Massacre in Sajek: protests continue, Borkha Party attacks
demonstrators in Laxmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 39/2010, February 21, 2010
Protests against Sajek massacre have continued today while the
military-backed Borkha Party terrorists attacked the demonstrators in
Laxmichari.
Hundreds of Jumma people took part in a protest demonstration in
Chittagong, organised by the United Peoples Democratic Front. A few
supporters of the JSS (Santu Larma faction) also participated. Some of
their leaders even spoke at the rally held in front of Chittagong
Press Club on Zamal Khan road.
Their participation, hailed by all the Jummas, came after they
received an invitation from the UPDF leaders.
Laxmichari
The UPDF also held a demonstration in Laxmichari in the afternoon. But
the demonstrators came under attack while they were going back home
after the end of the programme.
The military-backed Borkha Party terrorists and some Bengalee people
stopped and attacked their jeep at Hospital area, causing damage to
the vehicle.
The army also joined in the attack, picking up five from Bangmara area.
UPDF leader Sachib Chakma, who was released from jail a few days ago,
told chtnews.com that he had phoned the UNO and the OC about the
attack and requested him to take actions against the Borkha Party men.
“I phoned both UNO and OC about the attack. They asked me to give them
a list of the Borkha Party terrorists so that they could take actions
against them. Accordingly, we gave him the list, but unfortunately no
action has been taken so far.” said Mr. Sachib, who also took part in
the demonstration.
“The UNO and OC also blamed the army for the attack.” he added.
Khagrachari
The army prevented UPDF members from hoisting black flags at Zero Mile
area in Khagrachari town.
Mithun Chakma, a DYF leader, said a group of DYF members led by Tapan
Chakma went to Zero Mile to hoist black flags as a mark of protest
against Sajek massacre.
“But one army officer named Captain Tarek threatened them not to hoist
black flags and called them names.” he said.
“I complained to the Deputy Commissioner about it; but he refused to
take actions suggesting we were creating ‘unrest’.” he added.
Dhaka
In Dhaka the UPDF organised a demonstration under the banner of “Hill
Students, Youths and people of Dhaka” to make room for a wide
participation.
Sumen Chakma, General Secretary of PCP, put the number of the
participants at 400.
He said a few JSS supporters (Santu Larma faction) also attended the
demonstration held at Muktangon in downtown Dhaka.
After the rally a procession was taken out which march to Press Club
through Gulistan and Baitul Mukkaram.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
News No. 38/2010/ “The situation is terrible”: Ricoh Chakma
“The situation is terrible”: Ricoh Chakma
chtnews.com
News No. 38/2010, February 21, 2010
Rioch Chakma, ex-president of Hill Students Council, has described the
present situation in Sajek as terrible.
He made this comment during an interview with chtnews.com after
visiting the area along with a group of Buddhist monks today.
The following is what he has to say:
About one hundred Jumma people gathered in Gangaram when we reached
there. We saw fire is still smoldering and smokes billowing. The trace
of brutality is everywhere. But the houses of the settlers are
completely unscathed.
Only one or two huts they had built in Gangaram on Jumma’s land have
been burnt; but the Jummas allege that the settlers themselves set
fire to them to make the whole incident look like a “Pahari-Bangalee
clash”.
Even the jungles have been burnt to ashes. People said at least three
hundred houses including three Buddhist temples and one church have
been completely burnt down.
The villagers are without food, clothes and drinking water. They need
these necessities on an urgent basis.
They are trying to survive on bananas burnt. Many said they did not
eat anything since the attack.
They said 10 – 12 are still missing in Guchchagram and a few more from
Gangaram shooting. No body knows exactly how many have been killed.
The people saw the settlers carrying away four dead bodies today. I
saw two dead bodies my self – that of Laxmipudi Chakma and Laxmi Bijoy
Chakma.
In Bongoltoli, where some of the victims have taken shelter, about
seven hundred people gathered when we reached there.
The victims handed over the dead body of Laxmi Bijoy to Dipankar
Talukder MP, who also visited the spot today.
His dead body was recovered today from a jungle near Guchchagram. A
bullet pierced his abdomen making a hole.
As we were coming back, some people told us that the army were chasing
Jumma villagers in Guchchagram. This happened at about 3:30pm.
We also heard that the UNO of Baghaichari had faced public anger at
Hajachara. The angry mob smashed the windowpane of his vehicle. This
took place at about 2:30pm.
The real picture is yet to emerge.
chtnews.com
News No. 38/2010, February 21, 2010
Rioch Chakma, ex-president of Hill Students Council, has described the
present situation in Sajek as terrible.
He made this comment during an interview with chtnews.com after
visiting the area along with a group of Buddhist monks today.
The following is what he has to say:
About one hundred Jumma people gathered in Gangaram when we reached
there. We saw fire is still smoldering and smokes billowing. The trace
of brutality is everywhere. But the houses of the settlers are
completely unscathed.
Only one or two huts they had built in Gangaram on Jumma’s land have
been burnt; but the Jummas allege that the settlers themselves set
fire to them to make the whole incident look like a “Pahari-Bangalee
clash”.
Even the jungles have been burnt to ashes. People said at least three
hundred houses including three Buddhist temples and one church have
been completely burnt down.
The villagers are without food, clothes and drinking water. They need
these necessities on an urgent basis.
They are trying to survive on bananas burnt. Many said they did not
eat anything since the attack.
They said 10 – 12 are still missing in Guchchagram and a few more from
Gangaram shooting. No body knows exactly how many have been killed.
The people saw the settlers carrying away four dead bodies today. I
saw two dead bodies my self – that of Laxmipudi Chakma and Laxmi Bijoy
Chakma.
In Bongoltoli, where some of the victims have taken shelter, about
seven hundred people gathered when we reached there.
The victims handed over the dead body of Laxmi Bijoy to Dipankar
Talukder MP, who also visited the spot today.
His dead body was recovered today from a jungle near Guchchagram. A
bullet pierced his abdomen making a hole.
As we were coming back, some people told us that the army were chasing
Jumma villagers in Guchchagram. This happened at about 3:30pm.
We also heard that the UNO of Baghaichari had faced public anger at
Hajachara. The angry mob smashed the windowpane of his vehicle. This
took place at about 2:30pm.
The real picture is yet to emerge.
News No. 37/2010/ UPDF rejects army version of Sajek incident
UPDF rejects army version of Sajek incident
chtnews.com
News No. 37/2010, February 21, 2010
The United Peoples Democratic Front has rejected the military version
of the Sajek incident, a press release says.
Terming the incident as “a preplanned and cold blooded massacre”, UPDF
leader Shanti Dev Chakma demanded that those responsible for the death
of innocent men and women must be brought to justice.
Khagrachari Region commander General M. M. Saleheen yesterday said,
“The army fired three blank shots in self defense after the terrorists
had fired on them. I do not know who fired the rest of the shots.”
UPDF leader termed this statement of General Saleheen as “a travesty
of truth and self-contradictory.”
He said the army had not only fired into the crowd of the Jumma people
but also entered sJumma villages while firing on the unarmed villagers
and set their houses ablaze.
“It is an undisputable truth that the only armed persons present at
the place of occurrence are the members of the military and the
police.” he said. “Therefore, there is no question of firing by any
other person than these armed personnel themselves.”
He also commented as “farce” the news that a wounded soldier was
airlifted to Combined Military Hospital in Chittagong.
On General Saleheen’s allegation that the Jumma residents of Sajek are
campaigning for their rights under the leadership of the UPDF, Shanti
Dev said, “the Sajek people settled in the area after they had been
displaced by military repression. They reclaimed lands and created
gardens there. However, during the rule of emergency (proclaimed in
January 2007) the army and settlers began to take these lands away
from them. When the Jummas tried to protest, they were victimized.
Hundreds of their houses were burnt down and Ladu Moni Chakma was
killed in the most brutal fashion.
“The Awami League came to power but incidents of repression and land
grabbing have not stopped. Thus the people of Sajek were left with no
other alternative than to fight back. They organised themselves under
two organisations namely “Committee for Protection of Land in Sajek”
and “Sajek Women Committee.
“Definitely, we support their just rights and movement. However, they
themselves decide their own strategies and programmes and UPDF has
nothing to do with it.”
Mr. Chakma accused the army of making an attempt to cover up the
incident by spreading falsehood.
He also condemned an attack on two journalists from “Samakal” and
“Prothom Alo” who tried to visit the place of occurrence yesterday.
The settlers barred them from entering the area and burnt down the
motorbike of Samakal correspondent.
Mr. Chakma demanded an impartial and fair inquiry into the Sajek
attack, proper treatment of the wounded people and adequate
compensation for the victims.
He also demanded that the government reconstruct the church and the
Buddhist temple burnt down during the attack.
He also called for the release of seven innocent villagers still under
police custody. The detained villagers have been identified as
Debendra Chakma (50) of Langolmara village, Reben Chakma (17) of
Gulongmachara village, Liton Chakma (28) of Gangaram Mukh, Nagor
Prashad Chakma (50) of Betagichara village, Dhana Sindhu Chakma (28)
of Jhagrabil village, Battya Chakma (19) of Tin Dojor village and
Bharat Joti Chakma (22) of Hajachara village.
According to him, seven people are still missing. They are Rupen
Chakma (18) son of Bindu Chakma, Rupon Chakma (16) son of Sneha Kumar
Chakma and Battya Chakma (18) and four persons from Gangaram Doar.
chtnews.com
News No. 37/2010, February 21, 2010
The United Peoples Democratic Front has rejected the military version
of the Sajek incident, a press release says.
Terming the incident as “a preplanned and cold blooded massacre”, UPDF
leader Shanti Dev Chakma demanded that those responsible for the death
of innocent men and women must be brought to justice.
Khagrachari Region commander General M. M. Saleheen yesterday said,
“The army fired three blank shots in self defense after the terrorists
had fired on them. I do not know who fired the rest of the shots.”
UPDF leader termed this statement of General Saleheen as “a travesty
of truth and self-contradictory.”
He said the army had not only fired into the crowd of the Jumma people
but also entered sJumma villages while firing on the unarmed villagers
and set their houses ablaze.
“It is an undisputable truth that the only armed persons present at
the place of occurrence are the members of the military and the
police.” he said. “Therefore, there is no question of firing by any
other person than these armed personnel themselves.”
He also commented as “farce” the news that a wounded soldier was
airlifted to Combined Military Hospital in Chittagong.
On General Saleheen’s allegation that the Jumma residents of Sajek are
campaigning for their rights under the leadership of the UPDF, Shanti
Dev said, “the Sajek people settled in the area after they had been
displaced by military repression. They reclaimed lands and created
gardens there. However, during the rule of emergency (proclaimed in
January 2007) the army and settlers began to take these lands away
from them. When the Jummas tried to protest, they were victimized.
Hundreds of their houses were burnt down and Ladu Moni Chakma was
killed in the most brutal fashion.
“The Awami League came to power but incidents of repression and land
grabbing have not stopped. Thus the people of Sajek were left with no
other alternative than to fight back. They organised themselves under
two organisations namely “Committee for Protection of Land in Sajek”
and “Sajek Women Committee.
“Definitely, we support their just rights and movement. However, they
themselves decide their own strategies and programmes and UPDF has
nothing to do with it.”
Mr. Chakma accused the army of making an attempt to cover up the
incident by spreading falsehood.
He also condemned an attack on two journalists from “Samakal” and
“Prothom Alo” who tried to visit the place of occurrence yesterday.
The settlers barred them from entering the area and burnt down the
motorbike of Samakal correspondent.
Mr. Chakma demanded an impartial and fair inquiry into the Sajek
attack, proper treatment of the wounded people and adequate
compensation for the victims.
He also demanded that the government reconstruct the church and the
Buddhist temple burnt down during the attack.
He also called for the release of seven innocent villagers still under
police custody. The detained villagers have been identified as
Debendra Chakma (50) of Langolmara village, Reben Chakma (17) of
Gulongmachara village, Liton Chakma (28) of Gangaram Mukh, Nagor
Prashad Chakma (50) of Betagichara village, Dhana Sindhu Chakma (28)
of Jhagrabil village, Battya Chakma (19) of Tin Dojor village and
Bharat Joti Chakma (22) of Hajachara village.
According to him, seven people are still missing. They are Rupen
Chakma (18) son of Bindu Chakma, Rupon Chakma (16) son of Sneha Kumar
Chakma and Battya Chakma (18) and four persons from Gangaram Doar.
News No. 36/2010/ Armed terrorists continue to threaten Choton Kanti Tanchangya in Bandarban
Armed terrorists continue to threaten Choton Kanti Tanchangya in Bandarban
chtnews.com
News No. 36/2010, February 21, 2010
The armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu Larma faction)
continue to issue death threats to Choton Kanti Tanchangya, Organiser
of Bandarban District Unit of the UPDF, who survived an assassination
attempt by the same group a few days ago.
Speaking to the chtnews.com Mr. Choton said he is continuously
receiving death threats from the JSS men.
“I am now worried for the safety of my life,” he said, adding the
miscreants are still roaming in their area.
He has expressed fear that he may be attacked again any time.
On 18 February, a group of JSS members (Santu Larma faction) made a
failed attempt on the life of Choton Tanchangy at Balaghata in
Bandarban.
One of attackers was caught red handed along with a gun and three
rounds of live bullets and a case was filed in this connection.
Choton said he would lodge a general diary with the police about the
recent death threats.
chtnews.com
News No. 36/2010, February 21, 2010
The armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu Larma faction)
continue to issue death threats to Choton Kanti Tanchangya, Organiser
of Bandarban District Unit of the UPDF, who survived an assassination
attempt by the same group a few days ago.
Speaking to the chtnews.com Mr. Choton said he is continuously
receiving death threats from the JSS men.
“I am now worried for the safety of my life,” he said, adding the
miscreants are still roaming in their area.
He has expressed fear that he may be attacked again any time.
On 18 February, a group of JSS members (Santu Larma faction) made a
failed attempt on the life of Choton Tanchangy at Balaghata in
Bandarban.
One of attackers was caught red handed along with a gun and three
rounds of live bullets and a case was filed in this connection.
Choton said he would lodge a general diary with the police about the
recent death threats.
News No. 35/2010/ UPDF to enforce road blockade on 23 Feb
chtnews.com
News No. 35/2010, February 21, 2010
The United Peoples Democratic Front, the largest political party of
the Jumma people in Chittagong Hill Tracts, has announced a set of
programmes including road blockade on 23 February.
Initially the blockade was announced for 22 February. However, after
considering the SSC exam, the party has shifted the programme to 23
February, says a press released issued today.
The other programmes include wearing black badges and hoisting black
flags on 22 February, candle light vigil in Khagrachari on 24
February, boycott of classes in schools and colleges on 25 February
and mass rally in Khagrachari on 26 February.
