chtnews.com
News No. 08/2010, January 12, 2010
Armed members of the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti made a foray into Rajstali Sadar in Rangamati district and vandalized two shops and the office of the United Peoples Democratic Front.
Animesh Chakma, a central committee member of the UPDF, told chtnews.com that a group of about 20 JSS men led by Sadhan Tanchangya of Roangchari village raided Rajstali Bazaar at about 5:30AM today and ransacked the local UPDF office and two other shops.
“The JSS terrorists smashed the signboard of our office, broke the signboard, the door and windows of Jibok Pharmacy, a medicine shop, and ransacked the grocery shop of Babul Majumder.” Animesh said.
According to him, the JSS members also attempted to kidnap Md. Jafar from Talukder Para village. He is an Adibashi Bengali businessman and a supporter of UPDF.
“But their attempt failed when the CNG auto-rickshaw drivers woke up and resisted.” he added.
Animesh condemned the JSS attack and called upon all to resist the terrorists.
“The people are left with no other alternative than to fight back. Time and again, we appealed to the JSS to come to the negotiating table but to no avail; the more we raise our voice for a peaceful settlement, the more they become aggressive against us.” he said.
“What and whose purpose do they serve by attacking us, killing our people and extorting money from poor villagers?” he asked.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Three villagers held hostage by JSS, freed later
chtnews.com
News No. 07/2010, January 12, 2010
Armed members of the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti held hostage three Jumma villagers in Belaichari under Rangamati district before freeing them on payment of ransom, sources said.
A school teacher, requesting anonymity for security reasons, told chtnews.com that on 8 January, the JSS men had issued letters to 8 villagers asking them to meet them (Santu group).
“They met the JSS people, who held hostage three of them.” he said and added “we heard that the JSS demanded Taka 300,000 for their release.”
On 10 January, the hostages were released apparently on payment of part of the ransom money demanded.
“However, the hostages’ families are too scared to say publicly that they had to pay the money” he said.
“But the general belief is that the money has actually been paid.”
The victims are Shanti Baran Talukder (48) son of Nanya Ram Chakma, Office Secretary of Hengerachari Union Parishad No. 2 and a resident of Herongchari village; Gyanendu Chakma (36) son of Mohesh Chandra Chakma of village Shamukchari, a trader; and Nangu Karbari (48) son of Jubojon Karbari, chief of Herongchari village.
..............................
News No. 07/2010, January 12, 2010
Armed members of the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti held hostage three Jumma villagers in Belaichari under Rangamati district before freeing them on payment of ransom, sources said.
A school teacher, requesting anonymity for security reasons, told chtnews.com that on 8 January, the JSS men had issued letters to 8 villagers asking them to meet them (Santu group).
“They met the JSS people, who held hostage three of them.” he said and added “we heard that the JSS demanded Taka 300,000 for their release.”
On 10 January, the hostages were released apparently on payment of part of the ransom money demanded.
“However, the hostages’ families are too scared to say publicly that they had to pay the money” he said.
“But the general belief is that the money has actually been paid.”
The victims are Shanti Baran Talukder (48) son of Nanya Ram Chakma, Office Secretary of Hengerachari Union Parishad No. 2 and a resident of Herongchari village; Gyanendu Chakma (36) son of Mohesh Chandra Chakma of village Shamukchari, a trader; and Nangu Karbari (48) son of Jubojon Karbari, chief of Herongchari village.
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Human chain formed against land grabbing in Bandarban
chtnews.com
News No. 06/2010, January 11, 2010
Hundreds of people formed a human chain today in Bandarban town to protest against continuing land grabbing in the district.
Organised by Citizens Committee of Bandarban and held in front of Bandarban Press Club at 10:30 AM, the human chain stretched from Sonali Bank to DC Office.
An estimated over five hundred Jumma people, who came from different villages, took part in the programme.
United Peoples Democratic Front’s (UPDF) Bandarban district organiser, Choton Kanti Tanchangya spoke while the human chain was formed.
