Indigenous Jumma People's Movement in North America

News No. 39/2010/ Massacre in Sajek: protests continue, Borkha Party attacks demonstrators in Laxmichar

2010-02-21T18:53:00.001-08:00

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.

News No. 38/2010/ “The situation is terrible”: Ricoh Chakma

2010-02-21T18:52:00.000-08:00

“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.

News No. 37/2010/ UPDF rejects army version of Sajek incident

2010-02-21T18:51:00.002-08:00

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.

News No. 36/2010/ Armed terrorists continue to threaten Choton Kanti Tanchangya in Bandarban

2010-02-21T18:51:00.001-08:00

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.

News No. 35/2010/ UPDF to enforce road blockade on 23 Feb

2010-02-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

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.

Jumma Peoples Network UK

2010-02-21T18:49:00.002-08:00

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

Bangladesh army burns down UN sponosored Chakma villages

2010-02-21T18:49:00.001-08:00

- 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.

PCP will not observe 21 February this year

2010-02-21T18:48:00.003-08:00

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.

Update on Sajek attack: a charred body recovered

2010-02-21T18:48:00.001-08:00

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.

Sajek attack leaves 4 dead, scores wounded

2010-02-21T18:47:00.003-08:00

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

2010-02-21T18:47:00.001-08:00

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.

Breaking News: Army, settlers attack Jumma village in Sajek

2010-02-21T18:46:00.002-08:00

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.

PCP protests assassination bid on Choton Tanchangya

2010-02-21T18:46:00.001-08:00

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.

“Santu Larma not attacked, an investigative report vindicates our assertion,” claims UPDF

2010-02-21T18:44:00.000-08:00

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.

A people scorned

2010-02-21T18:43:00.002-08:00

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

Assassination attempt on UPDF leader in Bandarban

2010-02-21T18:43:00.001-08:00

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.

Tense in Sajek: Jumma women feel insecurity

2010-02-21T18:42:00.002-08:00

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.

Tense in Sajek: settlers attempt to kidnap one

2010-02-21T18:42:00.001-08:00

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.

JSS Santu faction kidnaps one in Jurachari

2010-02-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

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.

Human chain against land grabbing in Bandarban

2010-02-21T18:40:00.002-08:00

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.

Rally against repression and land grabbing held in Chittagong

2010-02-21T18:40:00.001-08:00

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.”

One detained by army in Dighinala

2010-02-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

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.

A second Kaptai dam?

2010-02-21T18:38:00.000-08:00

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

Settlers attempt to grab land in Sajek

2010-02-21T18:36:00.000-08:00

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.

Tension in Sajek, one person beaten by settlers

2010-02-21T18:35:00.002-08:00

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.

Bannyachola villagers resist Borkha Party terrorists

2010-02-21T18:35:00.001-08:00

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.

“It was not an attack, it was merely a protest” – says a Reformists JSS leader

2010-02-21T18:34:00.002-08:00

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.

Borkha Party terrorists kidnap yet another person

2010-02-21T18:34:00.001-08:00

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.

Jumma organisatoins protest against kidnapping of UPDF activist

2010-02-21T18:33:00.002-08:00

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.

Borkha Party men kidnap UPDF activist in Laxmichari

2010-02-21T18:33:00.001-08:00

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.

Ex-UPDF member kidnapped, released later

2010-02-21T18:32:00.002-08:00

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.

PCP holds central conference, elects new central committee

2010-02-21T18:32:00.001-08:00

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.

Two PCP activists injured in JSS attack in Dhaka

2010-02-21T18:31:00.002-08:00

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.

Santu Larma faces public anger in Maischari

2010-02-21T18:31:00.001-08:00

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.

Mass torture and looting in Sajek

2010-02-21T18:29:00.000-08:00

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. 08/2010/ JSS Santu group ransack UPDF office, two shops in Rajstali

2010-01-14T08:57:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 08/2010, January 12, 2010

Armed members of the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti made a foray into Rajstali Sadar in Rangamati district and vandalized two shops and the office of the United Peoples Democratic Front.

Animesh Chakma, a central committee member of the UPDF, told chtnews.com that a group of about 20 JSS men led by Sadhan Tanchangya of Roangchari village raided Rajstali Bazaar at about 5:30AM today and ransacked the local UPDF office and two other shops.

“The JSS terrorists smashed the signboard of our office, broke the signboard, the door and windows of Jibok Pharmacy, a medicine shop, and ransacked the grocery shop of Babul Majumder.” Animesh said.

According to him, the JSS members also attempted to kidnap Md. Jafar from Talukder Para village. He is an Adibashi Bengali businessman and a supporter of UPDF.

“But their attempt failed when the CNG auto-rickshaw drivers woke up and resisted.” he added.

Animesh condemned the JSS attack and called upon all to resist the terrorists.

“The people are left with no other alternative than to fight back. Time and again, we appealed to the JSS to come to the negotiating table but to no avail; the more we raise our voice for a peaceful settlement, the more they become aggressive against us.” he said.

“What and whose purpose do they serve by attacking us, killing our people and extorting money from poor villagers?” he asked.

Three villagers held hostage by JSS, freed later

2010-01-14T08:57:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 07/2010, January 12, 2010

Armed members of the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti held hostage three Jumma villagers in Belaichari under Rangamati district before freeing them on payment of ransom, sources said.

A school teacher, requesting anonymity for security reasons, told chtnews.com that on 8 January, the JSS men had issued letters to 8 villagers asking them to meet them (Santu group).

“They met the JSS people, who held hostage three of them.” he said and added “we heard that the JSS demanded Taka 300,000 for their release.”

On 10 January, the hostages were released apparently on payment of part of the ransom money demanded.

“However, the hostages’ families are too scared to say publicly that they had to pay the money” he said.

“But the general belief is that the money has actually been paid.”