UPDF will also stage demonstrations today in Dhaka, Chittagong and
some other places in Chittagong Hill Tracts.
News No. 35/2010, February 21, 2010
The United Peoples Democratic Front, the largest political party of
the Jumma people in Chittagong Hill Tracts, has announced a set of
programmes including road blockade on 23 February.
Initially the blockade was announced for 22 February. However, after
considering the SSC exam, the party has shifted the programme to 23
February, says a press released issued today.
The other programmes include wearing black badges and hoisting black
flags on 22 February, candle light vigil in Khagrachari on 24
February, boycott of classes in schools and colleges on 25 February
and mass rally in Khagrachari on 26 February.
UPDF will also stage demonstrations today in Dhaka, Chittagong and
some other places in Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Jumma Peoples Network UK
Six Jumma men and one Jumma woman were shot dead by the Army as they opened fire on them during clashes between Jummas and Bangali settlers in Baghaichhari upazilla of Rangamati hill district of Bangladesh. one Army personnel was injured when the frenzied indigenous people chopped him with sharp machetes.
Four dead persons name have been confirmed by reliable sources (but still checking and will be updated soon we received further news). They are Laxmipoti Chakma, Didendra Chakma, Natonjoy Chakma, Shanto Chakma. Many other Jummas have been injured.
About five indigenous villages consisting of 300 houses were burnt to ashes by Bengali settlers assisted with the security forces .
The incident was started on Friday night as a group of Bangali settlers attacked indigenous people of Gongaram Mukh area over a land dispute. Since then settlers have started setting the homes including Buddhist temples & Christian churches on fire. Sources said hundred of houses have been burnt to ashes including 3 temples and a church.
Bangladesh army has resumed the burning down of the indigenous Jumma houses at 6am and opened fire killing 7 Jummas and injuring many others.
Local administration imposed Section 144 today (Saturday).
Thousand of indigenous people have fled to the jungle to save their lives.
Background:
Since the beginning of January 2010, illegal Bangali settlers with the support of Bangladesh army posted at Baghaihat zone under Rangamati district resumed expansion of their illegal settlement into the villages of the Jumma people.
Lal Amlai
Spokesperson
Jumma Peoples Network UK
www.jpnuk.org.uk
email: jpn_uk@hotmail.com
Four dead persons name have been confirmed by reliable sources (but still checking and will be updated soon we received further news). They are Laxmipoti Chakma, Didendra Chakma, Natonjoy Chakma, Shanto Chakma. Many other Jummas have been injured.
About five indigenous villages consisting of 300 houses were burnt to ashes by Bengali settlers assisted with the security forces .
The incident was started on Friday night as a group of Bangali settlers attacked indigenous people of Gongaram Mukh area over a land dispute. Since then settlers have started setting the homes including Buddhist temples & Christian churches on fire. Sources said hundred of houses have been burnt to ashes including 3 temples and a church.
Bangladesh army has resumed the burning down of the indigenous Jumma houses at 6am and opened fire killing 7 Jummas and injuring many others.
Local administration imposed Section 144 today (Saturday).
Thousand of indigenous people have fled to the jungle to save their lives.
Background:
Since the beginning of January 2010, illegal Bangali settlers with the support of Bangladesh army posted at Baghaihat zone under Rangamati district resumed expansion of their illegal settlement into the villages of the Jumma people.
Lal Amlai
Spokesperson
Jumma Peoples Network UK
www.jpnuk.org.uk
email: jpn_uk@hotmail.com
Bangladesh army burns down UN sponosored Chakma villages
- Three Chakmas shot dead, dozens injured -
-United Nations urged to intervene-
chtnews.com
News No. 34/2010, February 20, 2010
The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) has sought the intervention of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights with the government of Bangladesh about the Sajek attack which left at least five Jummas dead and socre others injured. The full text of the ACHR press release follows:
New Delhi: Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today sought the intervention of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Navi Pillay with the government of Bangladesh for taking appropriate actions against the burning down of the tribal villages and indiscriminate killing of indigenous Jumma peoples since yesterday night i.e. 19th February 2010 by the Bangladesh Army and illegal plain settlers. According to the information received by Asian Centre for Human Rights this morning, the Bangladesh Army has resumed the burning down of the tribal houses at 6 am GMT (20 February 2010) and the villages are still being burnt at the time of issuing this press release.
At least three tribals including Lakkhi Bijoy Chakma and Litan Chakma were shot dead this morning (20 February 2010), dozens were injured in the firing by the Bangladesh Army while one Buddhist monk, Purnabash Bhikkhu, has been missing after the Buddhist temple was burnt down. At least four indigenous/tribal villages - Gangaram Doar, Retkaba, Purba Para and Guchachagram - under Sajek Sub-Division of the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh have been burnt into ashes. In addition, at least 7 shops in Ladumani bazaar, one UNDP sponsored village centre providing assistance to the indigenous villagers, one church and one Buddhist temple were burnt down yesterday night (19 February 2010).
The Bangladesh Army personnel have reportedly erected barricades and have further been preventing the public leaders, civil officials and the journalists from visiting the affected areas.
“This particular attack on the indigenous Jumma peoples shows that the government of Bangladesh has failed to change its policy of indiscriminate killings of indigenous Jumma people in order to occupy their lands and implant more illegal plain settlers instead of implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord of 1997.” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of the Asian Centre for Human Rights.
Since the beginning of January 2010, illegal plain settlers with the support of Bangladesh army personnel posted at Baghaihat zone under Rangamati district resumed expansion of their illegal settlement into the villages of the Chakma people. A number of houses have already been erected by the illegal plain settlers by forcibly occupying Jumma villagers’lands.
The Jumma villagers under the banner of Sajek Bhumi Rakkha Committee (Sajek Land Rights Protection Committee) submitted a memorandum to the Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer on 10 January 2010 with an ultimatum of 16 January 2010 to return them their lands. As the deadline expired without any fruitful result on 16 January 2010, Jumma villagers started their agitation and started to boycott Baghaihat market from 18 January 2010.
The Bangladesh Army personnel and the security forces started burning down the tribal villages since yesterday night to increase settlement of illegal plain settlers.
-United Nations urged to intervene-
chtnews.com
News No. 34/2010, February 20, 2010
The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) has sought the intervention of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights with the government of Bangladesh about the Sajek attack which left at least five Jummas dead and socre others injured. The full text of the ACHR press release follows:
New Delhi: Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today sought the intervention of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Navi Pillay with the government of Bangladesh for taking appropriate actions against the burning down of the tribal villages and indiscriminate killing of indigenous Jumma peoples since yesterday night i.e. 19th February 2010 by the Bangladesh Army and illegal plain settlers. According to the information received by Asian Centre for Human Rights this morning, the Bangladesh Army has resumed the burning down of the tribal houses at 6 am GMT (20 February 2010) and the villages are still being burnt at the time of issuing this press release.
At least three tribals including Lakkhi Bijoy Chakma and Litan Chakma were shot dead this morning (20 February 2010), dozens were injured in the firing by the Bangladesh Army while one Buddhist monk, Purnabash Bhikkhu, has been missing after the Buddhist temple was burnt down. At least four indigenous/tribal villages - Gangaram Doar, Retkaba, Purba Para and Guchachagram - under Sajek Sub-Division of the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh have been burnt into ashes. In addition, at least 7 shops in Ladumani bazaar, one UNDP sponsored village centre providing assistance to the indigenous villagers, one church and one Buddhist temple were burnt down yesterday night (19 February 2010).
The Bangladesh Army personnel have reportedly erected barricades and have further been preventing the public leaders, civil officials and the journalists from visiting the affected areas.
“This particular attack on the indigenous Jumma peoples shows that the government of Bangladesh has failed to change its policy of indiscriminate killings of indigenous Jumma people in order to occupy their lands and implant more illegal plain settlers instead of implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord of 1997.” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of the Asian Centre for Human Rights.
Since the beginning of January 2010, illegal plain settlers with the support of Bangladesh army personnel posted at Baghaihat zone under Rangamati district resumed expansion of their illegal settlement into the villages of the Chakma people. A number of houses have already been erected by the illegal plain settlers by forcibly occupying Jumma villagers’lands.
The Jumma villagers under the banner of Sajek Bhumi Rakkha Committee (Sajek Land Rights Protection Committee) submitted a memorandum to the Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer on 10 January 2010 with an ultimatum of 16 January 2010 to return them their lands. As the deadline expired without any fruitful result on 16 January 2010, Jumma villagers started their agitation and started to boycott Baghaihat market from 18 January 2010.
The Bangladesh Army personnel and the security forces started burning down the tribal villages since yesterday night to increase settlement of illegal plain settlers.
PCP will not observe 21 February this year
chtnews.com
News No. 33/2010, February 20, 2010
The Hill Students Council (PCP), a front organisation of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front, have decided to stay off the Shahid Minar this year, protesting government’s denial of the right of mother tongue to the national minorities in the country.
The PCP in a statement issued to the press on 18 February said “It is as much a shame as a disgrace to the language martyrs that the nation which had shed blood for the right of their mother tongue should refuse to give the same right to the national minorities.”
“We will refrain from visiting Shahid Minar ((mausoleum built in honour of those killed during the language movement in Bangladesh in 1952) and offering floral wreaths at it’s alter, because we think we should protest the government policy to destroy our own mother tongues.” Sumen Chakma, General Secretary of the PCP told chtnews.com.
“However, this does not in anyway mean that we are showing disrespect to the martyrs.” he added. “We have visited Shahid Minars year after year in the hope that some day good sense of the government would prevail.”
The PCP demanded that the government takes immediate steps to provide recognition to the languages of the national minorities and to launch primary education programme in these languages in CHT.
News No. 33/2010, February 20, 2010
The Hill Students Council (PCP), a front organisation of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front, have decided to stay off the Shahid Minar this year, protesting government’s denial of the right of mother tongue to the national minorities in the country.
The PCP in a statement issued to the press on 18 February said “It is as much a shame as a disgrace to the language martyrs that the nation which had shed blood for the right of their mother tongue should refuse to give the same right to the national minorities.”
“We will refrain from visiting Shahid Minar ((mausoleum built in honour of those killed during the language movement in Bangladesh in 1952) and offering floral wreaths at it’s alter, because we think we should protest the government policy to destroy our own mother tongues.” Sumen Chakma, General Secretary of the PCP told chtnews.com.
“However, this does not in anyway mean that we are showing disrespect to the martyrs.” he added. “We have visited Shahid Minars year after year in the hope that some day good sense of the government would prevail.”
The PCP demanded that the government takes immediate steps to provide recognition to the languages of the national minorities and to launch primary education programme in these languages in CHT.
Update on Sajek attack: a charred body recovered
chtnews.com
News No. 32/2010, February 20, 2010
A charred body of a Jumma woman has been recovered in Guchchagram, bringing the death toll to five. Her identity could not be ascertained.
The casualty figure may rise further, as many still remains unaccounted for.
A report says army have arrested eight Jummas in Mazolong, further east of Baghaihat where the attacks took place. No further details are available.
In another incident, the Bengalee settlers attacked a jeep carrying UPDF supporters to Dighinala at Khagrapur in Khagrachari town.
They were returning home after attending a demonstration in Khagrachari held in protest against the Sajek attack.
One UPDF supporter, Ripon Chakma (25) from Indramacahra village in Dighinala, was badly injured in the attack.
The settlers stopped their vehicle and pulled down five of them from it. After protests, the settlers have been forced to release them.
Tensions have risen in Khagrachari town following the incident.
News No. 32/2010, February 20, 2010
A charred body of a Jumma woman has been recovered in Guchchagram, bringing the death toll to five. Her identity could not be ascertained.
The casualty figure may rise further, as many still remains unaccounted for.
A report says army have arrested eight Jummas in Mazolong, further east of Baghaihat where the attacks took place. No further details are available.
In another incident, the Bengalee settlers attacked a jeep carrying UPDF supporters to Dighinala at Khagrapur in Khagrachari town.
They were returning home after attending a demonstration in Khagrachari held in protest against the Sajek attack.
One UPDF supporter, Ripon Chakma (25) from Indramacahra village in Dighinala, was badly injured in the attack.
The settlers stopped their vehicle and pulled down five of them from it. After protests, the settlers have been forced to release them.
Tensions have risen in Khagrachari town following the incident.
Sajek attack leaves 4 dead, scores wounded
chtnews.com
News No. 31/2010, February 20, 2010
At least four Jumma villagers have been confirmed dead and scores others wounded when the army fired indiscriminately into unarmed civilians without slightest provocation in Sajek under Rangamati district. They also burned burnt to ashes hundreds of houses, including a Buddhist temple and a church, in a number of villages.
The attack began last night when a group of army personnel and illegal Bengalee settlers burnt down 29 houses including 7 shops, a church and a UNDP-run village centre, in two Jumma villages of Gangaram Doar and Retkaba.
The villagers fled into the jungle when the attack took place.
After the first attack, the villagers returned to their villages the next morning and gathered in Gangaram to protest it.
At about 10am the army and settlers went there again and ordered the Jummas to leave the area, but they refused to comply.
At 10:25am the army opened fire into the crowd without any sort of provocation, leaving many dead and wounded. They army also arrested three persons from there.
Another group of trigger-happy army men entered Guchchagram, a cluster village for the Chakmas, across the Kachalong river, while firing from their automatic weapons.
It is still not clear how many people have been killed in the attacks. However, three of the dead have been identified. They are Laxmi Bijoy Chakma, Liton Chakma (30) and Buddhabati Chakma.
Some of the injured are Shanta Shil Chakma, Mrittunjoy Chakma, Sushil Jibon Chakma, Bharat Joti Chakma, Biza Ma Chakma and Rekha Devi Chakma.
Three Jummas -- Dayal Chakma, Chironjeeb Chakma and Nipu Chakma -- are still missing.
The army also attacked Purbo Para village and burnt the houses and Banani Bana Vihar, a Buddhist temple. The abbot of the vihara, Ven. Purnabas Bhikkhu, is missing.
Baghaichari Upazila chairman Sudarshan Chakma and other local Jumma leaders have been barred from visiting the spots. Only the Baghaichari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) was allowed in.
The local administration has imposed section 144 in the area to prevent Jummas from taking out protest demonstrations.
UPDF and its front organisations have planned for demonstrations in three districts of Khagrachari, Bandarban and Rangamati, and in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Buddhist monks will also take up programmes to protest the barbaric attack in Sajek, a Jumma Bhikkhu in Dhaka told chtnews.com.
News No. 31/2010, February 20, 2010
At least four Jumma villagers have been confirmed dead and scores others wounded when the army fired indiscriminately into unarmed civilians without slightest provocation in Sajek under Rangamati district. They also burned burnt to ashes hundreds of houses, including a Buddhist temple and a church, in a number of villages.