He urged the district administration to stop grabbing of Jumma people’s land in the name of constructing ‘tourist resorts’ and on any other pretexts.
He said “definitely we want development, but we don’t want such developments which displace our people, which destroy our livelihoods and culture and which make our future uncertain. Such an activity cannot be called development.”
“If you (government) want development, then why don’t you reopen the Pahari students’ hostel, which has been lying vacant for so many years?” he asked.
Choton also urged the administration to stop constructing the so-called “Swargachura” (peak of heaven) on land belonging to a member of Bawm community and to take actions against Jamayat-e Islami supporters trying to occupy lands of 25 Tripura families.
The participants held posters and banners, demanding dismissal of UNO, investigation into allegations of involvement of government officials in land grabbing and stoppage of construction of tourist resorts.
News No. 06/2010, January 11, 2010
Hundreds of people formed a human chain today in Bandarban town to protest against continuing land grabbing in the district.
Organised by Citizens Committee of Bandarban and held in front of Bandarban Press Club at 10:30 AM, the human chain stretched from Sonali Bank to DC Office.
An estimated over five hundred Jumma people, who came from different villages, took part in the programme.
United Peoples Democratic Front’s (UPDF) Bandarban district organiser, Choton Kanti Tanchangya spoke while the human chain was formed.
He urged the district administration to stop grabbing of Jumma people’s land in the name of constructing ‘tourist resorts’ and on any other pretexts.
He said “definitely we want development, but we don’t want such developments which displace our people, which destroy our livelihoods and culture and which make our future uncertain. Such an activity cannot be called development.”
“If you (government) want development, then why don’t you reopen the Pahari students’ hostel, which has been lying vacant for so many years?” he asked.
Choton also urged the administration to stop constructing the so-called “Swargachura” (peak of heaven) on land belonging to a member of Bawm community and to take actions against Jamayat-e Islami supporters trying to occupy lands of 25 Tripura families.
The participants held posters and banners, demanding dismissal of UNO, investigation into allegations of involvement of government officials in land grabbing and stoppage of construction of tourist resorts.
Two innocent villagers arrested by army in Merung
chtnews.com
News No. 05/2010, January 11, 2010
Army has arrested two innocent villagers from Moner Manush area under Merung Union in Dighinala Upazila.
Sources said two groups of army personnel from Chongrachari camp and Yarangchari camp under Dighinala zone raided Moner Manush area in the small hours of yesterday morning and arrested two Jumma villagers from there.
The arrested have been identified as Natun Chandra Chakma, age 50, son of Ush Moni Chakma and Suniti Chakma alias Moner Manush, age 40, son of Niru Chakma.
The former, a resident of Chongrachari village, is a former member of Merung Union Council while the latter runs a small tea shop at Moner Manush, an area named after his alias.
Both have been handed over to Dighinala police station at around 11AM.
They have been arrested in connection with alleged disappearance of a settler named Ainal last year.
News No. 05/2010, January 11, 2010
Army has arrested two innocent villagers from Moner Manush area under Merung Union in Dighinala Upazila.
Sources said two groups of army personnel from Chongrachari camp and Yarangchari camp under Dighinala zone raided Moner Manush area in the small hours of yesterday morning and arrested two Jumma villagers from there.
The arrested have been identified as Natun Chandra Chakma, age 50, son of Ush Moni Chakma and Suniti Chakma alias Moner Manush, age 40, son of Niru Chakma.
The former, a resident of Chongrachari village, is a former member of Merung Union Council while the latter runs a small tea shop at Moner Manush, an area named after his alias.
Both have been handed over to Dighinala police station at around 11AM.
They have been arrested in connection with alleged disappearance of a settler named Ainal last year.
Jamayat supporters attempt to occupy Tripua Village
chtnews.com
News No. 04/2010, January 10, 2010
There are allegations that supporters of Bangladesh Jamayat-e Islami have been making attempts to occupy the village of Jote-ram Tripura Para in Bandarban Sadar Upazila, reports Prothom Alo, a national Bengali daily newspaper.