The victims are Shanti Baran Talukder (48) son of Nanya Ram Chakma, Office Secretary of Hengerachari Union Parishad No. 2 and a resident of Herongchari village; Gyanendu Chakma (36) son of Mohesh Chandra Chakma of village Shamukchari, a trader; and Nangu Karbari (48) son of Jubojon Karbari, chief of Herongchari village.
..............................

Human chain formed against land grabbing in Bandarban

2010-01-14T08:56:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 06/2010, January 11, 2010

Hundreds of people formed a human chain today in Bandarban town to protest against continuing land grabbing in the district.

Organised by Citizens Committee of Bandarban and held in front of Bandarban Press Club at 10:30 AM, the human chain stretched from Sonali Bank to DC Office.

An estimated over five hundred Jumma people, who came from different villages, took part in the programme.

United Peoples Democratic Front’s (UPDF) Bandarban district organiser, Choton Kanti Tanchangya spoke while the human chain was formed.

He urged the district administration to stop grabbing of Jumma people’s land in the name of constructing ‘tourist resorts’ and on any other pretexts.

He said “definitely we want development, but we don’t want such developments which displace our people, which destroy our livelihoods and culture and which make our future uncertain. Such an activity cannot be called development.”

“If you (government) want development, then why don’t you reopen the Pahari students’ hostel, which has been lying vacant for so many years?” he asked.

Choton also urged the administration to stop constructing the so-called “Swargachura” (peak of heaven) on land belonging to a member of Bawm community and to take actions against Jamayat-e Islami supporters trying to occupy lands of 25 Tripura families.

The participants held posters and banners, demanding dismissal of UNO, investigation into allegations of involvement of government officials in land grabbing and stoppage of construction of tourist resorts.

Two innocent villagers arrested by army in Merung

2010-01-14T08:56:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 05/2010, January 11, 2010

Army has arrested two innocent villagers from Moner Manush area under Merung Union in Dighinala Upazila.

Sources said two groups of army personnel from Chongrachari camp and Yarangchari camp under Dighinala zone raided Moner Manush area in the small hours of yesterday morning and arrested two Jumma villagers from there.

The arrested have been identified as Natun Chandra Chakma, age 50, son of Ush Moni Chakma and Suniti Chakma alias Moner Manush, age 40, son of Niru Chakma.

The former, a resident of Chongrachari village, is a former member of Merung Union Council while the latter runs a small tea shop at Moner Manush, an area named after his alias.

Both have been handed over to Dighinala police station at around 11AM.

They have been arrested in connection with alleged disappearance of a settler named Ainal last year.

Jamayat supporters attempt to occupy Tripua Village

2010-01-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 04/2010, January 10, 2010

There are allegations that supporters of Bangladesh Jamayat-e Islami have been making attempts to occupy the village of Jote-ram Tripura Para in Bandarban Sadar Upazila, reports Prothom Alo, a national Bengali daily newspaper.

In a news article published in today’s issue of the paper, its Bandarban correspondent, Buddha Jyoti Chakma writes: “the Jamayat supporters are harassing the villagers by filing false cases against them. Moreover, they have initiated a process of obtaining a Jote Permit (permission to cut and transport trees) so that they can cut away the trees of village worth Taka million. The Deputy Commissioner is said to have directed (the relevant officials) to issue Jote Permits to them.”

He further writes: “sources concerned including residents of Tripura Para said in 1986, the Forest Department had rehabilitated 25 Tripura families in Tonkaboti Mouza of Tonkaboti Union under a Jumiya resettlement project. The new settlement was named after Jote-ram Tripura, the chief of the village.

“In the new settlement, an area -- lying to the south of a piece of land belonging to Ayub Ali -- has been demarcated for housing plots and a school for the Tripura people. Later Ayub Ali sold his land to Nasir Ali. That land is still lying vacant.

“After settlement the Jummas grew various kinds of trees including mangoo, jackfruit and teak. During a visit to the village (this correspondent) witnessed many large trees. Local residents told they would earn Taka 15 – 20 lakhs from the sale of teak trees alone.

“Jote-ram Tripura said a gang led by Jamayat supporter Nasir Uddin aka Footbal Nasir secretly filed a petition with Deputy Commissioner and the Forest Department for issuance of Jote Permits that would be applicable for four acres of land including the land covering Jote-ram Para. When they (villagers) came to know of the matter, they raised objections with the Deputy Commissioner, and this enraged the gang members. Later, a false case was filed against some Jumma villagers for stealing trees. On 3 January, Jote-ram Karbari submitted a written appeal to the Deputy Commissioner to protect his village and the trees. In his appeal he has brought allegations of masterminding attempts to grab (land and trees) against Nasir Uddin, Ashraf Ullah, Serajul Islam, Khokan Mian and Abdul Rashid – all supporters of Jamayat-e Islami in Bandarban.

“When contacted, Nasir Uddin claimed that the trees in the Tripura village were planted by Ayub Ali. It is the Jumma people who occupied Ayub Ali’s land. The Divisional Forest Officer of Bandarban A. S. M. Monirul and Range Officer of Tonkaboti Shib Prashad said as per rules, Ayub Ali’s land was demarcated with the aid of surveyors and land department officers. The issue was settled back in 1986. However, they said they would inquire into the matter.

“The Deputy Commissioner Mizanur Rahman has confirmed he received a written allegation from Tripura people. He said, ‘I told the Adibashis (Jumma people) to resist with arrow and bow, dao (a kind of knife) and axes and also to file cases, if anyone tries to grab their lands’. He said he could not remember giving go-ahead to the gang to initiate the process of Jote Permit. Abdus Salam Azad, Amir of Jamat-e Islami in Bandarban, said ‘we have some supporters in the area; Nasir Uddin and Ashraf are our supporters. They come and join our meetings and processions.’”