The attack began last night when a group of army personnel and illegal Bengalee settlers burnt down 29 houses including 7 shops, a church and a UNDP-run village centre, in two Jumma villages of Gangaram Doar and Retkaba.
The villagers fled into the jungle when the attack took place.
After the first attack, the villagers returned to their villages the next morning and gathered in Gangaram to protest it.
At about 10am the army and settlers went there again and ordered the Jummas to leave the area, but they refused to comply.
At 10:25am the army opened fire into the crowd without any sort of provocation, leaving many dead and wounded. They army also arrested three persons from there.
Another group of trigger-happy army men entered Guchchagram, a cluster village for the Chakmas, across the Kachalong river, while firing from their automatic weapons.
It is still not clear how many people have been killed in the attacks. However, three of the dead have been identified. They are Laxmi Bijoy Chakma, Liton Chakma (30) and Buddhabati Chakma.
Some of the injured are Shanta Shil Chakma, Mrittunjoy Chakma, Sushil Jibon Chakma, Bharat Joti Chakma, Biza Ma Chakma and Rekha Devi Chakma.
Three Jummas -- Dayal Chakma, Chironjeeb Chakma and Nipu Chakma -- are still missing.
The army also attacked Purbo Para village and burnt the houses and Banani Bana Vihar, a Buddhist temple. The abbot of the vihara, Ven. Purnabas Bhikkhu, is missing.
Baghaichari Upazila chairman Sudarshan Chakma and other local Jumma leaders have been barred from visiting the spots. Only the Baghaichari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) was allowed in.
The local administration has imposed section 144 in the area to prevent Jummas from taking out protest demonstrations.
UPDF and its front organisations have planned for demonstrations in three districts of Khagrachari, Bandarban and Rangamati, and in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Buddhist monks will also take up programmes to protest the barbaric attack in Sajek, a Jumma Bhikkhu in Dhaka told chtnews.com.
Cultural organisation formed in Khagrachari
chtnews.com
News No. 30/2010, February 20, 2010
A new cultural organisation styled “Protirodh Sangskritik Squad” (Resistance Cultural Squad) has been formed in Khagrachari.
The name of the organisation was announced yesterday, 19 February, at the end of a conference of cultural activists from different parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
About 100 cultural activists and delegates took part in the day-long conference held at Perachara High School.
A nine-member committee for the PSS was formed with Ananda Prakash Chakma and Udoy Jibon Chakma as convenor and member secretary respectively.
The PSS will seek to organise and lead a cultural movement against national repression in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
News No. 30/2010, February 20, 2010
A new cultural organisation styled “Protirodh Sangskritik Squad” (Resistance Cultural Squad) has been formed in Khagrachari.
The name of the organisation was announced yesterday, 19 February, at the end of a conference of cultural activists from different parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
About 100 cultural activists and delegates took part in the day-long conference held at Perachara High School.
A nine-member committee for the PSS was formed with Ananda Prakash Chakma and Udoy Jibon Chakma as convenor and member secretary respectively.
The PSS will seek to organise and lead a cultural movement against national repression in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Breaking News: Army, settlers attack Jumma village in Sajek
chtnews.com
February 19, 2010
Army and settlers have attacked a Jumma village Gangaram in Sajek in Rangamati district, burning down a number of houses.
The attack began at 10:30pm. The Jummas fled their homes. There have been reports of widespread looting. The casualties are yet to be ascertained.
chtnews.com urge human rights and indigenous peoples organisatoins to take immediate actions against the attack.
Latest (11:10pm): the soldiers have just torched Ladumoni bazaar.
February 19, 2010
Army and settlers have attacked a Jumma village Gangaram in Sajek in Rangamati district, burning down a number of houses.
The attack began at 10:30pm. The Jummas fled their homes. There have been reports of widespread looting. The casualties are yet to be ascertained.
chtnews.com urge human rights and indigenous peoples organisatoins to take immediate actions against the attack.
Latest (11:10pm): the soldiers have just torched Ladumoni bazaar.
PCP protests assassination bid on Choton Tanchangya
chtnews.com
News No. 29/2010, February 19, 2010
The Hill Students Council (PCP) today staged a demonstration in Dhaka in protest at the assassination attempt on Choton Kanti Tanchangya, Organiser of UPDF Bandarban District Unit.
Members of the PCP Dhaka branch brought out a procession from Muktangon at 4pm and held a rally in front of the National Press Club in down town Dhaka.
The speakers condemned the attack on Choton and demanded that the government mete out exemplary punishment to the attackers.
PCP Dhaka branch leader Ms Rentina Chakma Nevi said “I strongly condemn this cowardice attack and demand that such kind of violence must stop.”
Sumen Chakma, General Secretary of PCP central committee, blamed the JSS (Santu faction) for the attack on Choton which took place yesterday in Bandarban and demanded maximum punishment be meted out to the culprits.
PCP Organising Secretary Thuiko Ching Marma also spoke at the rally.
The botched assassination attempt on Choton Tanchangya comes three weeks after Santu Larma had faced public outrage at Maischari as he was on his way to participate in a CHT Land Commission meeting in Khagrachari.
Choton contested in the last parliamentary election held in December 2008 from Bandarban constituency. He coordinates UPDF activities in the district.
He told chtnews.com that he would lodge a case today in connection with the assassination bid.
News No. 29/2010, February 19, 2010
The Hill Students Council (PCP) today staged a demonstration in Dhaka in protest at the assassination attempt on Choton Kanti Tanchangya, Organiser of UPDF Bandarban District Unit.
Members of the PCP Dhaka branch brought out a procession from Muktangon at 4pm and held a rally in front of the National Press Club in down town Dhaka.
The speakers condemned the attack on Choton and demanded that the government mete out exemplary punishment to the attackers.
PCP Dhaka branch leader Ms Rentina Chakma Nevi said “I strongly condemn this cowardice attack and demand that such kind of violence must stop.”
Sumen Chakma, General Secretary of PCP central committee, blamed the JSS (Santu faction) for the attack on Choton which took place yesterday in Bandarban and demanded maximum punishment be meted out to the culprits.
PCP Organising Secretary Thuiko Ching Marma also spoke at the rally.
The botched assassination attempt on Choton Tanchangya comes three weeks after Santu Larma had faced public outrage at Maischari as he was on his way to participate in a CHT Land Commission meeting in Khagrachari.
Choton contested in the last parliamentary election held in December 2008 from Bandarban constituency. He coordinates UPDF activities in the district.
He told chtnews.com that he would lodge a case today in connection with the assassination bid.
“Santu Larma not attacked, an investigative report vindicates our assertion,” claims UPDF
chtnews.com
News No. 28/2010, February 19, 2010
An investigative report by Khamin published in the New Age Xtra magazine of 19 February 2010 issue vindicates the UPDF assertion that Santu Larma was not attacked on 27 January while he was on his way to attend a Land Commission meeting in Kahgrachari, claims UPDF leader Ujjal Smriti Chakma.
“The photographs taken from the spot at Maischari by the reporter and published along with the report clearly testify that it was more a protest than an attack.” he commented. (photograph attached)
The Khamin’s report carries two striking pictures, among others, which help one to understand the true nature of the incident of that day.
One of the pictures has been captioned: “Local residents at Maichchhari put up shoes on a tree beside the road to express their rage towards Larma”.
The other says: “Local residents at Maichchhari put up hand written festoons to protest against Larma.
Khamin spoke to local villagers of both Jumma and Bengalee communities, leaders of the UPDF and both factions of the JSS as well as local government authorities.
The local people denied that any attack, as claimed by JSS President Santu Larma, had ever taken place.
Dipak Chakma, a day-labourer told him: “Our intention, through the human chain, was to show him his failure at solving our problems. We want peace and also our lands that were grabbed by the Bengali settlers in this village.”
Another villager said “Our human chain stood by the road while chanting the slogans that we do not want Larma and do not want him to come to Khagrachhari.”
Khamin also quotes a woman participant in the protest as saying: “As soon as we heard this, (news of Santu Larma coming) around 80 villagers began to make festoons, posters and shoe wreaths to grab his attention.”
Khamin goes on to say: “However, some of these demonstrators got carried away and threw stones and pieces of wood at the motorcade, according to Konika. ‘We were not influenced by the UPDF or any other political parties,’ said Gulapi Chakma, another resident of Maichchhari Bazar.”
After the incident, Santu Larma told the journalists in Khagrachari that he was attacked by UPDF. However, UPDF strongly denied the allegation and said Santu Larma had actually faced public anger over his destructive politics.
The CHT Commission and some so-called progressive political parties were quick to condemn the “attack” which was unusual in that they had never in the past condemned the most gruesome attacks on UPDF leaders as well as former General Secretary of JSS, Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma who fell out with Santu Larma over corruption and his autocratic nature of handling party affairs.
The local reporters took Larma at his word, never taking the trouble of making an on-the-spot investigation at the place of occurrence.
It took an independent reporter from Dhaka to do the job and his report, one hopes, will settle the issue once and for all.
News No. 28/2010, February 19, 2010
An investigative report by Khamin published in the New Age Xtra magazine of 19 February 2010 issue vindicates the UPDF assertion that Santu Larma was not attacked on 27 January while he was on his way to attend a Land Commission meeting in Kahgrachari, claims UPDF leader Ujjal Smriti Chakma.
“The photographs taken from the spot at Maischari by the reporter and published along with the report clearly testify that it was more a protest than an attack.” he commented. (photograph attached)
The Khamin’s report carries two striking pictures, among others, which help one to understand the true nature of the incident of that day.
One of the pictures has been captioned: “Local residents at Maichchhari put up shoes on a tree beside the road to express their rage towards Larma”.
The other says: “Local residents at Maichchhari put up hand written festoons to protest against Larma.
Khamin spoke to local villagers of both Jumma and Bengalee communities, leaders of the UPDF and both factions of the JSS as well as local government authorities.
The local people denied that any attack, as claimed by JSS President Santu Larma, had ever taken place.
Dipak Chakma, a day-labourer told him: “Our intention, through the human chain, was to show him his failure at solving our problems. We want peace and also our lands that were grabbed by the Bengali settlers in this village.”
Another villager said “Our human chain stood by the road while chanting the slogans that we do not want Larma and do not want him to come to Khagrachhari.”
Khamin also quotes a woman participant in the protest as saying: “As soon as we heard this, (news of Santu Larma coming) around 80 villagers began to make festoons, posters and shoe wreaths to grab his attention.”
Khamin goes on to say: “However, some of these demonstrators got carried away and threw stones and pieces of wood at the motorcade, according to Konika. ‘We were not influenced by the UPDF or any other political parties,’ said Gulapi Chakma, another resident of Maichchhari Bazar.”
After the incident, Santu Larma told the journalists in Khagrachari that he was attacked by UPDF. However, UPDF strongly denied the allegation and said Santu Larma had actually faced public anger over his destructive politics.
The CHT Commission and some so-called progressive political parties were quick to condemn the “attack” which was unusual in that they had never in the past condemned the most gruesome attacks on UPDF leaders as well as former General Secretary of JSS, Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma who fell out with Santu Larma over corruption and his autocratic nature of handling party affairs.
The local reporters took Larma at his word, never taking the trouble of making an on-the-spot investigation at the place of occurrence.
It took an independent reporter from Dhaka to do the job and his report, one hopes, will settle the issue once and for all.
A people scorned
http://www.newagebd.com/2010/feb/19/feb19/xtra_inner2.html
Khamin investigates the recent alleged attacks on Santu Larma and
other CHT leaders on January 27
Tri-Ratna Buddha Bihar point
of Maichchhari upazila where Larma's
convoy was attacked
Around 8:30 am on January 27, Santu Larma, the president of Parbatya
Chhattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), Chakma circle chief Raja
Debashish Roy and Nikhil Kumar Chakma, chairman of Rangamati District
Council, were separately on their way to attend a Chittagong Hill
Tract (CHT) Land commission meeting. They were supposed to meet the
PCJSS vice president, Laxmi Prasad Chakma, to discuss the issues of
the Task Force for Indian Repatriated Tribal Refugees and Internally
Displaced People at the circuit house.
According to the victims, during their trip from Rangamati to
Khagrachhari, they were all attacked at different spots. ‘Every thing
was going well when sometime around 9:30am and 10:00am we faced the
first attack at the Betchhari point,’ said Santu Larma to Xtra.
According to Larma, he was attacked at three different points by
the activists of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF). On the
other hand, members of the UPDF have already denied the allegations
while claiming that the whole incident was possibly instigated by a
faction of the PCJSS, who are against Larma.
The UPDF claimed, Larma’s PCJSS, although being in good terms with
the present government, has failed to secure the rights of ethnic
minorities in the CHT like settling the land disputes, recognition of
ethnic minorities in the constitution, military rule and settlers
migration in the CHT.
The incident has once again highlighted the delicate situation that
currently prevails at the CHT area following the much-discussed army
pullout.
‘Bricks and pieces of trees were hurled at our motorcade,’ Santu
told Xtra, later on. ‘However, due to the speed of the vehicle, we
overcame the threat,’ he added.
Santu also claimed to have faced attacks at the Lembochhari and
Maichchhari upazila under Khagrachhari.
‘The third attack occurred at Tri-Ratna Buddha Bihar point of
Maichchhari upazila and this was more dangerous than the other two,’
claimed Larma. ‘Stones, bricks, shoes and pieces of logs were thrown
at the motorcade,’ he added.
Larma’s gunman, Tarjen Khisa, fired three rounds after the
miscreants threw stones at the convoy.
Soon after reaching the Khagrachari circuit house, around 11:00am,
Larma informed local reporters about the attack and claimed that such
incidents would not have occurred had the government provided him
proper security.
‘The UPDF definitely attacked us as the group has been at it for
the past 12 years,’ he told Xtra later while demanding that the
government ban the party.
However, UPDF waived away the allegations. ‘It is a funny
allegation. Betchhari to Lembochhari, through which Larma travelled,
is a very desolate place where anyone could have harmed him, but
nobody did. Instead, the place he claims he was attacked in is
actually a marketplace,’ said Ujjal Smriti Chakma, a central committee
member of UPDF and a convenor of Khagrachhari district.
‘He is giving the incident a political colour as we are the only
political party that has positive support from all levels of the CHT
public,’ he went on.
‘The media covered the news based on Larma’s speech. They should
have visited the spots where the alleged attacks took place and talked
to the residents to find the truth,’ he suggested.
On the other hand, PCJSS sources reasoned that UPDF is an
undemocratic and terrorist outfit in the CHT.
‘They are against the CHT peace accord that was signed on December
2, 1997,’ said Larma. As such, according to the PCJSS, the UPDF do not
want peace in the CHT.
The UPDF was established on December 3 in 1997 while burning the
CHT peace accord at Raju Chattar in front of the TSC at the Dhaka
University (DU) campus. Later, on December 25, 1998 the UPDF was
established politically to secure the rights of ethnic minorities in
CHT, they claim.