In a news article published in today’s issue of the paper, its Bandarban correspondent, Buddha Jyoti Chakma writes: “the Jamayat supporters are harassing the villagers by filing false cases against them. Moreover, they have initiated a process of obtaining a Jote Permit (permission to cut and transport trees) so that they can cut away the trees of village worth Taka million. The Deputy Commissioner is said to have directed (the relevant officials) to issue Jote Permits to them.”
He further writes: “sources concerned including residents of Tripura Para said in 1986, the Forest Department had rehabilitated 25 Tripura families in Tonkaboti Mouza of Tonkaboti Union under a Jumiya resettlement project. The new settlement was named after Jote-ram Tripura, the chief of the village.
“In the new settlement, an area -- lying to the south of a piece of land belonging to Ayub Ali -- has been demarcated for housing plots and a school for the Tripura people. Later Ayub Ali sold his land to Nasir Ali. That land is still lying vacant.
“After settlement the Jummas grew various kinds of trees including mangoo, jackfruit and teak. During a visit to the village (this correspondent) witnessed many large trees. Local residents told they would earn Taka 15 – 20 lakhs from the sale of teak trees alone.
“Jote-ram Tripura said a gang led by Jamayat supporter Nasir Uddin aka Footbal Nasir secretly filed a petition with Deputy Commissioner and the Forest Department for issuance of Jote Permits that would be applicable for four acres of land including the land covering Jote-ram Para. When they (villagers) came to know of the matter, they raised objections with the Deputy Commissioner, and this enraged the gang members. Later, a false case was filed against some Jumma villagers for stealing trees. On 3 January, Jote-ram Karbari submitted a written appeal to the Deputy Commissioner to protect his village and the trees. In his appeal he has brought allegations of masterminding attempts to grab (land and trees) against Nasir Uddin, Ashraf Ullah, Serajul Islam, Khokan Mian and Abdul Rashid – all supporters of Jamayat-e Islami in Bandarban.
“When contacted, Nasir Uddin claimed that the trees in the Tripura village were planted by Ayub Ali. It is the Jumma people who occupied Ayub Ali’s land. The Divisional Forest Officer of Bandarban A. S. M. Monirul and Range Officer of Tonkaboti Shib Prashad said as per rules, Ayub Ali’s land was demarcated with the aid of surveyors and land department officers. The issue was settled back in 1986. However, they said they would inquire into the matter.
“The Deputy Commissioner Mizanur Rahman has confirmed he received a written allegation from Tripura people. He said, ‘I told the Adibashis (Jumma people) to resist with arrow and bow, dao (a kind of knife) and axes and also to file cases, if anyone tries to grab their lands’. He said he could not remember giving go-ahead to the gang to initiate the process of Jote Permit. Abdus Salam Azad, Amir of Jamat-e Islami in Bandarban, said ‘we have some supporters in the area; Nasir Uddin and Ashraf are our supporters. They come and join our meetings and processions.’”
News No. 04/2010, January 10, 2010
There are allegations that supporters of Bangladesh Jamayat-e Islami have been making attempts to occupy the village of Jote-ram Tripura Para in Bandarban Sadar Upazila, reports Prothom Alo, a national Bengali daily newspaper.
In a news article published in today’s issue of the paper, its Bandarban correspondent, Buddha Jyoti Chakma writes: “the Jamayat supporters are harassing the villagers by filing false cases against them. Moreover, they have initiated a process of obtaining a Jote Permit (permission to cut and transport trees) so that they can cut away the trees of village worth Taka million. The Deputy Commissioner is said to have directed (the relevant officials) to issue Jote Permits to them.”
He further writes: “sources concerned including residents of Tripura Para said in 1986, the Forest Department had rehabilitated 25 Tripura families in Tonkaboti Mouza of Tonkaboti Union under a Jumiya resettlement project. The new settlement was named after Jote-ram Tripura, the chief of the village.