Sajek Jumma women defy army rules, give govt until 15 Jan to meet demands

2010-01-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 03/2010, January 08, 2010

In an open defiance of harassing army-imposed rules making passengers to get down from vehicles and walk about 200 yards near Baghaihat Army Zonal camp and two other check points, the Jumma women of Sajek today crossed all the three check posts in the area mounting four jeeps.

“The army did not even try to halt their vehicles, and if they had tried, the women would not have followed the rule, they would not have got down from their vehicles.” a UPDF leader, who said his party gives moral support to the women, told chtnews.com by mobile phone from Dighinala.

Earlier in the morning, the Sajek Nari Samaj (Women Society of Sajek) pasted posters at important locations including Baghaihat bazaar, demanding an end to army repression, harassment at check-posts and land grabbing.

The SNS was formed on 26 December last year to campaign against military repression and land grabbing.

“The army has torn some of the posters around Baghaihat bazaar, but many are still on display.” he said quoting Sajek residents.

On 5 January, the Sajek residents including SNS submitted a memorandum to the Baghaicahri Upazila Nirbahi Officer putting forward a set of 6-point demands.

Today, they issued an ultimatum for the government to fulfill these demands.

They said they would call for an indefinite boycott of Baghaihat bazaar if the demands are not met by 15 January.

Birth anniversary of Bana Bhante today

2010-01-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 02/2010, January 08, 2010

Today marks the 91th anniversary of birth of the Great Bana Bhante, who is believed to have attained Arhathood (fully liberated), the highest spiritual achievement in Buddhism.

The Great Bhante was born Rathindra Chakma on 8 January 1919 into an ordinary Chakma family in a village on the bank of the river Borgang, also known as Karnaphuli. He was given the name of Sadhanananda after becoming a Buddhist novice at the age of 29 in the year 1949 at Nandan Kanan Buddhist temple in Chittagong. His father's name is Haru Mohan Chakma and mother's name Birpudi Chakma. He is the oldest among his five siblings.

The young Rathindra received formal education up to class six at Moghban Medium English School. However, he has a deep passion for learning. He used to read whatever books he would get hold of including Buddhist and Hindu texts. He also read the writings of Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra, the two icons of Bengali literature, as well as books on medicine and Ayurveda.

After becoming a Buddhist monk, the Bhante went thorough rigorous meditation for 14 years enduring bodily pains and hardships, ignoring extreme heat and cold and braving incessant rain in the jungles of Dhanpada and Dighinala swarmed with wild elephants, tigers, wild bores and poisonous snakes.

This is because of his dwelling and meditating in the jungle following the true Buddhist tradition that he came to be known as Bana Bhante or Forest Monk.

Messages
On the eve of his 91th birth day, President of Bangladesh Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasian and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia sent messages wishing him best and longer life.

Programmes
To mark his birth anniversary, the Raj Bana Vihara in Rangamati has chalked out a day-long programme, which includes hoisting of Buddhist flag, inauguration of the programme by Bana Bhante, offering breakfast to the Bhikkhu Sangha, Buddha Puja (offering to the Buddha), acceptance of Panchasila (five precepts), donation of Buddha statue, Sangha Dana (offering to the Sangha), Ashta Parishkar Dan (offering of eight essentials), rendering of religious songs, Deshana (sermon) by Bana Bhante and offering mid-day meal to the Bhikkhu Sangha.

In the afternoon, 84,000 candles will be lighted, while in the evening a mass candle lighting will be observed.

Most revered
The Bana Bhante is the most revered and venerated Buddhist monk in Bangladesh. His name and fame has transcended all borders. His contribution to the revival and spread of Buddhism in CHT is immense.

The Bhante has the distinguished ability to illustrate and explain the Dhamma of the Lord Buddha in plain language using similes and parables. The devotees listen to his religious lectures with rapt attention.

The advent of the Buddhas is rare in the world and so are the Arhats. The Bana Bhante has attained Arhathood which means that he is now fully enlightened and liberated and that he will not reborn after Parinibbana or the extinction of the flame of life. He is the greatest man ever born in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Purbokone news on land grabbing in Bandarban

2010-01-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

Abducted UPDF supporters released in Rangamati

2010-01-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 01/2009, January 01, 2010

The seven UPDF supporters who were kidnapped by members of the Jana Samhati Samiti’s Santu faction on 25 December have been released.

UPDF Rangamati District Unit organiser Shanti Dev Chakma told chtnews.com that they were released in the evening yesterday.

“But their parents had to pay Taka 25,000 ($ 357) each to secure their release.” he said.

“The kidnappers also tagged some conditions to their release, such as refraining from supporting UPDF, from filing any criminal cases against them (abductors) and from speaking to the press about the incident.”

The UPDF supporters were kidnapped from Sapchari of Manikchari while pasting posters about the eleventh founding anniversary programme of the UPDF.

Another source said General Secretary of PCP Jurachari branch, Promod Kanti Chakma was also released from captivity on 29 December. He was abducted by JSS gunmen (Santu faction) on 21 December from a village in Jurachari under Rangamati district.

Land grab alleged in Nakyangchari

2009-12-31T08:12:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 234/2009, December 31, 2009

There have been allegations of encroachment of Jumma people’s land in Rezu Mouza under Nakyangchari Upazila in the southern CHT district of Bandarban.

According to a report published today in the Chattagram Manch, a daily newspaper in Chittagong, the land encroached upon by Rahmat Ali, Ziaur Rahman, Zafar Alam and others belongs to late Thinka Aung Chakma.

The Khatian number of the land measuring 0.90 acres in Rezu Mouza No. 268 is 68.

Thinka Aung Chakma’s son Mongba Thoai Chakma created an orchard on the said land, but as he was away from home for study the Bengalees entered upon his land unlawfully and grabbed it by way of building houses over there.

