“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.