“In the new settlement, an area -- lying to the south of a piece of land belonging to Ayub Ali -- has been demarcated for housing plots and a school for the Tripura people. Later Ayub Ali sold his land to Nasir Ali. That land is still lying vacant.
“After settlement the Jummas grew various kinds of trees including mangoo, jackfruit and teak. During a visit to the village (this correspondent) witnessed many large trees. Local residents told they would earn Taka 15 – 20 lakhs from the sale of teak trees alone.
“Jote-ram Tripura said a gang led by Jamayat supporter Nasir Uddin aka Footbal Nasir secretly filed a petition with Deputy Commissioner and the Forest Department for issuance of Jote Permits that would be applicable for four acres of land including the land covering Jote-ram Para. When they (villagers) came to know of the matter, they raised objections with the Deputy Commissioner, and this enraged the gang members. Later, a false case was filed against some Jumma villagers for stealing trees. On 3 January, Jote-ram Karbari submitted a written appeal to the Deputy Commissioner to protect his village and the trees. In his appeal he has brought allegations of masterminding attempts to grab (land and trees) against Nasir Uddin, Ashraf Ullah, Serajul Islam, Khokan Mian and Abdul Rashid – all supporters of Jamayat-e Islami in Bandarban.
“When contacted, Nasir Uddin claimed that the trees in the Tripura village were planted by Ayub Ali. It is the Jumma people who occupied Ayub Ali’s land. The Divisional Forest Officer of Bandarban A. S. M. Monirul and Range Officer of Tonkaboti Shib Prashad said as per rules, Ayub Ali’s land was demarcated with the aid of surveyors and land department officers. The issue was settled back in 1986. However, they said they would inquire into the matter.
“The Deputy Commissioner Mizanur Rahman has confirmed he received a written allegation from Tripura people. He said, ‘I told the Adibashis (Jumma people) to resist with arrow and bow, dao (a kind of knife) and axes and also to file cases, if anyone tries to grab their lands’. He said he could not remember giving go-ahead to the gang to initiate the process of Jote Permit. Abdus Salam Azad, Amir of Jamat-e Islami in Bandarban, said ‘we have some supporters in the area; Nasir Uddin and Ashraf are our supporters. They come and join our meetings and processions.’”
Sajek Jumma women defy army rules, give govt until 15 Jan to meet demands
chtnews.com
News No. 03/2010, January 08, 2010
In an open defiance of harassing army-imposed rules making passengers to get down from vehicles and walk about 200 yards near Baghaihat Army Zonal camp and two other check points, the Jumma women of Sajek today crossed all the three check posts in the area mounting four jeeps.
“The army did not even try to halt their vehicles, and if they had tried, the women would not have followed the rule, they would not have got down from their vehicles.” a UPDF leader, who said his party gives moral support to the women, told chtnews.com by mobile phone from Dighinala.
Earlier in the morning, the Sajek Nari Samaj (Women Society of Sajek) pasted posters at important locations including Baghaihat bazaar, demanding an end to army repression, harassment at check-posts and land grabbing.
The SNS was formed on 26 December last year to campaign against military repression and land grabbing.
“The army has torn some of the posters around Baghaihat bazaar, but many are still on display.” he said quoting Sajek residents.
On 5 January, the Sajek residents including SNS submitted a memorandum to the Baghaicahri Upazila Nirbahi Officer putting forward a set of 6-point demands.
Today, they issued an ultimatum for the government to fulfill these demands.
They said they would call for an indefinite boycott of Baghaihat bazaar if the demands are not met by 15 January.
News No. 03/2010, January 08, 2010
In an open defiance of harassing army-imposed rules making passengers to get down from vehicles and walk about 200 yards near Baghaihat Army Zonal camp and two other check points, the Jumma women of Sajek today crossed all the three check posts in the area mounting four jeeps.
“The army did not even try to halt their vehicles, and if they had tried, the women would not have followed the rule, they would not have got down from their vehicles.” a UPDF leader, who said his party gives moral support to the women, told chtnews.com by mobile phone from Dighinala.