When Mongba Thoai protested, the grabbers threatened him with death.

After that he lodged a general diary (GD No. 912) with Nakyangchari police station on 27 December.

He is yet to recover his land from the trespassers.

Two injured in JSS Santu Group attack in Jurachari

2009-12-31T08:12:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 233/2009, December 31, 2009

Two people including a Democratic Youth Forum member have been injured in a pre-dawn attack in Jurachari under Rangamati district.

Sources said in the small hours today a group of 16 armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu faction) led by Sohel Chakma (28) and Jitesh Chakma (26) raided the village of Labour Para in Jurachari Sadar and carried out the attack.

They shot and wounded DYF member Prashanta Chakma (36) son of late Prem Moy Chakma and went for Hichchonnya Chakma (35) son of Krishna Ratan Chakma with knives and sticks.

Hichochonnya Chakma is a day labourer. He was hit in the throat with a knife and beaten with sticks.

Prashanta Chakma sustained injuries in his left hand. Both of them are now undergoing treatment at Jurachari Sadar Hospital.

UPDF Rangamati District Organiser Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the attack and called upon the local administration to bring the culprits to justice.

Borkha Party terrorists beat one in Laxmichari

2009-12-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 232/2009, December 29, 2009

A Jumma villager has been tortured by military-sponsored Borkha Party terrorists in Laxmichari under Khagrachari district.

Sources said a group of 5 – 6 Borkha Party terrorists led by Bizu Chakma and Phorachan Chakma picked Bindu Chakma, 42, son of Phulchan Chakma from his home in Beltali Para village at 9AM today.

He was warming himself by fire in the courtyard when the terrorists came.

The Borkha men took him to an undisclosed location, beat him up, snatched his mobile phone and then released him.

Beltali Para is about half a kilometer north-west of Laxmichari army zone headquarters.

Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, Commanding Officer of the zone, is said to be personally patronizing the terrorists.

Attempted rape of Jamuna Chakma: accused army man identified

2009-12-31T08:09:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 231/2009, December 29, 2009

Jamuna Chakma has identified the army personnel who tried to rape her on 8 November in Ghilachari under Rangamati district.

Ms Chakma, mother of a young child, identified him at Naniachar zone headquarters in the presence of Naniachar Upazila Vice Chairmen Kumentu Chakma and Milki Chakma, Ghilachari Union Council Chairman Mithu Chakma, Burighat Union Council chairman Pranati Bikash Chakma, Naniachar Sadar Union Council chairman Panchanon Chakma, Ghilachari Committee for Guiding Movement Against Women Repression’s convenor Jhinu Prabha Chakma.

Besides them, some of the eyewitnesses were also invited there.

The Second-in-Command of Naniachar zone on 26 December invited Jamuna Chakma, her husband and her father-in-law to the camp to identify the perpetrator.

The Commander at first presented a group of army personnel clad in combat dresses before Jamuna Chakma and others at Goul Ghar (round house) at the zone headquarters.

She immediately identified without any difficulty the army men who made the sexual attack on her.

After that the same group of the army men was presented before her once again but this time without combat uniform, and yet she was able to single him out.

The army officers did not disclose the delinquent soldier’s name to the Jummas present there but told them that Jamuna Chakma would have to make herself available at Naniachar zone two or three more times in the future.

PCP leader kidnapped by Santu group, feared dead

2009-12-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 230/2009, December 26, 2009

A local leader of the Hill Students Council, a front organisation of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), was kidnapped by members of the Jana Samhati Samiti’s Santu Larma faction, PCP and other sources said.

UPDF’s Subolong office said Promod Kanti Chakma, General Secretary of the PCP Jurachari branch, was kidnapped from the village of Dharmajoy Para under Jurachari Union at about 8:30AM on 21 December.

According to it, a group of 17 armed JSS (Santu faction) men led by Nikhil, Jyoti Chakma and Samira Chakma masterminded the kidnapping.

The whereabouts of Mr. Promod, a resident of Shugonochari village under Banajogichara Union and son of Chakra Kumar Chakma, still remains untraced.

A UPDF supporter from Rangamati said his (Promod’s) parents have failed to contact the local JSS leaders and are very much worrying for his safety.

“In fact, many in the village fear that he might have been killed already.” he said.

Seven UPDF supporters kidnapped by JSS (Santu) in Manikchari

2009-12-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 229/2009, December 26, 2009

As the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) observes its eleventh founding anniversary today, seven of its supporters have been kidnapped by Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) from Manikchari under Rangamati district.

The incident comes barely one day after the army tore down UPDF posters pasted on walls in the same area.

UPDF sources said their supporters were kidnapped yesterday at about 4pm while putting up posters in Manikchari.

The posters were about withdrawal of the army, land grabbing, continuing human rights violations and constitutional recognition to the ethnic Jumma people and their traditional land laws.

“The JSS men came in 10 – 12 motor bikes from Rangamati and took our people away at gun point.” Alakesh Chakma, a UPDF organiser in Rangamati district, told chtnews.com.

“They were taken towards Rangapannya and tortured,” he added, quoting village elders who had been sent to Rangamati to verify the incident and contact JSS leaders.

The JSS men also beat up Anil Chakma, the driver of a CNG auto rickshaw which the kidnapped UPDF supporters had hired for their work. However, he was released hours later when other drivers and the owner of his vehicle put pressure on JSS.

One arrested in Ghilachari, UPDF posters torn down in Manikchari

2009-12-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 228/2009, December 25, 2009

One innocent Jumma villager was arrested by police yesterday from Ghilachari bazaar, while the army tore down UPDF’s founding anniversary posters in Manikchari under Rangamati district.

UPDF sources said Padma Kumar Chakma (42), a poor peasant of Madyapara village, was arrested at noon from a tea shop in Ghilachari bazaar.