UPDF’s reasons that the peace accord is not a legally binding
document and it also contradicts the constitution. UPDF had pointed
out that in the constitution, only the district council has the sole
authority and the regional council, formed through the peace accord,
is not even recognised.
‘We are not against the CHT peace accord; we just refuse the accord
due to its illegality,’ said Smriti Chakma. ‘The accord is a deed that
is dependent on the president’s mercy and he can dismiss the accord as
it has no legal validity,’ he explained.
He even pointed out that the accord had not passed through
parliament and was not voted upon. ‘Then how is it legal?’ he asked.
Smriti provided a different probable scenario. ‘The attack was
probably carried out by a faction of PCJSS who are against Larma,’ he
speculated.
He explained that the region from Lembochhari to Maichchhari is
highly under the influence of this splinter faction of PCJSS. ‘Local
residents of Maichchhari willingly attend their demonstrations and
rallies due to their dissatisfaction with Larma,’ he added.
But Santu Larma denied the allegation. ‘PCJSS is not divided into
two groups and there are no disagreements in our ranks, ever,’ said
Larma.
However, according to local sources, over the past two years,
during the reign of the military-backed caretaker government, PCJSS
did split into two groups. One was Larma’s PCJSS and the other was a
reformist group that criticised Larma for his autocratic
decision-making style.
Chandra Shekhar Chakma had first criticised Larma’ activities
openly by distributing leaflets among the locals. There was an
assassination attempt on him for which the reformists pointed their
fingers towards Santu Larma.
However, although the bullet did not kill him, Chandra Shekhar died
later in the year from a stroke. He had earlier been elected twice as
general secretary of the PCJSS.
This reporter visited the three spots where the alleged attacks had
taken place. However, nobody could say for certain the spots where
Larma’s motorcade was attacked.
According to Larma, the attack in Maichchhari was the most notable
while the other two attacks in Betchhari and Lembochhari were not very
serious.
However, most locals at Lembochhari Bazar denied any such incident.
‘No, nothing like this ever occurred in this area and the media
basically published fake news,’ said Kali Ratan Talukder, a shopkeeper
at Lembochhari Bazar.
Local people claimed that there has been a massive uprising against
Larma’s activities in CHT over the years. The residents at Maichchhari
village had actually organised a human chain to protest against
Larma’s activities on that day.
The villagers pointed out that Larma has done little to solve the
problems they have been facing with Bengali settlers grabbing their
lands. ‘We tried to draw Larma’s attention a number of times so that
he solves these problems,’ said Ani Chakma of Maichchhari.
‘However, he is busy with his personal life and has no headache
over our problems! How was the peace accord implemented when our lands
were never returned?’ he questioned.
‘Around 8:00am on January 27, we heard that only Santu Larma was
coming to Khagrachhari via the road to attend the land commission
meeting,’ said Konika Chakma, a resident of Maichchhari Bazar. ‘As
soon as we heard this, around 80 villagers began to make festoons,
posters and shoe wreaths to grab his attention,’ she described.
‘Our intention, through the human chain, was to show him his
failure at solving our problems,’ said Dipak Chakma, a day-labour at
Maichchhari. ‘We want peace and also our lands that were grabbed by
the Bengali settlers in this village,’ he added.
According to these locals, they never really planned any attack.
‘Our human chain stood by the road while chanting the slogans that we
do not want Larma and do not want him to come to Khagrachhari,’ said a
villager.
However, some of these demonstrators got carried away and threw
stones and pieces of wood at the motorcade, according to Konika. ‘We
were not influenced by the UPDF or any other political parties,’ said
Gulapi Chakma, another resident of Maichchhari Bazar.
While UPDF and a faction of PCJSS have been blamed for the attack,
local people also suspected that a third party, probably influenced
the demonstration.
‘We should keep in mind that there is a third party that does not
want the implementation of the peace accord in the CHT,’ said Nilotpal
Khisa, a lecturer of Panchari College and a resident of Maichchhari.
‘These people could very well be those who have been active against
the Peace accord since its signing,’ he added, alluding to a third
force who are allegedly linked to BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.
However, Larma’s own party men had a different take on the alleged
incident. ‘Larma is the kind of man who always wants to be in the
media’s spotlight,’ said Rupayan Dewan, a member of PCJSS, when asked
about the incident. ‘He is efficient at creating situations through
which he will create a stir leading to headlines in the media,’ he
added.
‘Actually, his status is falling every day in the CHT due to his
involvement in various immoral and selfish activities. His activities
have been questioned by many PCJSS committee members and dedicated
PCJSS leaders including Shaktiman Chakma, Shudha Shindhu Chakma,
Tatindra Lal Talukder (Major Pale Babu), Gaoutam Kumer Chakma (former
vice chairman of PCJSS),’ he added.
He also pointed out that the National council of PCJSS expired on
March 3 in 2009. ‘However, Larma is not taking any initiative to call
a council,’ he informed.
‘Larma is an autocratic person and is operating according to his
own will. He does not follow the organisational rules of PCJSS and
this is creating dissatisfaction amongst the other congress members,’
he said.
On February 3, a high powered investigation team, headed by ASP
Shakila Sultana of the Khagrachhari circle, came to investigate the
incident. ‘We have not found any clues yet about the incident,’ said
ASP Sultana to the press.
She pointed out that there is evidence that some unknown people had
thrown stones from the right side of Larma’s motorcade thus breaking
the glasses on the right side of his vehicle. ‘He probably injured a
finger on his right hand through the broken glass,’ she speculated.
Mohalchhari’s acting office commissioner, Abdul Mannan Khan, also
claimed that he did not find any clues and was unsure about UPDF’s
involvement in the attack.
‘I think a particular group, who does not want the peace accord to
be implemented in the CHT, is behind this,’ said Delwar Hossain, a
timber trader at Maichchhari. ‘UPDF does not want the implementation
of the peace accord and have probably done this in connivance with the
BNP-Jamaat alliance,’ he said.
New Age, Xtra, February 19, 2010
Khamin investigates the recent alleged attacks on Santu Larma and
other CHT leaders on January 27
Tri-Ratna Buddha Bihar point
of Maichchhari upazila where Larma's
convoy was attacked
Around 8:30 am on January 27, Santu Larma, the president of Parbatya
Chhattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), Chakma circle chief Raja
Debashish Roy and Nikhil Kumar Chakma, chairman of Rangamati District
Council, were separately on their way to attend a Chittagong Hill
Tract (CHT) Land commission meeting. They were supposed to meet the
PCJSS vice president, Laxmi Prasad Chakma, to discuss the issues of
the Task Force for Indian Repatriated Tribal Refugees and Internally
Displaced People at the circuit house.
According to the victims, during their trip from Rangamati to
Khagrachhari, they were all attacked at different spots. ‘Every thing
was going well when sometime around 9:30am and 10:00am we faced the
first attack at the Betchhari point,’ said Santu Larma to Xtra.
According to Larma, he was attacked at three different points by
the activists of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF). On the
other hand, members of the UPDF have already denied the allegations
while claiming that the whole incident was possibly instigated by a
faction of the PCJSS, who are against Larma.
The UPDF claimed, Larma’s PCJSS, although being in good terms with
the present government, has failed to secure the rights of ethnic
minorities in the CHT like settling the land disputes, recognition of
ethnic minorities in the constitution, military rule and settlers
migration in the CHT.
The incident has once again highlighted the delicate situation that
currently prevails at the CHT area following the much-discussed army
pullout.
‘Bricks and pieces of trees were hurled at our motorcade,’ Santu
told Xtra, later on. ‘However, due to the speed of the vehicle, we
overcame the threat,’ he added.
Santu also claimed to have faced attacks at the Lembochhari and
Maichchhari upazila under Khagrachhari.
‘The third attack occurred at Tri-Ratna Buddha Bihar point of
Maichchhari upazila and this was more dangerous than the other two,’
claimed Larma. ‘Stones, bricks, shoes and pieces of logs were thrown
at the motorcade,’ he added.
Larma’s gunman, Tarjen Khisa, fired three rounds after the
miscreants threw stones at the convoy.
Soon after reaching the Khagrachari circuit house, around 11:00am,
Larma informed local reporters about the attack and claimed that such
incidents would not have occurred had the government provided him
proper security.
‘The UPDF definitely attacked us as the group has been at it for
the past 12 years,’ he told Xtra later while demanding that the
government ban the party.
However, UPDF waived away the allegations. ‘It is a funny
allegation. Betchhari to Lembochhari, through which Larma travelled,
is a very desolate place where anyone could have harmed him, but
nobody did. Instead, the place he claims he was attacked in is
actually a marketplace,’ said Ujjal Smriti Chakma, a central committee
member of UPDF and a convenor of Khagrachhari district.
‘He is giving the incident a political colour as we are the only
political party that has positive support from all levels of the CHT
public,’ he went on.
‘The media covered the news based on Larma’s speech. They should
have visited the spots where the alleged attacks took place and talked
to the residents to find the truth,’ he suggested.
On the other hand, PCJSS sources reasoned that UPDF is an
undemocratic and terrorist outfit in the CHT.
‘They are against the CHT peace accord that was signed on December
2, 1997,’ said Larma. As such, according to the PCJSS, the UPDF do not
want peace in the CHT.
The UPDF was established on December 3 in 1997 while burning the
CHT peace accord at Raju Chattar in front of the TSC at the Dhaka
University (DU) campus. Later, on December 25, 1998 the UPDF was
established politically to secure the rights of ethnic minorities in
CHT, they claim.
UPDF’s reasons that the peace accord is not a legally binding
document and it also contradicts the constitution. UPDF had pointed
out that in the constitution, only the district council has the sole
authority and the regional council, formed through the peace accord,
is not even recognised.
‘We are not against the CHT peace accord; we just refuse the accord
due to its illegality,’ said Smriti Chakma. ‘The accord is a deed that
is dependent on the president’s mercy and he can dismiss the accord as
it has no legal validity,’ he explained.
He even pointed out that the accord had not passed through
parliament and was not voted upon. ‘Then how is it legal?’ he asked.
Smriti provided a different probable scenario. ‘The attack was
probably carried out by a faction of PCJSS who are against Larma,’ he
speculated.
He explained that the region from Lembochhari to Maichchhari is
highly under the influence of this splinter faction of PCJSS. ‘Local
residents of Maichchhari willingly attend their demonstrations and
rallies due to their dissatisfaction with Larma,’ he added.
But Santu Larma denied the allegation. ‘PCJSS is not divided into
two groups and there are no disagreements in our ranks, ever,’ said
Larma.
However, according to local sources, over the past two years,
during the reign of the military-backed caretaker government, PCJSS
did split into two groups. One was Larma’s PCJSS and the other was a
reformist group that criticised Larma for his autocratic
decision-making style.
Chandra Shekhar Chakma had first criticised Larma’ activities
openly by distributing leaflets among the locals. There was an
assassination attempt on him for which the reformists pointed their
fingers towards Santu Larma.
However, although the bullet did not kill him, Chandra Shekhar died
later in the year from a stroke. He had earlier been elected twice as
general secretary of the PCJSS.
This reporter visited the three spots where the alleged attacks had
taken place. However, nobody could say for certain the spots where
Larma’s motorcade was attacked.
According to Larma, the attack in Maichchhari was the most notable
while the other two attacks in Betchhari and Lembochhari were not very
serious.
However, most locals at Lembochhari Bazar denied any such incident.
‘No, nothing like this ever occurred in this area and the media
basically published fake news,’ said Kali Ratan Talukder, a shopkeeper
at Lembochhari Bazar.
Local people claimed that there has been a massive uprising against
Larma’s activities in CHT over the years. The residents at Maichchhari
village had actually organised a human chain to protest against
Larma’s activities on that day.
The villagers pointed out that Larma has done little to solve the
problems they have been facing with Bengali settlers grabbing their
lands. ‘We tried to draw Larma’s attention a number of times so that
he solves these problems,’ said Ani Chakma of Maichchhari.
‘However, he is busy with his personal life and has no headache
over our problems! How was the peace accord implemented when our lands
were never returned?’ he questioned.
‘Around 8:00am on January 27, we heard that only Santu Larma was
coming to Khagrachhari via the road to attend the land commission
meeting,’ said Konika Chakma, a resident of Maichchhari Bazar. ‘As
soon as we heard this, around 80 villagers began to make festoons,
posters and shoe wreaths to grab his attention,’ she described.
‘Our intention, through the human chain, was to show him his
failure at solving our problems,’ said Dipak Chakma, a day-labour at
Maichchhari. ‘We want peace and also our lands that were grabbed by
the Bengali settlers in this village,’ he added.
According to these locals, they never really planned any attack.
‘Our human chain stood by the road while chanting the slogans that we
do not want Larma and do not want him to come to Khagrachhari,’ said a
villager.
However, some of these demonstrators got carried away and threw
stones and pieces of wood at the motorcade, according to Konika. ‘We
were not influenced by the UPDF or any other political parties,’ said
Gulapi Chakma, another resident of Maichchhari Bazar.
While UPDF and a faction of PCJSS have been blamed for the attack,
local people also suspected that a third party, probably influenced
the demonstration.
‘We should keep in mind that there is a third party that does not
want the implementation of the peace accord in the CHT,’ said Nilotpal
Khisa, a lecturer of Panchari College and a resident of Maichchhari.
‘These people could very well be those who have been active against
the Peace accord since its signing,’ he added, alluding to a third
force who are allegedly linked to BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.
However, Larma’s own party men had a different take on the alleged
incident. ‘Larma is the kind of man who always wants to be in the
media’s spotlight,’ said Rupayan Dewan, a member of PCJSS, when asked
about the incident. ‘He is efficient at creating situations through
which he will create a stir leading to headlines in the media,’ he
added.
‘Actually, his status is falling every day in the CHT due to his
involvement in various immoral and selfish activities. His activities
have been questioned by many PCJSS committee members and dedicated
PCJSS leaders including Shaktiman Chakma, Shudha Shindhu Chakma,
Tatindra Lal Talukder (Major Pale Babu), Gaoutam Kumer Chakma (former
vice chairman of PCJSS),’ he added.
He also pointed out that the National council of PCJSS expired on
March 3 in 2009. ‘However, Larma is not taking any initiative to call
a council,’ he informed.
‘Larma is an autocratic person and is operating according to his
own will. He does not follow the organisational rules of PCJSS and
this is creating dissatisfaction amongst the other congress members,’
he said.
On February 3, a high powered investigation team, headed by ASP
Shakila Sultana of the Khagrachhari circle, came to investigate the
incident. ‘We have not found any clues yet about the incident,’ said
ASP Sultana to the press.
She pointed out that there is evidence that some unknown people had
thrown stones from the right side of Larma’s motorcade thus breaking
the glasses on the right side of his vehicle. ‘He probably injured a
finger on his right hand through the broken glass,’ she speculated.