Earlier in the morning, the Sajek Nari Samaj (Women Society of Sajek) pasted posters at important locations including Baghaihat bazaar, demanding an end to army repression, harassment at check-posts and land grabbing.
The SNS was formed on 26 December last year to campaign against military repression and land grabbing.
“The army has torn some of the posters around Baghaihat bazaar, but many are still on display.” he said quoting Sajek residents.
On 5 January, the Sajek residents including SNS submitted a memorandum to the Baghaicahri Upazila Nirbahi Officer putting forward a set of 6-point demands.
Today, they issued an ultimatum for the government to fulfill these demands.
They said they would call for an indefinite boycott of Baghaihat bazaar if the demands are not met by 15 January.
Birth anniversary of Bana Bhante today
chtnews.com
News No. 02/2010, January 08, 2010
Today marks the 91th anniversary of birth of the Great Bana Bhante, who is believed to have attained Arhathood (fully liberated), the highest spiritual achievement in Buddhism.
The Great Bhante was born Rathindra Chakma on 8 January 1919 into an ordinary Chakma family in a village on the bank of the river Borgang, also known as Karnaphuli. He was given the name of Sadhanananda after becoming a Buddhist novice at the age of 29 in the year 1949 at Nandan Kanan Buddhist temple in Chittagong. His father's name is Haru Mohan Chakma and mother's name Birpudi Chakma. He is the oldest among his five siblings.
The young Rathindra received formal education up to class six at Moghban Medium English School. However, he has a deep passion for learning. He used to read whatever books he would get hold of including Buddhist and Hindu texts. He also read the writings of Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra, the two icons of Bengali literature, as well as books on medicine and Ayurveda.
After becoming a Buddhist monk, the Bhante went thorough rigorous meditation for 14 years enduring bodily pains and hardships, ignoring extreme heat and cold and braving incessant rain in the jungles of Dhanpada and Dighinala swarmed with wild elephants, tigers, wild bores and poisonous snakes.
This is because of his dwelling and meditating in the jungle following the true Buddhist tradition that he came to be known as Bana Bhante or Forest Monk.
Messages
On the eve of his 91th birth day, President of Bangladesh Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasian and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia sent messages wishing him best and longer life.
Programmes
To mark his birth anniversary, the Raj Bana Vihara in Rangamati has chalked out a day-long programme, which includes hoisting of Buddhist flag, inauguration of the programme by Bana Bhante, offering breakfast to the Bhikkhu Sangha, Buddha Puja (offering to the Buddha), acceptance of Panchasila (five precepts), donation of Buddha statue, Sangha Dana (offering to the Sangha), Ashta Parishkar Dan (offering of eight essentials), rendering of religious songs, Deshana (sermon) by Bana Bhante and offering mid-day meal to the Bhikkhu Sangha.
In the afternoon, 84,000 candles will be lighted, while in the evening a mass candle lighting will be observed.
Most revered
The Bana Bhante is the most revered and venerated Buddhist monk in Bangladesh. His name and fame has transcended all borders. His contribution to the revival and spread of Buddhism in CHT is immense.
The Bhante has the distinguished ability to illustrate and explain the Dhamma of the Lord Buddha in plain language using similes and parables. The devotees listen to his religious lectures with rapt attention.
The advent of the Buddhas is rare in the world and so are the Arhats. The Bana Bhante has attained Arhathood which means that he is now fully enlightened and liberated and that he will not reborn after Parinibbana or the extinction of the flame of life. He is the greatest man ever born in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
News No. 02/2010, January 08, 2010
Today marks the 91th anniversary of birth of the Great Bana Bhante, who is believed to have attained Arhathood (fully liberated), the highest spiritual achievement in Buddhism.
The Great Bhante was born Rathindra Chakma on 8 January 1919 into an ordinary Chakma family in a village on the bank of the river Borgang, also known as Karnaphuli. He was given the name of Sadhanananda after becoming a Buddhist novice at the age of 29 in the year 1949 at Nandan Kanan Buddhist temple in Chittagong. His father's name is Haru Mohan Chakma and mother's name Birpudi Chakma. He is the oldest among his five siblings.