He was reportedly implicated with the murder of Captain Gazi, an army officer who was killed couples of years ago in mysterious circumstances while his troops were on a night patrol in Ghilachari.

UPDF Rangamati District Unit condemned his arrest and urged the authorities concerned to release him unconditionally.

UPDF posters torn down
UPDF’s Alakesh Chakma from Rangamati alleged that the army had torn their party’s founding anniversary posters down at Manikchari yesterday.

“The army also gave the people a scolding for allowing us to put up the posters there,” Alakesh told chtnews.com.

Some of the slogans are “Eleventh founding anniversary message: Build up movement for achieving land and ethnic rights”, “On the eve of eleventh founding anniversary, we call on students, women and youth: join the struggle for preserving national dignity and land rights”, “We Want Full Autonomy”, “We Want Complete Withdrawal of Army from CHT”, “Recognise Jumma People’s Customary Land Laws”, Stop land grabbing and human rights violations in CHT”.

Military raids and torture in Sajek

2009-12-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 227/2009, December 24, 2009

Two Jumma villagers were tortured during army raids in three villages in Sajek Union under Rangamati district.

According to sources, on the night of 21 December, a group of 10 – 15 army personnel led by Habilder Tarikul Islam from Baghaihat zone raided Baghaihat cluster village.

The soldiers conducted searches into the houses of the village and beat up Sukumar Chakma (40).

They also picked up 10 others. They are Chitta Ranjan Chakma, the village head, Hridoy Ranjan Chakma, ex-member of UP, Laxmi Moni Chakma, teacher of Baghaihat High School, Ujjal Chakma, teacher of Baghaihat High School, Sudarshan Chakma (35), Binoy Chakma, Moti Lal Chakma, Jagadish Chakma, Nirupam Chakma and Ananda Chakma.

However, they were released the next morning.

On the same day, another group of army personnel led by Major Amin and Lt. Masud raided East Balughat and beat up one Arun Bikash Chakma (35) son of Shati Kumar Chakma there.

They also prevented the villagers from constructing an office of a Samiti (group) formed by UNDP.

The army made another raid in the village of Daney Baibachara, searching the house of Biralal Chakma (45) son of Narammya Chakma.

They interrogated him about UPDF and warned against settlement of any landless Jumma family in the area.

“If anyone settles defying our order, we will shoot him,” the army told Biralal.

On 23 December, the army raided East Balughat again. They tried to take away the signboard of the UNDP-formed Samiti (group). But their attempt failed when the village women resisted.

The army then made attempts to pick up a villager named Mano Ranjan Chakma but they had to leave him as the women put up resistance again.

Demo held against military-backed Borkha party

2009-12-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 226/2009, December 22, 2009

Three Jumma organisations -- Hill Students’ Council, Hill Women’s Federation and Democratic Youth Forum – staged a demonstration today in Khagrachari, demanding immediate release of four kidnapped Jumma villagers in Laxmichari. (photo attached)

The Jummas were kidnapped last night by military-backed terrorists popularly known as Borkha party because its members used to put on Borkha or Muslim veil while committing crimes.

At a rally held at Mukta Mancha in Khagrachari bazaar, Apruchi Marma, a leader of Hill Students’ Council demanded that the Borkha Party be disbanded and its members arrested and put on trial.

He accused Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam of sheltering the Borkha party terrorists.

The rally was preceded by a procession which took off from Swanirbhor bazaar and paraded Khagrachari town.

Settler attempts to grab land in Panchari

2009-12-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 225/2009, December 22, 2009

The settlers are making attempts to grab 7 acres of land belonging to four Jumma individuals in Panchari under Khagrachari district.

The land, which falls under third class category suitable only for plantations, lies in Taiongpara village under Choto Panchari Mouza in Latiban Union and belongs to Chandra Joy Tripura son of late Koni Ram Tripura, Modyo Joy Tripura s/o late Moni Mohan Tripura and two others.

“Four Bengali settlers from Choto Panchari went there to occupy the land and cleared jungles this morning,” a DYF member from Panchari quoted Chandra Joy Tripura as telling him.

Mr. Tripura told his that one month ago, Hedayet from Choto Panchari had gone to the Jumma land owners taking police along with him, apparently to intimidate them, and claimed that the land in question belonged to him.

Since then, the Jumma land owners have gone to many people in authority including Latiban Union Council chairman to seek justice, but to no avail.

Four villagers kidnapped in Laxmichari

2009-12-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 224/2009, December 22, 2009

Four Jumma villagers have been kidnapped in Laxmichari under Khagrachari district, sources say.

According to various sources, a group of military-backed Bokha Party members led by Kapil Sen Chakma and Bizu Chakma last night raided the village of Bokyacahra under Laxmichari Sader Union.

They picked up Babullya Chakma (30) son of Rabi Kumar Chakma from his house and demanded a sum of Taka 100,000 ($1428) as toll from him.

When he refused to agree to pay the toll money, the terrorists forcibly took him away. Babullay Chakma is blind in one eye.

The Borkha terrorists also kidnapped three others from the village. They are Joy Dhan Chakma (25) son of Dhanakka Chakma (village head), Bindukya Chakma (16) son of Palokya Chakma and Anil Chakma (25) s/o Khiluk Dhan Chakma.

The Borkha Party was created by military in June – July this year to create disturbance to justify opposition to army withdrawal from CHT. Its original name was CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum), but it became known as Borkha Party as its members used borkha or Muslim veils during robbery and hijacking.

The Borkha members are now concentrated mainly in Laxmichari after they were ousted from Ramgarh, Guimara and Matiranga areas by popular resistance.

Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, commander of Laxmichari zone, is openly patronizing them.
..............................

Army arrests PCP activists in Naniachar, released later

2009-12-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 223/2009, December 21, 2009

The army arrested three Jumma activists from zone gate in Naniachar today. However, they were released one hour later, after seizing copies of posters from them, sources in PCP say.

