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.