Mohalchhari’s acting office commissioner, Abdul Mannan Khan, also
claimed that he did not find any clues and was unsure about UPDF’s
involvement in the attack.
‘I think a particular group, who does not want the peace accord to
be implemented in the CHT, is behind this,’ said Delwar Hossain, a
timber trader at Maichchhari. ‘UPDF does not want the implementation
of the peace accord and have probably done this in connivance with the
BNP-Jamaat alliance,’ he said.
New Age, Xtra, February 19, 2010
Assassination attempt on UPDF leader in Bandarban
chtnews.com
News No. 27/2010, February 18, 2010
There has been an assassination attempt on United Peoples’ Democratic
Front (UPDF) leader in the southern CHT district of Bandarban.
According to UPDF and independent sources, UPDF’s Bandarban District
Organiser Choton Kanti Tanchangya was sipping tea at a restaurant at
Balaghata, a suburb of Bandarban town, at 2:30pm when a group of JSS
(Santu Larma faction) members appeared.
One of them took out a revolver and pulled the trigger after pointing
it at Mr. Choton. However, the trigger betrayed, and other JSS men
attacked him with clubs and sticks.
The attack left Choton seriously injured. He has been admitted to
Bandarban Sadar Hospital in senseless condition.
The people present at the restaurant resisted the JSS attackers and
caught one of them red handed. He has been identified as Antor Chakma,
from Rangamati.
He admitted that he has been assigned by Santu Larma to kill Choton
and other UPDF leaders in Bandarban.
The crowed gave him a sound beating before handing him over to the police.
Three rounds of bullets along with the revolver have been recovered from him.
Another attacker has been identified as S. A. Maung, who leads the JSS
armed group in Bandarban area.
UPDF has condemned the assassination attempt on Choton Kanti
Tanchangya and urged the government to take stern actions against JSS
(Santu Larma faction) armed groups.
Bikram Chakma, a UPDF member in Bandarban, told chtnews.com the JSS
(Santu group) had been threatening Choton for the last two – three
days.
“We knew Santu Group men had come with a mission to kill or harm Mr.
Choton, and therefore we were on our guard.” he said.
UPDF leader Ujjal Smriti Chakma said violence has become a creed of
JSS (Santu). “How can he remain in power in RC when his terrorist
gangs go about killing and abducting innocent people everywhere?” he
asked.
“Obviously, there is state sanction behind his criminal activities.
Santu Babu is implementing the government blueprint to destroy the
Jummas by pitting his group against the whole Jummas. This is the only
reason why he continues to spurn UPDF offer of talks.” he added.
“If he disobeys his masters in Dhaka today, he will lose his position
at the RC tomorrow. This is as plain as that; and he is too faithful
to his masters to disobey them.”
Protests
HWF-PCP-DYF staged a demonstration in Khagrachari in protest at attack
on Choton Tanchanya.
The demonstrators chanted slogans against government-backed JSS (Santu
faction) terrorists and demanded that the government arrests and try
Santu Larma, the source of all evils in CHT.
News No. 27/2010, February 18, 2010
There has been an assassination attempt on United Peoples’ Democratic
Front (UPDF) leader in the southern CHT district of Bandarban.
According to UPDF and independent sources, UPDF’s Bandarban District
Organiser Choton Kanti Tanchangya was sipping tea at a restaurant at
Balaghata, a suburb of Bandarban town, at 2:30pm when a group of JSS
(Santu Larma faction) members appeared.
One of them took out a revolver and pulled the trigger after pointing
it at Mr. Choton. However, the trigger betrayed, and other JSS men
attacked him with clubs and sticks.
The attack left Choton seriously injured. He has been admitted to
Bandarban Sadar Hospital in senseless condition.
The people present at the restaurant resisted the JSS attackers and
caught one of them red handed. He has been identified as Antor Chakma,
from Rangamati.
He admitted that he has been assigned by Santu Larma to kill Choton
and other UPDF leaders in Bandarban.
The crowed gave him a sound beating before handing him over to the police.
Three rounds of bullets along with the revolver have been recovered from him.
Another attacker has been identified as S. A. Maung, who leads the JSS
armed group in Bandarban area.
UPDF has condemned the assassination attempt on Choton Kanti
Tanchangya and urged the government to take stern actions against JSS
(Santu Larma faction) armed groups.
Bikram Chakma, a UPDF member in Bandarban, told chtnews.com the JSS
(Santu group) had been threatening Choton for the last two – three
days.
“We knew Santu Group men had come with a mission to kill or harm Mr.
Choton, and therefore we were on our guard.” he said.
UPDF leader Ujjal Smriti Chakma said violence has become a creed of
JSS (Santu). “How can he remain in power in RC when his terrorist
gangs go about killing and abducting innocent people everywhere?” he
asked.
“Obviously, there is state sanction behind his criminal activities.
Santu Babu is implementing the government blueprint to destroy the
Jummas by pitting his group against the whole Jummas. This is the only
reason why he continues to spurn UPDF offer of talks.” he added.
“If he disobeys his masters in Dhaka today, he will lose his position
at the RC tomorrow. This is as plain as that; and he is too faithful
to his masters to disobey them.”
Protests
HWF-PCP-DYF staged a demonstration in Khagrachari in protest at attack
on Choton Tanchanya.
The demonstrators chanted slogans against government-backed JSS (Santu
faction) terrorists and demanded that the government arrests and try
Santu Larma, the source of all evils in CHT.
Tense in Sajek: Jumma women feel insecurity
chtnews.com
News No. 26/2010, February 17, 2010
As tensions between Jummas and Bengali settlers continue to mount in Sajek, Jumma women, particularly those living beside Bengali settlements and military and para-military posts, feel insecurity both at homes as well as at work.
Last night all the villagers of Hazachara had to come forward in aid of a Jumma housewife who had run away from her home to save herself from the marauding settlers.
According to sources, around 9PM a group of settlers and members of para military Ansar went to the house of Sushil Chakma, a Jum cultivator. He was not at home – away to Reserve Forest for bamboo-cutting – and his wife Chander Mala Chakma (35) was just in bed with her five young children when she heard the footsteps of the stalkers.
Sensing that they had bad intentions, she silently ran out of the house through a hole of the ramshackle bamboo wall, and so did her children.
After going a few distances, she gave a loud shout and called for help.
Hearing this, the villagers also gave shouts in chorus as a way of support and rushed to her and rescued her.
Chander Mala’s house is located within 250 yards of Baghaihat zone, and there is an Ansar post near her house.
One Jumma woman in Sajek described their lives as hell and said: “There is no security here and many villagers had to keep their young girls with their relatives in other areas.”
She admitted, however, that after the revolts of the Jumma women the army had to reduce their movements.
“But still there is no safety and security, because you do not know when they will come and raid our homes and arrest our husbands and sons.” she said.
She also alleged that the army is instigating the settlers to “grab our lands” and pick up quarrels with us.
News No. 26/2010, February 17, 2010
As tensions between Jummas and Bengali settlers continue to mount in Sajek, Jumma women, particularly those living beside Bengali settlements and military and para-military posts, feel insecurity both at homes as well as at work.
Last night all the villagers of Hazachara had to come forward in aid of a Jumma housewife who had run away from her home to save herself from the marauding settlers.
According to sources, around 9PM a group of settlers and members of para military Ansar went to the house of Sushil Chakma, a Jum cultivator. He was not at home – away to Reserve Forest for bamboo-cutting – and his wife Chander Mala Chakma (35) was just in bed with her five young children when she heard the footsteps of the stalkers.
Sensing that they had bad intentions, she silently ran out of the house through a hole of the ramshackle bamboo wall, and so did her children.
After going a few distances, she gave a loud shout and called for help.
Hearing this, the villagers also gave shouts in chorus as a way of support and rushed to her and rescued her.
Chander Mala’s house is located within 250 yards of Baghaihat zone, and there is an Ansar post near her house.
One Jumma woman in Sajek described their lives as hell and said: “There is no security here and many villagers had to keep their young girls with their relatives in other areas.”
She admitted, however, that after the revolts of the Jumma women the army had to reduce their movements.
“But still there is no safety and security, because you do not know when they will come and raid our homes and arrest our husbands and sons.” she said.
She also alleged that the army is instigating the settlers to “grab our lands” and pick up quarrels with us.
Tense in Sajek: settlers attempt to kidnap one
chtnews.com
News No. 25/2010, February 16, 2010
Tensions between Jummas and Bengali settlers have heightened in Sajek in Rangamati district as a group of settlers made an attempt to kidnap a Jumma businessman at Gangaram Doar of the area.
Sources said Abhilash Chakma, a resident of Talukderpara in Marishya and a businessman, was stopped by a group of settlers at Gangaram Doar in Sajek at 11.45am today.
He was on his way to Mazolong on business from Marishya on a motorbike.
The settlers roughed him up, took his motorbike away and tried to kidnap him. However, the nearby Jumma villagers rushed there and rescued him.
After protests, the settlers were forced to return his motorbike few minutes later.
Tensions have been prevailing in Sajek between Jumma people and illegal Bengali settlers for the last few days over a host of issues including land grabbing.
The Jummas have been boycotting Baghaihat bazaar since 18 January to press their demand for putting an end to illegal land grabbing and withdrawal of the army and settlers from the area.
They allege that the army is responsible for repressing innocent Jumma villagers and instigating settlers to grab their lands.
News No. 25/2010, February 16, 2010
Tensions between Jummas and Bengali settlers have heightened in Sajek in Rangamati district as a group of settlers made an attempt to kidnap a Jumma businessman at Gangaram Doar of the area.
Sources said Abhilash Chakma, a resident of Talukderpara in Marishya and a businessman, was stopped by a group of settlers at Gangaram Doar in Sajek at 11.45am today.
He was on his way to Mazolong on business from Marishya on a motorbike.
The settlers roughed him up, took his motorbike away and tried to kidnap him. However, the nearby Jumma villagers rushed there and rescued him.
After protests, the settlers were forced to return his motorbike few minutes later.
Tensions have been prevailing in Sajek between Jumma people and illegal Bengali settlers for the last few days over a host of issues including land grabbing.
The Jummas have been boycotting Baghaihat bazaar since 18 January to press their demand for putting an end to illegal land grabbing and withdrawal of the army and settlers from the area.
They allege that the army is responsible for repressing innocent Jumma villagers and instigating settlers to grab their lands.
JSS Santu faction kidnaps one in Jurachari
chtnews.com
News No. 24/2010, February 14, 2010
The armed Jana Samhati Samiti militants (Santu faction) have kidnapped a supporter of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) in Jurahcari in Rangamati district, sources say.
The incident took place yesterday about 7:30pm. According to an independent source, a group of about 15 Santu loyalists led by Hridoy Kumar Chakma (60), Promesh Chakma and Joti Chakma abducted Kalpa Ranjan Chakma (35) son of Ram Chakma from his home in the village of Daney Panchari under Jurachari Sadar Union.
The JSS men were armed with automatic weapons and aggressive in their behaviour.
Kalpa Ranjan Chakma is the president of the Village Committee in his village and actively supports the United Peoples Democratic Front.
One of the kidnappers, Hridoy Kumra Chakma, is an accused in a murder case and is now on bail.
The JSS members also beat up five other villagers for providing support to the UPDF, which has become the leading party championing the cause of the Jumma people, routing the JSS from most of the areas held by it earlier.
The victims have been identified as Shankar Chakma (35) son of Debendra Chakma, his wife Maharani Chakma, his son Sorit Chakma, Birongo Chakma (33) son of Shashi Moni Chakma and Balaram Chakma (30) son of Ananda Kumar Chakma.
Shanti Dev Chakma, UPDF’s Rangamati District Unit Organiser, condemned the kidnapping as cowardice and urged Santu Larma to shun violence and come to the negotiating table.
“These kinds of violence only serve the interest of the oppressors of the Jumma people and should be condemned by all those who claim to support the cause of the Jumma people.” he said in a telephone interview with chtnews.com.
He also urged the Santu loyalists not to harm Kalpa Ranjan Chakma and release him immediately.
News No. 24/2010, February 14, 2010
The armed Jana Samhati Samiti militants (Santu faction) have kidnapped a supporter of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) in Jurahcari in Rangamati district, sources say.
The incident took place yesterday about 7:30pm. According to an independent source, a group of about 15 Santu loyalists led by Hridoy Kumar Chakma (60), Promesh Chakma and Joti Chakma abducted Kalpa Ranjan Chakma (35) son of Ram Chakma from his home in the village of Daney Panchari under Jurachari Sadar Union.
The JSS men were armed with automatic weapons and aggressive in their behaviour.
Kalpa Ranjan Chakma is the president of the Village Committee in his village and actively supports the United Peoples Democratic Front.
One of the kidnappers, Hridoy Kumra Chakma, is an accused in a murder case and is now on bail.
The JSS members also beat up five other villagers for providing support to the UPDF, which has become the leading party championing the cause of the Jumma people, routing the JSS from most of the areas held by it earlier.
The victims have been identified as Shankar Chakma (35) son of Debendra Chakma, his wife Maharani Chakma, his son Sorit Chakma, Birongo Chakma (33) son of Shashi Moni Chakma and Balaram Chakma (30) son of Ananda Kumar Chakma.
Shanti Dev Chakma, UPDF’s Rangamati District Unit Organiser, condemned the kidnapping as cowardice and urged Santu Larma to shun violence and come to the negotiating table.
“These kinds of violence only serve the interest of the oppressors of the Jumma people and should be condemned by all those who claim to support the cause of the Jumma people.” he said in a telephone interview with chtnews.com.
He also urged the Santu loyalists not to harm Kalpa Ranjan Chakma and release him immediately.
Human chain against land grabbing in Bandarban
chtnews.com
News No. 23/2010, February 11, 2010
The Bangladesh Tripura Christian Students’ Association and Sadharan Tripura Janagoshti (Common Tripura People) formed a human chain Wednesday, yesterday, in front of Bandarban Press Club against attempts at land grabbing in Tonkabati Union.
They demanded arrest and trial of those responsible for the attack on the villagers of Jotram Karbari Para and the burning down of a house.
BTCSA President Naha Tripura said a total of 25 Tripura families with Jotram Tripura as their chief were rehabilitated by Forest Department under Tonkabati Union (No. 310) in 1985-86. Each of these families was given 5 acres of land – 4.5 acres for horticulture and .5 acre for homestead.
“The settlers are now trying to evict these poor families and grab their lands” he alleged.
On 2 February, a group of settlers led by Nasir Uddin attacked the Jumma villagers with dao (a kind of knife), stick and seesaw and torched a house.
Daity Tripura, Goyonganti Tripura, Terun Tripura, Michael Tripura and Hastaram Tripura were seriously injured in the attack.