The arrest was made at 4:30pm when PCP and DYF activists were on their way to Naniachar bazaar to put up posters about the upcoming 11th founding anniversary programmes of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF).

The army kept the activists for an hour and questioned them about the language of the posters.

One of the hand-written posters was about the withdrawal of the army from CHT.

“The army asked why we demand withdrawal of the army,” Ricoh Chakma, president of PCP central committee, told chtnews.com by phone from Khagrachari quoting Bilash Chakma, president of PCP Naniachar Branch committee, who was among the arrested.

“Bilash replied ‘we demand your (army) withdrawal because you torture us’”

“When the soldier asked for proof, he cited the most recent Ghilachari incident in which an army man made an attempt to rape a Jumma woman.”

“After that the soldier kept quiet.”

However, the army kept four posters dealing with the demand for army withdrawal and land rights of the Jummas, Ricoh further said.

The arrested PCP activists are Bilash Chakma, president of PCP Naniachar Branch committee, Gautam Muni Chakma and Toel Chakma, members of PCP Naniachari College branch, and Real Chakma, member of Democratic Youth Forum Naniachari Unit.

The Khagrachari district branch of the Hill Students’ Council staged a demonstration in the afternoon against undemocratic intervention of the army in Naniachar. (photo attached).
..............................

Borkha party’s terror campaign in Laxmichari

2009-12-24T09:22:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 222/2009, December 21, 2009

The military-backed Borkha Party members have unleashed a reign of terror in Laxmichari.

“They are terrorising people with direct support from Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam.” alleged Rina Dewan, Organising Secretary of Hill Women’s Federation.

A resident of Laxmichari, Rina said on Sunday, 19 December, the Borkha Party terrorists led by Nirmal Kanti Chakma stopped a jeep at Kali Mandir area of Hatichara and forced those bound for Manikchari bazaar to get down along with their merchandise.

The terrorists tried to force them to sell their goods at Laxmichari bazaar, instead of Manikchari bazaar.

“When the people tried to resist the terrorists, they phoned zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, who appeared there within minutes with his force.” Rina further informed.

Then the Borkha men beat up the market-going people in his presence.

One of those tortured is Juddha Moni Chakma (46) son of Smriti Mohan Chakma of village Gobmara. He was on his way to Manikchari bazaar to sell goods.

On 20 December, four Borkha party men accompanied a group of army men from Laxmichari zone during a raid on Jatindra Karbari Para village in Morachengey area. They are Kapil Sen Chakma, Bishu Chakma, Phorachan Chakma and Alubo Chakma.

The terrorists threatened the villagers and ordered them to shut their shops down.

The same say another group of Borkha terrorists went to the village of Master Para in Dullyatoli Union, terrorised the people and ordered them to come to Laxmichari bazaar.

The Borkha terrorists also collect tolls regularly from people in Bannyachola of Laxmichari Upazila, and in Bholachola of Manikchari Upazila, and share the booty with Sharif.

The Jumma people have been boycotting Laxmichari bazaar since 9 October following a communal attack on them. They are demanding punishment to Lt. Col. Sharif, the chief culprit who masterminded this violent attack that left many Jumma people wonded.

Lt. Col. Sharif, who is also responsible for deterioration of relations between Jummas and Bengalis in recent months in Laxmichari, has been trying to coerce the Jummas to come back to Laxmichari bazaar.

Three villagers kidnapped, released after paying ransom in Sajek

2009-12-24T09:22:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 221/2009, December 19, 2009

Three Jumma villagers were kidnapped and released later in a remote mountainous area of Ruilui under Sajek Union of Rangamati district, sources said.

A belated report said a group of JSS militants (Santu faction) kidnapped Jotirmoy Chakma (45), Sadhan Chandra Chakma (44) and Diptiman Chakma (50) at gun point from Meet-point area at 1:30pm on 1 December.

The JSS men accused them of not paying “Jum tax” to them last year and demanded Taka 50,000 ($715) as ransom for their release.

They ordered the money to be paid within three days.

The next day the village elders contacted the kidnappers, paid Taka 20,000 and got the hostages released.

Army search houses in Laxmichari

2009-12-24T09:21:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 220/2009, December 19, 2009

A group of army personnel from Laxmichari zone in Khagrachari district last night raided the village of Bhukkyachara, about 1km north-west of Laxmichari Upazila headquarters, sources said.

“The number of the soldiers was about 18, and they were accompanied by two other people who had covered their faces with bandanas,” a school teacher told chtnews.com by mobile phone from Laxmichari.

He said the army surrounded the houses of Rabi Kumar Chakma and his two sons Bishu Kumar Chakma and Babu Chakma in the village.

According to him, the soldiers looked for Bishu Kumar Chakma, an avid supporter of the UPDF, and his daughter Bobita Chakma, who is a member of the Hill Women’s Federation.

However, they were not at home during the search, and the army went back without arresting anyone.s

JSS’ Santu faction kidnaps 5 in Jurachari

2009-12-24T09:21:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 219/2009, December 19, 2009

Members of the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti have kidnapped five supporters of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) from the village of Shalbon under Jurachari Union, report Shamakal, Naya Diganta and Daily Purbokone.

According to a news report published in these Bengali dailies today, the UPDF supporters were kidnapped yesterday morning.

The victims have been identified as Sapta Moni Chakma (70), Sumiti Bikash Chakma (35), Ujjal Chakma (22), Arun Tonchongy (25) and Bimal Chakma (30).

“The JSS orchestrated the kidnapping with a view to foiling our party’s founding anniversary programmes on 26 December.” the papers quoted Maha Ranjon Chakma as saying.

Settlers attempt to grab land in Langudu

2009-12-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 218/2009, December 16, 2009

The illegal Bengali settlers have been making repeated attempts to grab approximately 50 acres of land belonging to Jumma people in Langudu Upazila under Rangamati district.

