize some anti-social elements and held a series of secret meetings in last July to form the so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum), which is responsible for the recent kidnappings in the southern CHT district of Bandarban.
Some of the Jummas who had taken part in these secret meetings later realized the real intention of the army, changed their hearts and negotiated a rapprochement with the UPDF.
UPDF has blamed the so-called CHTNF terrorists for the assassination of Rui Khoi Marma and demanded that the government immediately disband it.
UPDF and its front organisations will stage demonstrations in CHT to protest the killing of Rui Khoi Marma.
News No. 140/2009, October 3, 2009
A top leader of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been assassinated in Bermachari under Laxmichari Union.
Mr. Rui Khoi Marma, a central committee member of the UPDF, was shot dead at Bot-toli, near Fatikchari tea estate on Friday, 2 October, at around 7pm.
UPDF blamed a military-backed armed gang for the killing and declared a three-day mourning period, to be observed in all party units throughout the CHT.
Mr. Rui Khoi Marma, 59, was returning home after a meeting with other party members when the incident took place.
UPDF member Ratan Marma, who was present at the same meeting, told chtnews.com that he had heard five gun shots. “I heard the gun shots a few minutes after we had parted with each other” he said.
Rabi Shankar Chakma, General Secretary of the UPDF, termed the attack as cowardice and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.
Mr. Rui Khoi played an important role in building the new party, UPDF, and in mobilizing the masses against continuous land grabbing and human rights violations.
The army was particularly angry with him because of this and made numerous attempts, including two raids into his house, to arrest him.
The army, and especially Laxmichari Zone Commander, Sharif, became more ferocious when their favourite candidate lost to a candidate supported by UPDF in the last Upazila elections held in February.
After this defeat, Sharif began to patronize some anti-social elements and held a series of secret meetings in last July to form the so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum), which is responsible for the recent kidnappings in the southern CHT district of Bandarban.
Some of the Jummas who had taken part in these secret meetings later realized the real intention of the army, changed their hearts and negotiated a rapprochement with the UPDF.
UPDF has blamed the so-called CHTNF terrorists for the assassination of Rui Khoi Marma and demanded that the government immediately disband it.
UPDF and its front organisations will stage demonstrations in CHT to protest the killing of Rui Khoi Marma.
UPDF supporter kidnapped in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 139/2009, September 30, 2009
A supporter of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been kidnapped in Belaichari under Rangamati district, UPDF sources said.
UPDF’s Animesh Chakma told chtnews.com that Samar Chakma (age 20, father’s name Chittibo Chakma) was kidnapped from his home in the village of Orachari, 4 kilometers south-east of Belaichari Upazila Sadar, on the night of 28 September.
Describing him as a strong supporter of their party, Animesh said “a small band of JSS (Santu faction) militants kidnapped him”.
The JSS militants also beat up other three villagers including Samar Chakma’s older brother Chizimoni Chakma (25).
The other torture victims have been identified as Suchai Marma (45) s/o Aungthui Prue Marma and Mongsha Marma (50) s/o unknown.
Another report said the militants had demanded a toll of Taka 50,000 from Kerongchari UP member Sugandhi Chakma and threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to pay the money.
News No. 139/2009, September 30, 2009
A supporter of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been kidnapped in Belaichari under Rangamati district, UPDF sources said.
UPDF’s Animesh Chakma told chtnews.com that Samar Chakma (age 20, father’s name Chittibo Chakma) was kidnapped from his home in the village of Orachari, 4 kilometers south-east of Belaichari Upazila Sadar, on the night of 28 September.
Describing him as a strong supporter of their party, Animesh said “a small band of JSS (Santu faction) militants kidnapped him”.
The JSS militants also beat up other three villagers including Samar Chakma’s older brother Chizimoni Chakma (25).
The other torture victims have been identified as Suchai Marma (45) s/o Aungthui Prue Marma and Mongsha Marma (50) s/o unknown.
Another report said the militants had demanded a toll of Taka 50,000 from Kerongchari UP member Sugandhi Chakma and threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to pay the money.
JSS (Santu) men attack UPDF office in Ghagra
chtnews.com
News No. 138/2009, September 28, 2009
Members of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti have attacked UPDF office in Ghagra under Rangamati district.
UPDF sources said the JSS thugs ransacked the office at around 5pm today, destroying computers and other office materials.
“They came in a procession and attacked the office” Michael Chakma told chtnews.com by mobile phone and added that “police and members of other so-called security forces remained silent spectator as usual.”
The attack comes one day after the kidnapping of Raju Tanchangya from the same area. He was kidnapped yesterday from a tea shop while meeting with friends there. He has not been traced since then.
Local UPDF members said they had been trying to file a case in connection with the kidnapping of Raju Tanchangya, but that police had refused to accept the case, without providing any reason.
News No. 138/2009, September 28, 2009
Members of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti have attacked UPDF office in Ghagra under Rangamati district.