News No. 23/2010, February 11, 2010
The Bangladesh Tripura Christian Students’ Association and Sadharan Tripura Janagoshti (Common Tripura People) formed a human chain Wednesday, yesterday, in front of Bandarban Press Club against attempts at land grabbing in Tonkabati Union.
They demanded arrest and trial of those responsible for the attack on the villagers of Jotram Karbari Para and the burning down of a house.
BTCSA President Naha Tripura said a total of 25 Tripura families with Jotram Tripura as their chief were rehabilitated by Forest Department under Tonkabati Union (No. 310) in 1985-86. Each of these families was given 5 acres of land – 4.5 acres for horticulture and .5 acre for homestead.
“The settlers are now trying to evict these poor families and grab their lands” he alleged.
On 2 February, a group of settlers led by Nasir Uddin attacked the Jumma villagers with dao (a kind of knife), stick and seesaw and torched a house.
Daity Tripura, Goyonganti Tripura, Terun Tripura, Michael Tripura and Hastaram Tripura were seriously injured in the attack.
Rally against repression and land grabbing held in Chittagong
chtnews.com
News No. 22/2010, February 05, 2010
The government has been urged to end all forms of repression on Jumma people and stop land grabbing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The demand was made at a rally organised by Sacheton Jubo Samaj (Conscious Youth Society) in Chittagong today at 4pm.
Held in front of Chittagong Press Club with Enjoy Chakma, president of SJS, in the chair, the rally was addressed, among others, by professor Hossain Khan, Maruf Hossain Rumi, Biplob, Jibon, Aungshupru, Legal Chakma and Mong Sajai Marma.
The speaker said twelve years have passed since the CHT accord was signed, but repression on Jumma people still continues unabated and land grabbing has become a serious threat to the existence of the ethnic minorities.
“The military is still there, and they continue to violate the rights of the Jumma people.” Enjoy said.
The speakers criticized the construction of “Swargachura Tourist Centre” in Bandarban on land belonging to a private individual and urged the government to stop it.
They urged the government to end all forms of repression against Jumma people, stop land grabbing and withdraw the army and settlers from CHT.
The rally was followed by a procession which ended at Shahid Minar.
Jitesh Chakma, a SJS activist, told chtnews.com that the Santu Larma supporters had prevented many Jummas living in Bandar area of Chittagong from participating in the rally.
“Many of our supporters as well as common people could not join us in the rally because of the threats of the JSS (Santu faction)” he said adding: “They (JSS Santu group) have become a real problem in our struggle; they would not do the struggle themselves and when others do, they would create obstacles. This must end.”
News No. 22/2010, February 05, 2010
The government has been urged to end all forms of repression on Jumma people and stop land grabbing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The demand was made at a rally organised by Sacheton Jubo Samaj (Conscious Youth Society) in Chittagong today at 4pm.
Held in front of Chittagong Press Club with Enjoy Chakma, president of SJS, in the chair, the rally was addressed, among others, by professor Hossain Khan, Maruf Hossain Rumi, Biplob, Jibon, Aungshupru, Legal Chakma and Mong Sajai Marma.
The speaker said twelve years have passed since the CHT accord was signed, but repression on Jumma people still continues unabated and land grabbing has become a serious threat to the existence of the ethnic minorities.
“The military is still there, and they continue to violate the rights of the Jumma people.” Enjoy said.
The speakers criticized the construction of “Swargachura Tourist Centre” in Bandarban on land belonging to a private individual and urged the government to stop it.
They urged the government to end all forms of repression against Jumma people, stop land grabbing and withdraw the army and settlers from CHT.
The rally was followed by a procession which ended at Shahid Minar.
Jitesh Chakma, a SJS activist, told chtnews.com that the Santu Larma supporters had prevented many Jummas living in Bandar area of Chittagong from participating in the rally.
“Many of our supporters as well as common people could not join us in the rally because of the threats of the JSS (Santu faction)” he said adding: “They (JSS Santu group) have become a real problem in our struggle; they would not do the struggle themselves and when others do, they would create obstacles. This must end.”
One detained by army in Dighinala
chtnews.com
News No. 21/2010, February 05, 2010
A Jumma villager has been detained in an army camp in Dighinala in Khagrachari district, UPDF sources say.
The incident occurred at 1:30pm today when Bengua Chakma (30) son of Krishna Shashi Chakma protested at the damage caused to his tobacco field by the widening of a road leading to Parbati Para army camp near Ketrangchara in Babuchara.
Bengua Chakma has been detained in that army camp.
The road from Meinie river to the camp – the length of which is about 4/5 kilometers – is being reconstructed by Massud Rana, chairman of Boalkhali Union Council, without a formal project approval.
“This proves that the army has no intention to leave the CHT.” said Natun Kumar Chakma, a UPDF leader in Dighinala.
He condemned the illegal detention of Bengua Chakma and urged the authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally.
News No. 21/2010, February 05, 2010
A Jumma villager has been detained in an army camp in Dighinala in Khagrachari district, UPDF sources say.
The incident occurred at 1:30pm today when Bengua Chakma (30) son of Krishna Shashi Chakma protested at the damage caused to his tobacco field by the widening of a road leading to Parbati Para army camp near Ketrangchara in Babuchara.
Bengua Chakma has been detained in that army camp.
The road from Meinie river to the camp – the length of which is about 4/5 kilometers – is being reconstructed by Massud Rana, chairman of Boalkhali Union Council, without a formal project approval.
“This proves that the army has no intention to leave the CHT.” said Natun Kumar Chakma, a UPDF leader in Dighinala.
He condemned the illegal detention of Bengua Chakma and urged the authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally.
A second Kaptai dam?
Kabita Chakma THE news heading "Another Kaptai dam for power
generation: Govt seeks US help," reported in The Daily Star, on Friday
January 22, made me consciously question: Am I reading this correctly?
Is it a hoax or a mistake? Or is it a joke?
The story that followed was: "The government sought assistance from
the USA in power sector for building another Kaptai dam for doubling
hydropower generation from the lake waters in Rangamati hill
district."
Questions arise immediately: Why hasn't there been any information on
this in any news media? Why haven't local communities been informed
about such a large project?
Shortly after the news was released, phone calls, e-mails, poured in
from many Jumma and some non-Jumma expressing grave concerns:
"Another dam in CHT ? Using US money at the expense of Jumma land? Who
knows how much Jumma land will be grabbed and then the power will be
used to run factories in the plain land?"
"I wonder whether the state minister for environment had any
consultation with the people of CHT before requesting for help to US
government?"
"If this proposal for a second Kaptai dam is a serious proposal -- it
seems so preposterous, I still have trouble believing the government
would propose such a thing."
"The last dam cost us very very dearly."
"We should act immediately before its too late."
We have since learnt that even local institutions, like the Rangamati
District Council and the CHT Regional Council, are looking for
information on the project proposal. It has been confirmed that not a
line was ever published about the project until the government sought
financial assistance from the US on January 22.
Does the government really believe that another Kaptai dam is a
justified, viable, sustainable development proposal?
If the government believes in another Kaptai dam project, why has the
government been clandestine about the project? Why hasn't the
government discussed the project with either the locals or their
representatives? Why hasn't the government discussed the project in
any public forum?
The Bangladesh government, as a democratic constituency, has an
obligation to inform its own people about any project, which will
affect them directly. In turn, its people have the right to know what
will happen to them, to their homesteads, farms, woods, lives and
livelihoods if another lake is created for doubling of electricity
production.
There are now more questions than answers, more distrust than trust in
the government. One key question arises: is this another act of
treachery against the indigenous Jumma of CHT by its own government?
Our memory of the existing Kaptai dam, built in the 1960s with the
assistance of USAID, without public information and local
consultation, has not been erased from Jumma's collective memory. It
continues to haunt thousands of Jummas of different generations.
It made 100,000 people (more than a quarter of the Jumma population)
homeless and jobless. It destroyed 40 per cent of the most valuable
agricultural land of the CHT. It also triggered over two decades of
undeclared war.
There remain ongoing issues regarding the economic injustices against
the hill people as an outcome of the inequitable sharing of
electricity from the first Kaptai dam. Only a tiny amount of the
promised compensation for the first dam was ever delivered and even
today, about 50 years later, nearly 95 per cent of the electricity
produced by the Kaptai dam is used for the development of the plains,
not the CHT where the electricity is produced. Hence, there is a
substantial economic debt owed to the peoples of the CHT by the state.
For the near 50 years of the existence of the Kaptai dam the CHT has
suffered from a lack of electrical power. One would justifiably think
that CHT should have the first priority of use of the electricity of
the Kaptai dam and the surplus should go to the national grid. But
instead, electricity produced by the Kaptai dam is delivered directly
to the national grid, while electricity is returned to CHT only
through Hathazari, a station at Chittagong district.
A respectful relationship between the CHT people and the state will
remain difficult without addressing the existing economic injustices
involved in the unfair distribution of electricity production.
Depriving the CHT of benefit of the electricity can only exacerbate
the injustices against the CHT people.
If there were ever to be another dam in the CHT, two steps seem necessary:
Firstly the financial, moral and ethical injustices that arose from
the first dam be made good.
Secondly, the local people, their institutions and representatives
must be substantially (not tokenistically) involved in the inception,
planning, decision-making levels of the project and in its delivery
and in maintenance.
Kabita Chakma, formally trained as an architect, is the Coordinator of
CHT Jumma Peoples Network of the Asia Pacific. She is also a writer
and has published her work in diverse areas, including human rights,
environment, literature and architecture.
The Daily Star, February 4, 2010
generation: Govt seeks US help," reported in The Daily Star, on Friday
January 22, made me consciously question: Am I reading this correctly?
Is it a hoax or a mistake? Or is it a joke?
The story that followed was: "The government sought assistance from
the USA in power sector for building another Kaptai dam for doubling
hydropower generation from the lake waters in Rangamati hill
district."
Questions arise immediately: Why hasn't there been any information on
this in any news media? Why haven't local communities been informed
about such a large project?
Shortly after the news was released, phone calls, e-mails, poured in
from many Jumma and some non-Jumma expressing grave concerns:
"Another dam in CHT ? Using US money at the expense of Jumma land? Who
knows how much Jumma land will be grabbed and then the power will be
used to run factories in the plain land?"
"I wonder whether the state minister for environment had any
consultation with the people of CHT before requesting for help to US
government?"
"If this proposal for a second Kaptai dam is a serious proposal -- it
seems so preposterous, I still have trouble believing the government
would propose such a thing."
"The last dam cost us very very dearly."
"We should act immediately before its too late."
We have since learnt that even local institutions, like the Rangamati
District Council and the CHT Regional Council, are looking for
information on the project proposal. It has been confirmed that not a
line was ever published about the project until the government sought
financial assistance from the US on January 22.
Does the government really believe that another Kaptai dam is a
justified, viable, sustainable development proposal?
If the government believes in another Kaptai dam project, why has the
government been clandestine about the project? Why hasn't the
government discussed the project with either the locals or their
representatives? Why hasn't the government discussed the project in
any public forum?
The Bangladesh government, as a democratic constituency, has an
obligation to inform its own people about any project, which will
affect them directly. In turn, its people have the right to know what
will happen to them, to their homesteads, farms, woods, lives and
livelihoods if another lake is created for doubling of electricity
production.
There are now more questions than answers, more distrust than trust in
the government. One key question arises: is this another act of
treachery against the indigenous Jumma of CHT by its own government?
Our memory of the existing Kaptai dam, built in the 1960s with the
assistance of USAID, without public information and local
consultation, has not been erased from Jumma's collective memory. It
continues to haunt thousands of Jummas of different generations.
It made 100,000 people (more than a quarter of the Jumma population)
homeless and jobless. It destroyed 40 per cent of the most valuable
agricultural land of the CHT. It also triggered over two decades of
undeclared war.
There remain ongoing issues regarding the economic injustices against
the hill people as an outcome of the inequitable sharing of
electricity from the first Kaptai dam. Only a tiny amount of the
promised compensation for the first dam was ever delivered and even
today, about 50 years later, nearly 95 per cent of the electricity
produced by the Kaptai dam is used for the development of the plains,
not the CHT where the electricity is produced. Hence, there is a
substantial economic debt owed to the peoples of the CHT by the state.
For the near 50 years of the existence of the Kaptai dam the CHT has
suffered from a lack of electrical power. One would justifiably think
that CHT should have the first priority of use of the electricity of
the Kaptai dam and the surplus should go to the national grid. But
instead, electricity produced by the Kaptai dam is delivered directly
to the national grid, while electricity is returned to CHT only
through Hathazari, a station at Chittagong district.
A respectful relationship between the CHT people and the state will
remain difficult without addressing the existing economic injustices
involved in the unfair distribution of electricity production.
Depriving the CHT of benefit of the electricity can only exacerbate
the injustices against the CHT people.
If there were ever to be another dam in the CHT, two steps seem necessary:
Firstly the financial, moral and ethical injustices that arose from
the first dam be made good.
Secondly, the local people, their institutions and representatives
must be substantially (not tokenistically) involved in the inception,
planning, decision-making levels of the project and in its delivery
and in maintenance.
Kabita Chakma, formally trained as an architect, is the Coordinator of
CHT Jumma Peoples Network of the Asia Pacific. She is also a writer
and has published her work in diverse areas, including human rights,
environment, literature and architecture.
The Daily Star, February 4, 2010
Settlers attempt to grab land in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 20/2010, February 03, 2010
Settlers have made an attempt to grab a piece of plough land in Sajek in Rangamati district, sources say.
The land grab attempt comes in the midst of tension between Jummas and illegal settlers in the area over similar attempts which forced the Jummas to announce boycott of Baghaihat bazaar.
According to sources a group of 7 – 8 settlers led by Abdul Hye from Baghaihat went to Gangaram Doar this morning to cultivate 1.2 acres of land belonging to Lallua Chakma and Ms Arati Chakma.
Some army personnel accompanied them for their protection.
However, when the Jummas resisted, the settlers went away.
Today was the second consecutive day the settlers went to Gangaram Doar to grab that piece of land.
Unlike today, they were able to work on that land for a few hours without being resisted yesterday.
News No. 20/2010, February 03, 2010
Settlers have made an attempt to grab a piece of plough land in Sajek in Rangamati district, sources say.
The land grab attempt comes in the midst of tension between Jummas and illegal settlers in the area over similar attempts which forced the Jummas to announce boycott of Baghaihat bazaar.
According to sources a group of 7 – 8 settlers led by Abdul Hye from Baghaihat went to Gangaram Doar this morning to cultivate 1.2 acres of land belonging to Lallua Chakma and Ms Arati Chakma.
Some army personnel accompanied them for their protection.
However, when the Jummas resisted, the settlers went away.
Today was the second consecutive day the settlers went to Gangaram Doar to grab that piece of land.
Unlike today, they were able to work on that land for a few hours without being resisted yesterday.