The young Rathindra received formal education up to class six at Moghban Medium English School. However, he has a deep passion for learning. He used to read whatever books he would get hold of including Buddhist and Hindu texts. He also read the writings of Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra, the two icons of Bengali literature, as well as books on medicine and Ayurveda.
After becoming a Buddhist monk, the Bhante went thorough rigorous meditation for 14 years enduring bodily pains and hardships, ignoring extreme heat and cold and braving incessant rain in the jungles of Dhanpada and Dighinala swarmed with wild elephants, tigers, wild bores and poisonous snakes.
This is because of his dwelling and meditating in the jungle following the true Buddhist tradition that he came to be known as Bana Bhante or Forest Monk.
Messages
On the eve of his 91th birth day, President of Bangladesh Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasian and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia sent messages wishing him best and longer life.
Programmes
To mark his birth anniversary, the Raj Bana Vihara in Rangamati has chalked out a day-long programme, which includes hoisting of Buddhist flag, inauguration of the programme by Bana Bhante, offering breakfast to the Bhikkhu Sangha, Buddha Puja (offering to the Buddha), acceptance of Panchasila (five precepts), donation of Buddha statue, Sangha Dana (offering to the Sangha), Ashta Parishkar Dan (offering of eight essentials), rendering of religious songs, Deshana (sermon) by Bana Bhante and offering mid-day meal to the Bhikkhu Sangha.
In the afternoon, 84,000 candles will be lighted, while in the evening a mass candle lighting will be observed.
Most revered
The Bana Bhante is the most revered and venerated Buddhist monk in Bangladesh. His name and fame has transcended all borders. His contribution to the revival and spread of Buddhism in CHT is immense.
The Bhante has the distinguished ability to illustrate and explain the Dhamma of the Lord Buddha in plain language using similes and parables. The devotees listen to his religious lectures with rapt attention.
The advent of the Buddhas is rare in the world and so are the Arhats. The Bana Bhante has attained Arhathood which means that he is now fully enlightened and liberated and that he will not reborn after Parinibbana or the extinction of the flame of life. He is the greatest man ever born in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Abducted UPDF supporters released in Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 01/2009, January 01, 2010
The seven UPDF supporters who were kidnapped by members of the Jana Samhati Samiti’s Santu faction on 25 December have been released.
UPDF Rangamati District Unit organiser Shanti Dev Chakma told chtnews.com that they were released in the evening yesterday.
“But their parents had to pay Taka 25,000 ($ 357) each to secure their release.” he said.
“The kidnappers also tagged some conditions to their release, such as refraining from supporting UPDF, from filing any criminal cases against them (abductors) and from speaking to the press about the incident.”
The UPDF supporters were kidnapped from Sapchari of Manikchari while pasting posters about the eleventh founding anniversary programme of the UPDF.
Another source said General Secretary of PCP Jurachari branch, Promod Kanti Chakma was also released from captivity on 29 December. He was abducted by JSS gunmen (Santu faction) on 21 December from a village in Jurachari under Rangamati district.
News No. 01/2009, January 01, 2010
The seven UPDF supporters who were kidnapped by members of the Jana Samhati Samiti’s Santu faction on 25 December have been released.
UPDF Rangamati District Unit organiser Shanti Dev Chakma told chtnews.com that they were released in the evening yesterday.
“But their parents had to pay Taka 25,000 ($ 357) each to secure their release.” he said.
“The kidnappers also tagged some conditions to their release, such as refraining from supporting UPDF, from filing any criminal cases against them (abductors) and from speaking to the press about the incident.”
The UPDF supporters were kidnapped from Sapchari of Manikchari while pasting posters about the eleventh founding anniversary programme of the UPDF.
Another source said General Secretary of PCP Jurachari branch, Promod Kanti Chakma was also released from captivity on 29 December. He was abducted by JSS gunmen (Santu faction) on 21 December from a village in Jurachari under Rangamati district.
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