UPDF sources said the JSS thugs ransacked the office at around 5pm today, destroying computers and other office materials.
“They came in a procession and attacked the office” Michael Chakma told chtnews.com by mobile phone and added that “police and members of other so-called security forces remained silent spectator as usual.”
The attack comes one day after the kidnapping of Raju Tanchangya from the same area. He was kidnapped yesterday from a tea shop while meeting with friends there. He has not been traced since then.
Local UPDF members said they had been trying to file a case in connection with the kidnapping of Raju Tanchangya, but that police had refused to accept the case, without providing any reason.
UPDF member kidnapped by JSS (Santu)
chtnews.com
News No. 137/2009, September 27, 2009
A member of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been kidnapped in Ghagra under Rangamati district.
UPDF sources said a group of JSS (Santu) men came in a jeep and took away Raju Tanchangya (age 20) from a tea shop at Ghagra Chowmuhoni on Rangamati – Chittagong road.
The incident took place at around 1pm today.
“The JSS men came from the direction of Champatali and went back in the same direction.” Ripan Chakma, a local UPDF organiser, told chtnews.com, adding that the miscreants were armed with automatic weapons.
When the people present there sought help from a nearby security check post, the police and army personnel on duty refused to take any action against the JSS thugs, saying “it is your own affairs.”
The security personnel remained silent spectator as the Santu loyalists kidnapped Raju.
Raju is a member of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) and affiliated with Kaokhali Unit. He hails from Rajstali, and his father’s name is Balaram Tanchangya.
UPDF’s Rangamati District Unit Organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the kidnapping of Raju and urged the local administration to take immediate steps to rescue him.
He also criticized the inaction of the local security check post and said “the so-called security personnel have become not only a burden, but also a threat to the security of the very people they claim they protect.”
He said he does not rule out collusion between Santu loyalists and the security personnel.
News No. 137/2009, September 27, 2009
A member of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been kidnapped in Ghagra under Rangamati district.
UPDF sources said a group of JSS (Santu) men came in a jeep and took away Raju Tanchangya (age 20) from a tea shop at Ghagra Chowmuhoni on Rangamati – Chittagong road.
The incident took place at around 1pm today.
“The JSS men came from the direction of Champatali and went back in the same direction.” Ripan Chakma, a local UPDF organiser, told chtnews.com, adding that the miscreants were armed with automatic weapons.
When the people present there sought help from a nearby security check post, the police and army personnel on duty refused to take any action against the JSS thugs, saying “it is your own affairs.”
The security personnel remained silent spectator as the Santu loyalists kidnapped Raju.
Raju is a member of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) and affiliated with Kaokhali Unit. He hails from Rajstali, and his father’s name is Balaram Tanchangya.
UPDF’s Rangamati District Unit Organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the kidnapping of Raju and urged the local administration to take immediate steps to rescue him.
He also criticized the inaction of the local security check post and said “the so-called security personnel have become not only a burden, but also a threat to the security of the very people they claim they protect.”
He said he does not rule out collusion between Santu loyalists and the security personnel.
Laxmichari torture victims threatened after meeting Khagrachari MP
chtnews.com
News No. 136/2009, September 27, 2009
Lakxmichari Zone Commander Lt. Col. Shairf has threatened his torture victims with dire consequences after they had met with Jotindra Lal Tripura MP.
In an interview with chtnews.com, Ratan Bindu Chakma, one of the torture victims, said they had narrated the incident of 25 September to the MP when he came to visit Laxmichari yesterday, Saturday.
After he had left, the zone commander ordered them to appear at the camp at about 1:30pm.
“Complying with his order, Paipruchai and I went to the Zone; other victims were not at home, and so they did not go. The Zone commander also called a Bengalee to the camp. He had appeared in the camp before us.” he said.
“The Zone commander asked him (the Bengalee) several questions such as ‘who have met with the MP’, ‘what they have told him’ etc.
“When we arrived at the Zone, Captain Himel wanted to know why we had met with the MP and told him about yesterday’s incident.
“He told us ‘you will get into troubles if you go too far. We will not spare you. You are genuine members of the UPDF, and now you are pretending to be members of Awami League and have brought the MP here.”
Ratan Bidu said the Zone Commander appeared a few minutes later and began to threaten them.
He said the commander had asked them why they had told Mr. MP about yesterday’s incident.
He added: “The commander said ‘I did not torture you, and yet why did you bring up false allegations (against me)?’”
“Then I told him that we had told him (MP) what is true. When you brought me here in broad day light, handcuffed and blindfolded, all could see it. After that, you tortured me with electric shocks. These are not lies.
“The Zone commander then repeated his question in a threatening voice: ‘Did I torture you?’ This time we were forced to tell him: ‘No sir, you did not torture us.’
“After that, the Zone commander phoned the Upazila Chairman and told him ‘your people have come to me and said they were not beaten up.’