Tension in Sajek, one person beaten by settlers
chtnews.com
News No. 19/2010, February 01, 2010
Fresh tension between Jummas and illegal Bengali settlers has been reported from Sajek as a Bengali businessman has been reportedly beaten up by a group of settlers.
Sources from Baghaihat said Lokman, a Bengali businessman from Korengatoli bazaar, was carrying Joticharya Chakma (32) on his motorbike on payment. (Joticharya Chakma is a resident of Simanachara village in Sajek and his father’s name is Barun Chakma).
They were bound for Baghaichari via Baghaihat to Korengatoli road. However they were stopped at Gangaram Doar by a group of settlers at around 12:30pm.
Sensing imminent danger, Joticharya Chakma, an active member of Sajek Land Protection Committee, ran away, leaving Lokman there.
The settlers beat up Lokman for carrying a Jumma on his motorbike.
When this news spread in the area, hundreds of Jumma villagers gathered at Gangaram Doar and staged demonstration, demanding punishment of those responsible for the attack on Lokman and Joticharya.
They suspended their agitation only when the local police personnel told them that a senior police officer would visit the area in the afternoon.
The Jummas have been boycotting Baghaihat bazaar since 18 January to put pressure on the government to meet their demands including stoppage of land grabbing and withdrawal of the army and settlers.
In reprisal, the settlers forced the Bengalis to suspend passenger jeep service to and from Baghaihat and Mazalong.
The Jummas responded to this measure by blocking Dighinala – Baghaihat road.
News No. 19/2010, February 01, 2010
Fresh tension between Jummas and illegal Bengali settlers has been reported from Sajek as a Bengali businessman has been reportedly beaten up by a group of settlers.
Sources from Baghaihat said Lokman, a Bengali businessman from Korengatoli bazaar, was carrying Joticharya Chakma (32) on his motorbike on payment. (Joticharya Chakma is a resident of Simanachara village in Sajek and his father’s name is Barun Chakma).
They were bound for Baghaichari via Baghaihat to Korengatoli road. However they were stopped at Gangaram Doar by a group of settlers at around 12:30pm.
Sensing imminent danger, Joticharya Chakma, an active member of Sajek Land Protection Committee, ran away, leaving Lokman there.
The settlers beat up Lokman for carrying a Jumma on his motorbike.
When this news spread in the area, hundreds of Jumma villagers gathered at Gangaram Doar and staged demonstration, demanding punishment of those responsible for the attack on Lokman and Joticharya.
They suspended their agitation only when the local police personnel told them that a senior police officer would visit the area in the afternoon.
The Jummas have been boycotting Baghaihat bazaar since 18 January to put pressure on the government to meet their demands including stoppage of land grabbing and withdrawal of the army and settlers.
In reprisal, the settlers forced the Bengalis to suspend passenger jeep service to and from Baghaihat and Mazalong.
The Jummas responded to this measure by blocking Dighinala – Baghaihat road.
Bannyachola villagers resist Borkha Party terrorists
chtnews.com
News No. 18/2010, January 31, 2010
The villagers of Bannyachola under Laxmichari Sadar Union have resisted Borkha Party terrorists and succeeded in filing a criminal case with Laxmichari police station against them.
A resident of Bannychola told chtnews.com that the military-backed Borkha Party terrorists had ordered all the villagers to attend a rally they organised against United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) yesterday.
The terrorists also stopped public vehicles bound for Manikchari bazaar with the support of the army and police personnel and forced the passengers to attend the rally.
However, the villagers of Bannyachola defied their order and none from this village attended the rally.
In reprisal, a group of 6-7 Borkha Party terrorists led by Nirmal Kanti Chakma and Kapil Sen Chakma raided Bannyachola today and began terrorising the people.
The terrorists, who were armed with firearms, ordered the villagers not to leave the village without their permission and to close all the shops in the village.
They also prevented the villagers from driving their vehicles and ordered them to deposit the keys of the vehicles with them.
This proved too much for the villagers, who lodged a strong protest with Bannyachola army camp and filed a criminal case with Laxmichari police station against the Borkha Party terrorists.
Borkha Party has been created by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam to weaken UPDF in the area.
Since their creation in July last year, the Borkha Party terrorists have been engaged in criminal activities such as looting, kidnapping, snatching and extortion.
Some reliable sources said the Borkha Party also has secret connection with Santu Larma faction of the JSS.
They further said that the Santu Larma faction of the JSS had supplied them with two automatic weapons a few days ago.
This has been corroborated by eyewitnesses in Laxmichari who saw these weapons in their hands.
Before the addition of these two automatic weapons, the Borkha Party terrorists had only LGs in their arsenal.
News No. 18/2010, January 31, 2010
The villagers of Bannyachola under Laxmichari Sadar Union have resisted Borkha Party terrorists and succeeded in filing a criminal case with Laxmichari police station against them.
A resident of Bannychola told chtnews.com that the military-backed Borkha Party terrorists had ordered all the villagers to attend a rally they organised against United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) yesterday.
The terrorists also stopped public vehicles bound for Manikchari bazaar with the support of the army and police personnel and forced the passengers to attend the rally.
However, the villagers of Bannyachola defied their order and none from this village attended the rally.
In reprisal, a group of 6-7 Borkha Party terrorists led by Nirmal Kanti Chakma and Kapil Sen Chakma raided Bannyachola today and began terrorising the people.
The terrorists, who were armed with firearms, ordered the villagers not to leave the village without their permission and to close all the shops in the village.
They also prevented the villagers from driving their vehicles and ordered them to deposit the keys of the vehicles with them.
This proved too much for the villagers, who lodged a strong protest with Bannyachola army camp and filed a criminal case with Laxmichari police station against the Borkha Party terrorists.
Borkha Party has been created by Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam to weaken UPDF in the area.
Since their creation in July last year, the Borkha Party terrorists have been engaged in criminal activities such as looting, kidnapping, snatching and extortion.
Some reliable sources said the Borkha Party also has secret connection with Santu Larma faction of the JSS.
They further said that the Santu Larma faction of the JSS had supplied them with two automatic weapons a few days ago.
This has been corroborated by eyewitnesses in Laxmichari who saw these weapons in their hands.
Before the addition of these two automatic weapons, the Borkha Party terrorists had only LGs in their arsenal.
“It was not an attack, it was merely a protest” – says a Reformists JSS leader
chtnews.com
News No. 17/2010, January 31, 2010
A top ranking leader of the Reformist faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti has said the alleged attack on Santu Larma on 27 January was actually not an attack; it was merely a popular protest against his destructive policies that keep the intra-Jumma conflict alive.
“People are fed up with his politics of killings and kidnappings. He is responsible for the killing of hundreds of Jumma activists including former General Secretary of the PCJSS and a veteran guerrilla leader, Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma.” the Reformist leader told chtnews.com requesting anonymity for security concern.
“I don’t fear death, but I think I should be discreet because there is nothing Santu Larma cannot do to eliminate his political opponents.” he added.
He said Mr. Larma had personally ordered his gunmen to shoot and kill Chandra Shekhor Chakma, his long-time aide and comrade-in arm.
Chandra Shekhor Chakma was shot and wounded, and died a few months after the shooting incident.
His wife filed an attempt to murder case against Santu Larma. However, he has secured bail from the High Court.
Larma’s gunmen also shot and wounded Aungshuman Chakma, another JSS leader, and attacked Mintu Chakma, a NGO activist, with sticks and iron rods in Rangamati town.
Asked to comment on JSS allegation that UPDF was behind the attack on Santu Larma, UPDF leader Shanti Dev Chakma said, “This is completely baseless. Mr. Larma made this claim without investigating the matter.”
He asked: “Why should we attack him, since he is already dead, politically and ideologically?”
He said people are genuinely angry with him because scores of innocent people had to suffer because of him.
“He is the one who initiated division and conflicts within the Jumma movement and pursued scorched earth policy in his attempt to eliminate UPDF and his political opponents.” Shant said.
News No. 17/2010, January 31, 2010
A top ranking leader of the Reformist faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti has said the alleged attack on Santu Larma on 27 January was actually not an attack; it was merely a popular protest against his destructive policies that keep the intra-Jumma conflict alive.
“People are fed up with his politics of killings and kidnappings. He is responsible for the killing of hundreds of Jumma activists including former General Secretary of the PCJSS and a veteran guerrilla leader, Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma.” the Reformist leader told chtnews.com requesting anonymity for security concern.
“I don’t fear death, but I think I should be discreet because there is nothing Santu Larma cannot do to eliminate his political opponents.” he added.
He said Mr. Larma had personally ordered his gunmen to shoot and kill Chandra Shekhor Chakma, his long-time aide and comrade-in arm.
Chandra Shekhor Chakma was shot and wounded, and died a few months after the shooting incident.
His wife filed an attempt to murder case against Santu Larma. However, he has secured bail from the High Court.
Larma’s gunmen also shot and wounded Aungshuman Chakma, another JSS leader, and attacked Mintu Chakma, a NGO activist, with sticks and iron rods in Rangamati town.
Asked to comment on JSS allegation that UPDF was behind the attack on Santu Larma, UPDF leader Shanti Dev Chakma said, “This is completely baseless. Mr. Larma made this claim without investigating the matter.”
He asked: “Why should we attack him, since he is already dead, politically and ideologically?”
He said people are genuinely angry with him because scores of innocent people had to suffer because of him.
“He is the one who initiated division and conflicts within the Jumma movement and pursued scorched earth policy in his attempt to eliminate UPDF and his political opponents.” Shant said.
Borkha Party terrorists kidnap yet another person
chtnews.com
News No. 16/2010, January 31, 2010
The military-backed Borkha Party terrorists kidnapped another person in Laxmichari yesterday.
According to sources, Borkha Party terrorists led by Nirmal Kanti Chakma and Kapil Sen Chakma kidnapped Ratna Sen Chakma (35), husband of Laxmichari Upazila Lady Vice Chairman Ms Sagarika Chakma, from Laxmichari bus station.
Mr. Chakma went there to see one of his relatives off. The incident took place around 3pm. However, he was released in the evening, sources said.
His kidnapping comes barely seven hours after the kidnapping of UPDF activist Rashik Chandra Chakma alias Agata by the same Borkha Party terrorists.
Mr. Ratna Sen Chakma is a resident of Dewan Para under Dullyatali Union.
News No. 16/2010, January 31, 2010
The military-backed Borkha Party terrorists kidnapped another person in Laxmichari yesterday.
According to sources, Borkha Party terrorists led by Nirmal Kanti Chakma and Kapil Sen Chakma kidnapped Ratna Sen Chakma (35), husband of Laxmichari Upazila Lady Vice Chairman Ms Sagarika Chakma, from Laxmichari bus station.
Mr. Chakma went there to see one of his relatives off. The incident took place around 3pm. However, he was released in the evening, sources said.
His kidnapping comes barely seven hours after the kidnapping of UPDF activist Rashik Chandra Chakma alias Agata by the same Borkha Party terrorists.
Mr. Ratna Sen Chakma is a resident of Dewan Para under Dullyatali Union.
Jumma organisatoins protest against kidnapping of UPDF activist
chtnews.com
News No. 15/2010, January 30, 2010
Three Jumma organisations have demanded immediate arrest of military-backed Borkha Party terrorists, active in Laxmichari in Khagrachari district.
The Hill Women’s Federation, Hill Students’ Council and Democratic Youth Forum made this demand at a rally held at Shapla Chattar in Khagrachari town today. (Photo attached)
They were protesting the kidnapping of UPDF activist Rashik Chandra Chakma alias Agata by military-backed Borkha Party terrorists in Laxmichari.
The rally was addressed by Apruchi Marma, General Secretary of PCP Khagrachari District Unit; Subir Chakma, Organising Secretary of DYF Khagrachari District Unit and Madri Chakma, General Secretary of HWF Khagrachari Unit.
The speakers alleged that Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam is providing shelter to the Borkha Party terrorists.
“The Borkha Party terrorists are carrying out their criminal activities with direct support from the army. They are collecting tolls near an army camp in Laxmichari. They regularly raid the homes of the UPDF members and supporters, torture them and kidnap them.” Subir Chakma said.
He said the army had created the Borkha Party to weaken UPDF in the area. “But the people will crush them as they did with army collaborators in the past.”
Madri Chakma and Apruchi Marma condemned the kidnapping of Rashik Chandra Chakma and demanded his immediate release.
They urged the government to disband the Borkha Party, arrest its members and put them on trial for their involvement in the murder of UPDF leader Rui khoi Marma and other criminal activities.
The rally was preceded by a procession which paraded Khagrachari town.
News No. 15/2010, January 30, 2010
Three Jumma organisations have demanded immediate arrest of military-backed Borkha Party terrorists, active in Laxmichari in Khagrachari district.
The Hill Women’s Federation, Hill Students’ Council and Democratic Youth Forum made this demand at a rally held at Shapla Chattar in Khagrachari town today. (Photo attached)
They were protesting the kidnapping of UPDF activist Rashik Chandra Chakma alias Agata by military-backed Borkha Party terrorists in Laxmichari.
The rally was addressed by Apruchi Marma, General Secretary of PCP Khagrachari District Unit; Subir Chakma, Organising Secretary of DYF Khagrachari District Unit and Madri Chakma, General Secretary of HWF Khagrachari Unit.
The speakers alleged that Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam is providing shelter to the Borkha Party terrorists.
“The Borkha Party terrorists are carrying out their criminal activities with direct support from the army. They are collecting tolls near an army camp in Laxmichari. They regularly raid the homes of the UPDF members and supporters, torture them and kidnap them.” Subir Chakma said.
He said the army had created the Borkha Party to weaken UPDF in the area. “But the people will crush them as they did with army collaborators in the past.”
Madri Chakma and Apruchi Marma condemned the kidnapping of Rashik Chandra Chakma and demanded his immediate release.
They urged the government to disband the Borkha Party, arrest its members and put them on trial for their involvement in the murder of UPDF leader Rui khoi Marma and other criminal activities.
The rally was preceded by a procession which paraded Khagrachari town.
Borkha Party men kidnap UPDF activist in Laxmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 14/2010, January 30, 2010
An activist of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been kidnapped in Laxmichari, Khagrachari, UPDF sources say.
A group of military-backed Borkha Party men led by Kapil Sen Chakma, Phorachan Chakma and Nirmal Kanti Chakma raided Hazachari Master Para village under Dullyatali Union last night and picked up Rashik Chandra Chakma alias Agata (age 20) son of Mongal Dhan Chakma, UPDF Khagrachari District Unit Organiser Niron Chakma said.
He has been handed over to the army in Laxmichari Zone, latest reports say.
He hails from village Bardona, Dewan Para under Dullyatali Union.
Rashik went to Master Para to participate in a religious programme on the occasion of Maghi Purnima.
He was kidnapped from the religious gathering.