Sources from Langudu said 21 settler families from Bheibone Chara have been trying to grab the land since October.

The lands are registered in favour of five Jumma villagers, namely 1. Dayal Chandra Chakma son of late Laxmi Charan Chakma, Bondobosti (settlement) case no: 1205 (d)1975/76, Holding No: H/9; 2. Shidham Chakma son of late Pottya Ram Chakma Bondobosti case N0: 1067(d),1972/73 Holding No: H/49; 3. Ashasur Chakma son of late Protibondhu Chakma Bondobosti case No: 1272(D), H/68; 4. Krshina Chandra Chakma son of Purnamashi Chakma Bondobosti case No: 1071(D)1972/73 Holding: H/48; and
5. Bashanta Chakma son of late Kalachan Chakma Bondobosti case No: 1200(D)1975/76 Holding -H/5.

The lands in question are situated in Harikaba, Modyo Harikaba, Bor Harikaba and Boradam areas.

The Jumma land owners submitted a memorandum to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the highest government authority in the Upazila, one week ago, and he has set a date for a meeting with both the parties to settle the dispute.

Land grabbing is still a huge problem faced by the Jumma people in CHT.

“No matter which government is in power – be it AL, BNP or caretaker government, the settlers continue to grab our lands.” Mithun Chakma, a DYF leader, said.

He thinks most of the government officials are biased in favour of the settlers, and “it is one of the reasons why the settlers are so aggressive in their attempts to grab our lands.” he said.

“Not a single settler has so far been punished for grabbing or attempting to grab Jumma people’s lands.” he added.

Michael Chakma, another DYF leader, is apprehensive about the outcome of the tomorrow’s scheduled meeting.

Speaking to chtnews.com from Langudu, he said “From past experiences I can say that such meetings are a useless exercise; the settlers are not deterred even if we have proved our case showing relevant documents and the local government officials have settled the matter.”

Eleven of the 21 settlers who are making attempts to grab land have been identified.

They are Md. Makbul, Md. Tafa, Md. Motaleb, Md. Rafique, Md. Ainul, Md. Abu(ex UP member of 7no Lungudu Sadar UP), Md. Rahman, Md. Mofajjal, Md. Shahidul, Md. Mansur Ali and Md. Imam Ali.

13 Jumma villagers arrested in Dighinala

2009-12-24T09:18:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 216/2009, December 13, 2009

Thirteen Jumma villagers have been arrested during an army raid in Jora Bridge area under Dighinala Upazila in Khagrachari district, sources say.

Quoting villagers of the area, an NGO activist told chtnews.com a group of army personnel from Dighinala zone raided Jora Bridge area at around 3:30pm today and picked up 13 persons from a tea shop there.

The arrested Jummas were taken to the camp and reportedly tortured.

They are Purno Bikash Chakma (30) son of Lalit Kumar Chakma, Dhan Kumar Chakma (35) son of Birendra Chakma, Ratna Kumar Chakma (41) son of Purno Chandra Chakma, Swapna Kumar Chakma (35) son of Ashwini Chakma, Ranjit Chakma (17) son of Ramchandra Chakma, Arekyo Chakma (30) son of Kina Chan Chakma, Ananda Chakma (17) son of Lamba Peda Chakma, Nironto Chakma (45), Rupayan Chakma (30) son of Barna Kumar Chakma, Ripon Chakma (20) , Mrs. Dhaturi Chakma (50) wife of Bangali Chan Chakma, their two sons Surjo Uday Chakma (10) and Batya Chakma (12).

Surjo Uday and Batya Chakma are students, studying in a school in Dighinala. Their mother Dhaturi Chakma went to the tea shop to look for them when the arrest was made.

None of the arrested has been released till the writing of this report at 7:50pm.

Army ransacks Buddhist hut in Majalong

2009-12-24T09:18:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 217/2009, December 14, 2009

A belated report said a group of 12 army personnel led by Warrant Officer Selim from Majalong camp on 19 November raided a Buddhist Kuthir or hut at Puriholachug hill in Majalong under Sajek Union of Rangamati district and destroyed the belongings of Ven. Chirosukh Bhante, the Buddhist monk who resides in the hut.

This was the second raid in the same month, sources said. “The army reached the Kuthir at about 10am. Then they entered it with their boots on defying temple rules and destroyed the Bhante’s belongings including his Chabek (alms bowl) and plates.” one villager quoted Bhante’s attendant Shanti Chakma as saying.

The soldiers also drank up beverages (7ups) stored for the Bhante, he added.

It needs to be mentioned that Warrant Officer Selim first raided the Kuthir on 10 November and ransacked it.

JSS (Rupayan) member shot dead by Santu group

2009-12-24T09:17:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 215/2009, December 12, 2009

An activist of Jana Samhati Samiti (Rupayan), popularly known as reformists, was shot dead yesterday by Santu group in Merung area under Dighinala Upazila in Khagrachari district.

Leaders of the Rupayan faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti have confirmed the death of Jiten Chakma alias Shanti. He is from Naraichari village in Babuchara, Dighinala, and his father’s name is Purno Mohan Chakma.

The killing took place in the evening at Moner Manush area under Merung Union, south of Dighinala bazaar.

JSS (Rupayan) allege that Pulin Bihari Chakma, 26, son of Rajyo Muni Chakma and Sona Kanti Chakma alias Lambapeda, 26, son of Shanti Lochon Chakma of the Santu faction masterminded the killing.

“They shot him point blank”, a member of the JSS Rupayan said.

The Daily Star, an English newspaper published from Dhaka, and the Purbokone, a Bengali daily published from Chittagong, covered the incident but referred to the victim’s name as Sunil Bikash Chakma (30).