Ratan Bidu said they had no other alternatives than to retract their statements under such circumstances.
He further said “the zone commander had emphatically told us ‘if necessary I will leave Laxmichari, but before I leave I will create a different situation.’”
However, the commander did not say what he meant by ‘different situation’.
He ordered all his torture victims to appear at his camp again at 10am today, 27 September.
“We are really very scared to meet him again. He may threaten us again or put further conditions” Ratan Bidu said.
“When I was taken to the Zone on the 25th, I was asked to help them (army) capture the UPDF members who are in charge of Laxmichari Unit. And until I am able to do that, I will have to appear at the camp whenever I am asked to. They said I will get into more troubles if I fail in my job.” he added.
On 25 September, army personnel from Laxmichari Zone picked up 6 Jummas and tortured four of them, including Ratan Bindu Chakma and Paipruchai Marma. The army alleged that they provided support to the UPDF members.
When Jotindra Lal Tripura MP visited Laxmichari on Saturday morning, the victims – Ratan Bidu Chakma, Pulindra Chakma, Paipruechai Marma and Aung Sapru Marma – narrated the incident to him and sought his intervention for justice.
After the MP had gone back, zone commander Sharif summoned them to the camp and threatened them for telling the truth to the MP.
Sharif has unleashed a reign of terror in Laxmichari, under Khagracahri district. Scores of innocent people have become victims of his terror. He was the one who tried to foil the 10 July Manikchari rally organized by Democratic Youth Forum and Boroitali Land Protection Committee to protest against illegal land grabbing in Boroitali.
News No. 136/2009, September 27, 2009
Lakxmichari Zone Commander Lt. Col. Shairf has threatened his torture victims with dire consequences after they had met with Jotindra Lal Tripura MP.
In an interview with chtnews.com, Ratan Bindu Chakma, one of the torture victims, said they had narrated the incident of 25 September to the MP when he came to visit Laxmichari yesterday, Saturday.
After he had left, the zone commander ordered them to appear at the camp at about 1:30pm.
“Complying with his order, Paipruchai and I went to the Zone; other victims were not at home, and so they did not go. The Zone commander also called a Bengalee to the camp. He had appeared in the camp before us.” he said.
“The Zone commander asked him (the Bengalee) several questions such as ‘who have met with the MP’, ‘what they have told him’ etc.
“When we arrived at the Zone, Captain Himel wanted to know why we had met with the MP and told him about yesterday’s incident.
“He told us ‘you will get into troubles if you go too far. We will not spare you. You are genuine members of the UPDF, and now you are pretending to be members of Awami League and have brought the MP here.”
Ratan Bidu said the Zone Commander appeared a few minutes later and began to threaten them.
He said the commander had asked them why they had told Mr. MP about yesterday’s incident.
He added: “The commander said ‘I did not torture you, and yet why did you bring up false allegations (against me)?’”
“Then I told him that we had told him (MP) what is true. When you brought me here in broad day light, handcuffed and blindfolded, all could see it. After that, you tortured me with electric shocks. These are not lies.
“The Zone commander then repeated his question in a threatening voice: ‘Did I torture you?’ This time we were forced to tell him: ‘No sir, you did not torture us.’
“After that, the Zone commander phoned the Upazila Chairman and told him ‘your people have come to me and said they were not beaten up.’
Ratan Bidu said they had no other alternatives than to retract their statements under such circumstances.
He further said “the zone commander had emphatically told us ‘if necessary I will leave Laxmichari, but before I leave I will create a different situation.’”
However, the commander did not say what he meant by ‘different situation’.
He ordered all his torture victims to appear at his camp again at 10am today, 27 September.
“We are really very scared to meet him again. He may threaten us again or put further conditions” Ratan Bidu said.
“When I was taken to the Zone on the 25th, I was asked to help them (army) capture the UPDF members who are in charge of Laxmichari Unit. And until I am able to do that, I will have to appear at the camp whenever I am asked to. They said I will get into more troubles if I fail in my job.” he added.
On 25 September, army personnel from Laxmichari Zone picked up 6 Jummas and tortured four of them, including Ratan Bindu Chakma and Paipruchai Marma. The army alleged that they provided support to the UPDF members.
When Jotindra Lal Tripura MP visited Laxmichari on Saturday morning, the victims – Ratan Bidu Chakma, Pulindra Chakma, Paipruechai Marma and Aung Sapru Marma – narrated the incident to him and sought his intervention for justice.
After the MP had gone back, zone commander Sharif summoned them to the camp and threatened them for telling the truth to the MP.
Sharif has unleashed a reign of terror in Laxmichari, under Khagracahri district. Scores of innocent people have become victims of his terror. He was the one who tried to foil the 10 July Manikchari rally organized by Democratic Youth Forum and Boroitali Land Protection Committee to protest against illegal land grabbing in Boroitali.
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