Earlier, on 7 April 2009, Rashik was arrested by Bangladesh Army personnel from Jurgachari in Laxmichari Sadar. He was handed over to the police and was shown arrested under section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which gives the police arbitrary power to arrest anyone on mere suspicion.
However, he was released a few days later from Khagrachari jail.
Niron Chakma has condemned the kidnapping of Rashik Chakma, demanded his immediate and unconditional release, and urged the government to take actions against the Borkha Party terrorists.
News No. 14/2010, January 30, 2010
An activist of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has been kidnapped in Laxmichari, Khagrachari, UPDF sources say.
A group of military-backed Borkha Party men led by Kapil Sen Chakma, Phorachan Chakma and Nirmal Kanti Chakma raided Hazachari Master Para village under Dullyatali Union last night and picked up Rashik Chandra Chakma alias Agata (age 20) son of Mongal Dhan Chakma, UPDF Khagrachari District Unit Organiser Niron Chakma said.
He has been handed over to the army in Laxmichari Zone, latest reports say.
He hails from village Bardona, Dewan Para under Dullyatali Union.
Rashik went to Master Para to participate in a religious programme on the occasion of Maghi Purnima.
He was kidnapped from the religious gathering.
Earlier, on 7 April 2009, Rashik was arrested by Bangladesh Army personnel from Jurgachari in Laxmichari Sadar. He was handed over to the police and was shown arrested under section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which gives the police arbitrary power to arrest anyone on mere suspicion.
However, he was released a few days later from Khagrachari jail.
Niron Chakma has condemned the kidnapping of Rashik Chakma, demanded his immediate and unconditional release, and urged the government to take actions against the Borkha Party terrorists.
Ex-UPDF member kidnapped, released later
chtnews.com
News No. 13/2010, January 29, 2010
A former member of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) was kidnapped in Sapchari of Manikchari under Rangamati district on 24 January. He was released a few hours later the same day.
Sources said Gulobo Chakma alias Mohan, 25, was kidnapped from his home by a group of six JSS (Santu faction) members led by Arjun Moni Chakma, and Shanti Moni Chakma.
“The JSS people came in a CNG auto rickshaw at around 1.15pm and took him away.” an eyewitness said.
Mohan was an ex-UPDF member and was expelled 7/8 months ago for violating party disciplines.
His father’s name is Suresh Mohan Chakma and mother’s name Kalachoghi Chakma.
News No. 13/2010, January 29, 2010
A former member of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) was kidnapped in Sapchari of Manikchari under Rangamati district on 24 January. He was released a few hours later the same day.
Sources said Gulobo Chakma alias Mohan, 25, was kidnapped from his home by a group of six JSS (Santu faction) members led by Arjun Moni Chakma, and Shanti Moni Chakma.
“The JSS people came in a CNG auto rickshaw at around 1.15pm and took him away.” an eyewitness said.
Mohan was an ex-UPDF member and was expelled 7/8 months ago for violating party disciplines.
His father’s name is Suresh Mohan Chakma and mother’s name Kalachoghi Chakma.
PCP holds central conference, elects new central committee
chtnews.com
News No. 12/2010, January 28, 2010
A 21-member central committee of the Hill Students' Council has been formed at the end of a two-day conference held in Dhaka on 26 and 27 January.
Aongai Marma and Sumen Chakma have been elected president and general secretary of the new committee respectively.
A total of 240 delegates and observers took part in the council sessions held at Tajul Auditorium at Purana Paltan.
The eighteenth central conference of the PCP was inaugurated by Dr. Akmal Hossain, professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, at TSC Sarakdwip.
Presided over by Ricoh Chakma, the outgoing president of the PCP, the inaugural ceremony was also addressed by Faizul Hakim, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mukti Council; Masud Khan, convenor, Jatiya Ganotantric Gano Mancha; Limon, Sangskritir Naya Setu; Mahabub Mostafa Russel of Pragatishil Paribrajok Dal; Parvez Lenin of Bangladesh Chattra Federation; Ashish Sharma of Biplobi Chattra Sangha; Azizul Islam, president of Jatiya Chattra Dal and Prince Mahamud, organiser of Lamp Post, a progressive study circle group.
A colourful procession was taken out after the inauguration speeches.
News No. 12/2010, January 28, 2010
A 21-member central committee of the Hill Students' Council has been formed at the end of a two-day conference held in Dhaka on 26 and 27 January.
Aongai Marma and Sumen Chakma have been elected president and general secretary of the new committee respectively.
A total of 240 delegates and observers took part in the council sessions held at Tajul Auditorium at Purana Paltan.
The eighteenth central conference of the PCP was inaugurated by Dr. Akmal Hossain, professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, at TSC Sarakdwip.
Presided over by Ricoh Chakma, the outgoing president of the PCP, the inaugural ceremony was also addressed by Faizul Hakim, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mukti Council; Masud Khan, convenor, Jatiya Ganotantric Gano Mancha; Limon, Sangskritir Naya Setu; Mahabub Mostafa Russel of Pragatishil Paribrajok Dal; Parvez Lenin of Bangladesh Chattra Federation; Ashish Sharma of Biplobi Chattra Sangha; Azizul Islam, president of Jatiya Chattra Dal and Prince Mahamud, organiser of Lamp Post, a progressive study circle group.
A colourful procession was taken out after the inauguration speeches.
Two PCP activists injured in JSS attack in Dhaka
chtnews.com
News No. 11/2010, January 28, 2010
Two members of the Hill Students Council popularly known as PCP (its Bengali acronym) were injured when a group of students loyal to Santu Larma attacked them in Dhaka last night.
PCP sources said at around 11pm a group of Santu loyalists led by Batayan, Tuhin, Kartuz and Liton attacked PCP members at the gate of Dhaka University Gymnasium as they were boarding a bus to go back home after attending a two-day central conference of their ogranisation held on 26 - 27 January.
Later, the JSS supporters ran away when other PCP members rushed there and resisted them.
A few minutes later, the Santu loyalists came back along with some Bengali students and tried to mount another attack.
However, the PCP resisted them again and chased them away up to Jagannath Hall. At this stage, the police intervened and forced the PCP members to leave the area.
The injured PCP members have been identified as Biten Chakma and Hori Kamal Tripura.
PCP's newly elected central committee president Aongai Marma condemned the attack and urged the government to arrest those responsible for it.
PCP will organise a demonstration in Dhaka today in protest against the attack today.
News No. 11/2010, January 28, 2010
Two members of the Hill Students Council popularly known as PCP (its Bengali acronym) were injured when a group of students loyal to Santu Larma attacked them in Dhaka last night.
PCP sources said at around 11pm a group of Santu loyalists led by Batayan, Tuhin, Kartuz and Liton attacked PCP members at the gate of Dhaka University Gymnasium as they were boarding a bus to go back home after attending a two-day central conference of their ogranisation held on 26 - 27 January.
Later, the JSS supporters ran away when other PCP members rushed there and resisted them.
A few minutes later, the Santu loyalists came back along with some Bengali students and tried to mount another attack.
However, the PCP resisted them again and chased them away up to Jagannath Hall. At this stage, the police intervened and forced the PCP members to leave the area.
The injured PCP members have been identified as Biten Chakma and Hori Kamal Tripura.
PCP's newly elected central committee president Aongai Marma condemned the attack and urged the government to arrest those responsible for it.
PCP will organise a demonstration in Dhaka today in protest against the attack today.
Santu Larma faces public anger in Maischari
chtnews.com
News No. 10/2010, January 28, 2010
Santu Larma was greeted with boos and catcalls, shoes and sandals, brickbats and dula at Maischari and some other places on Khagrachari - Rangamati road as he was on his way to participate in a meeting of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Land Commission yesterday morning.
Hundreds of people halted his convoy, escorted by police, at Maischari bazaar, pelted his vehicle with brickbats and booed him, shouting "dhara, dhara", "dua dua" (catch him, catch him, assault, assault). They also called him a dalal or collaborator.
The crowd dispersed only when Mr. Larma's armed cadres (some of whom are enlisted criminals) fired shots into them. However, no one was hurt in the firing.
After that, Larma took shelter in the nearby Maischari army camp. He demanded that he be provided army protection for rest of his journey, but was refused.
Later, additional police force came from Khagrachari and took him to the meeting venue at Khagrachari circuit house.
The angry people also hang down shoes and sandals and dula (a bamboo-made basket which has become a symbol of collaborator) at various places including Chongrachari and Maischari under Mahalchari Upazila.
Earlier, his convoy also came under attack when groups of people pelted brickbats at Atara Mile, Betchari Khamar Para and Kalapahar.
Near Zero Mile in Khagrachari, groups of people shouted at him calling him dalal as his convoy passed by.
His car's windowpane broke when hit by brickbats, and he was injured when a splinter hit him in the hand.
Chakma Raja Barrister Debashish Roy and Rangamati District Council Chairman Nikhil Chakma also sustained minor injuries when the mob hit their vehicles with brickbats by mistake.
Santu Larma blamed UPDF for the attack. However, UPDF leaders Niron Chakma and Shanti Dev Chakma vehemently denied this.
They termed the incident as an outburst of public resentment against Santu Larma who is solely responsible for the continuing fratricidal conflict, which has already claimed hundreds of lives.
News No. 10/2010, January 28, 2010
Santu Larma was greeted with boos and catcalls, shoes and sandals, brickbats and dula at Maischari and some other places on Khagrachari - Rangamati road as he was on his way to participate in a meeting of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Land Commission yesterday morning.
Hundreds of people halted his convoy, escorted by police, at Maischari bazaar, pelted his vehicle with brickbats and booed him, shouting "dhara, dhara", "dua dua" (catch him, catch him, assault, assault). They also called him a dalal or collaborator.
The crowd dispersed only when Mr. Larma's armed cadres (some of whom are enlisted criminals) fired shots into them. However, no one was hurt in the firing.
After that, Larma took shelter in the nearby Maischari army camp. He demanded that he be provided army protection for rest of his journey, but was refused.
Later, additional police force came from Khagrachari and took him to the meeting venue at Khagrachari circuit house.
The angry people also hang down shoes and sandals and dula (a bamboo-made basket which has become a symbol of collaborator) at various places including Chongrachari and Maischari under Mahalchari Upazila.
Earlier, his convoy also came under attack when groups of people pelted brickbats at Atara Mile, Betchari Khamar Para and Kalapahar.
Near Zero Mile in Khagrachari, groups of people shouted at him calling him dalal as his convoy passed by.
His car's windowpane broke when hit by brickbats, and he was injured when a splinter hit him in the hand.
Chakma Raja Barrister Debashish Roy and Rangamati District Council Chairman Nikhil Chakma also sustained minor injuries when the mob hit their vehicles with brickbats by mistake.
Santu Larma blamed UPDF for the attack. However, UPDF leaders Niron Chakma and Shanti Dev Chakma vehemently denied this.
They termed the incident as an outburst of public resentment against Santu Larma who is solely responsible for the continuing fratricidal conflict, which has already claimed hundreds of lives.
Mass torture and looting in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 09/2010, January 22, 2010
Dozens of Jumma villagers have been tortured and their houses looted in Sajek of Rangamati district.
Reports reaching from the area said at around 12:25PM yesterday a group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone picked up two Jummas from Baghaihat bazaar for their support for the ongoing bazaar boycott programme. (The Sajek Jummas have been boycotting Baghaihat bazaar since 18 January in support of a set of demands which include putting a stop to army repression, land grabbing and withdrawal of the settlers.)
The arrested are Kala Biza Chakma (37) son of Phogira Chakma and Karnajoy Chakma (25) son of Mona Dhan Chakma. Both hail from Retkaba village.
The army took them to Goal Ghar or Round House at Baghaihat zone and began beating. When the news of their arrest and torture spread hundreds of Jumma women laid siege to Goal Ghar and ultimately snatched Kala Biza and Karnajoy away from the hands of the army.
After that incident, the army raided Ladumoni Bazaar at Gangaram Doar village at 4:15PM and beat up dozens of Jumma villagers.
Eight of the victims have been identified. They are Gyana Moy Chakma (45), Gyanendu Chakma (55, he is the convenor of Sajek Land Protection Committee), Bindu Chakma (48), Rajon’s father (42), Shanti Bimal chakma (40), Sarani Bap (32), Anadi Ranjan Chakma (37) and Ms Lozo Mukhi Chakma.
Ms Lozo Mukhi got her front teeth broken when a soldier flung a wooden pole at her face.
All these eight victims are from Retkaba Doar village.
In the evening the army also raided Retkaba village and tortured a number of Jumma villagers at the village tea shop.
At night the army raided Retkaba village once again taking a group of Bengali settlers along with them and looted all the belongings of the houses of the village. Among those whose houses were looted are Ms Ambika Master, her father Rinki Chakma and Ajit Chakma.
The settlers then burnt down their own empty huts which they had built on Jumma people’s lands.
The army and settlers went to Retkaba village again in the morning and chased away the Jummas who had returned to the village after passing the night in the jungle.
News No. 09/2010, January 22, 2010
Dozens of Jumma villagers have been tortured and their houses looted in Sajek of Rangamati district.
Reports reaching from the area said at around 12:25PM yesterday a group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone picked up two Jummas from Baghaihat bazaar for their support for the ongoing bazaar boycott programme. (The Sajek Jummas have been boycotting Baghaihat bazaar since 18 January in support of a set of demands which include putting a stop to army repression, land grabbing and withdrawal of the settlers.)
The arrested are Kala Biza Chakma (37) son of Phogira Chakma and Karnajoy Chakma (25) son of Mona Dhan Chakma. Both hail from Retkaba village.
The army took them to Goal Ghar or Round House at Baghaihat zone and began beating. When the news of their arrest and torture spread hundreds of Jumma women laid siege to Goal Ghar and ultimately snatched Kala Biza and Karnajoy away from the hands of the army.
After that incident, the army raided Ladumoni Bazaar at Gangaram Doar village at 4:15PM and beat up dozens of Jumma villagers.
Eight of the victims have been identified. They are Gyana Moy Chakma (45), Gyanendu Chakma (55, he is the convenor of Sajek Land Protection Committee), Bindu Chakma (48), Rajon’s father (42), Shanti Bimal chakma (40), Sarani Bap (32), Anadi Ranjan Chakma (37) and Ms Lozo Mukhi Chakma.
Ms Lozo Mukhi got her front teeth broken when a soldier flung a wooden pole at her face.
All these eight victims are from Retkaba Doar village.
In the evening the army also raided Retkaba village and tortured a number of Jumma villagers at the village tea shop.
At night the army raided Retkaba village once again taking a group of Bengali settlers along with them and looted all the belongings of the houses of the village. Among those whose houses were looted are Ms Ambika Master, her father Rinki Chakma and Ajit Chakma.
The settlers then burnt down their own empty huts which they had built on Jumma people’s lands.
The army and settlers went to Retkaba village again in the morning and chased away the Jummas who had returned to the village after passing the night in the jungle.
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