Sunday, February 21, 2010

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.