Settlers obstruct Jummas from working in their land in Sajek

2009-12-24T09:17:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 214/2009, December 10, 2009

Settlers obstructed two Jumma families from working in their own land in Sajek under Rangamati district.

Sources said Lallo Chakma’s wife Hasina Chakma and Boli Chakma of Gangaramdore village went to their land to cut trees yesterday at about 9am.

But three settlers named Md. Abdul, Mofiz and Rubel chased them away wielding daos (knives).

Earlier on 11 November, in a similar incident Aroti Chakma of Gangaramdore was obstructed by Mofiz from clearing jungle in her own land.

Santu Larma’s demand for banning UPDF is a frustration of an old, unelected leader – DYF

2009-12-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 213/2009, December 09, 2009

The Democratic Youth Forum General Secretary Mithun Chakma, Hill Students’ Council President Ricoh Chakma and Hill Women’s President Sonali Chakma in a statement today, 9th December, termed the demand of Santu Larma to ban United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) as a frustration of an old man who has not been elected to serve the people but has been indulging in open corruption, says a press release.

Brushing aside his demand, the three Jumma leaders said “the point is not whether to ban UPDF or not, but whether Santu Larma, chief of the Jana Samhati Samiti’ Santu faction, has any legitimacy to serve as the Chair of the Regional Council considering that he has never been elected. He is a stooge irrespective of which ever government is in power in Dhaka and indulges in corruption. Even during emergency no action against his corruption has been taken.”

They alleged that Santu Larma uses the government funds allocated to the Regional Council to sustain his terrorist gangs and to procure arms and ammunition to kill his opponents including UPDF members and supporters.

They said UPDF is campaigning for full autonomy through peaceful and democratic means, and added that Santu Larma has killed more than two hundred members and supporters of the UPDF since 1998 when the party came into being. It is precisely because UPDF has participated in the elections while Santu Larma often boycotted under various pretext.

Referring to an interview of Santu Larma published in daily Jugantor in 2000 in which he had virtually ordered his men to lynch UPDF members and supporters, the three leaders said “terrorism is the motto of Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu faction).”

They further alleged that despite UPDF assurance that it would help any efforts to implement the CHT accord in full, the Santu faction of the JSS has continued its armed offensives against UPDF while the government has stepped up political repression.

The press release is signed by Thui Kyo Ching Marma, General Secretary, Hill Students’ Council, Dhaka Branch.

UPDF launches office in Pujgang

2009-12-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 212/2009, December 09, 2009

The United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has opened an office at Pujgang under Panchari Upazila in Khagrachari district.

The office was inaugurated yesterday by Alok Bikash Chakma, a UPDF organiser affiliated with Panchari Unit.

Presided over by Chandra Dev Chakma, the inauguration ceremony was also addressed by Riku Chakma, president of Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari district unit, Shipu Tripura, member of PCP Panchari branch, Anil Kumar Chakma, chairman of Chengi Union No. 2, Nanda Joy Chakma, a businessman, and Nila Kumar Chakma.

In his inaugural address Mr. Alok Bikash Chakma said UPDF is committed to democratic values and principles and is campaigning for the rights of the Jumma people through peaceful means.

“But the government and the army have been engaged in a conspiracy to thwart the advance of our party.” he alleged.

He urged all to strengthen the hands of the UPDF for peace and progress in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

12 Jummas tortured in Majolong, Sajek

2009-12-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 211/2009, December 04, 2009

A belated report said 12 Jumma villagers were tortured in a remote
village in Majolong under Sajek Union of Rangamati district.

It said a group of army personnel from Majolong camp raided the
village of Milonpara at about 10pm on 9 November.

The victims were watching a film in a house in celebration of one of
their relative’s birthday.

The soldiers entered the house and picked up 12 of the villagers. They
were taken to the camp and tortured. However, they were released the
next day.

Six of the victims have been identified. They are Boren Chakma (21),
Battya Chakma (26), Bata Tripura (32), Monakya Chakma (20), Sidharth
Chakma (30) and Khuku Moni Chakma (20).

New central committee for HWF formed

2009-12-02T16:20:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 209/2009, November 24, 2009

A 21-member strong new central committee for Hill Women’s Federation
has been formed with Sonali Chakma and Konika Dewan as its president
and General Secretary.

The committee was announced today at the end of a three-day conference
that began on 21 November in Chittagong.

Over 70 delegates from all over the CHT had taken part in the seventh
conference.

Sonali Chakma has been re-elected president unanimously for the third
consecutive term, while Konika Dewan and Rina Dewan retained their
positions as General Secretary and Organising Secretary respectively.

Apart from electing a new central committee, the conference also
revised the organisation’s charter of demands and made a few
amendments to the constitution.

The conference, presided over by Sonali Chakma, expressed solidarity
with Ghilachari women who have risen in an uprising, demanding
punishment of an army personnel for sexual attack on a Jumma woman and
withdrawal of Ghilachari camp.

Army orders one to shut his roadside shop

2009-12-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 208/2009, November 21, 2009

Army personnel have ordered Kamal Dhan Chakma, 38, to shut his shop at Jatri Chouni near Kudukchari bazaar for good and quit his business, sources say.

“The army came in the evening today and asked me whether I had documents for my business. I said I had license. Yet, the army men told me to shut my shop for ever.” a Jumma activist quoted him as saying.

Kamal Dhan Chakma’s original home is in Ugudochari under Laxmichari Upazila. He opened his shop 2/3 years ago.

Ghilachari women suspend road blockade

2009-12-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

chtnews.comNews No. 207/2009, November 20, 2009

The agitating Ghilachari women have suspended the ongoing road blockade till 25 November after taking annual examinations of the school children and the suffering of the people into consideration, says a statement issued by Ghilachari Committee for Guiding Movement Against Women Repression today.

“But the protest will continue” it added.

“We are suspending the blockade till 25 November” one of the organisers told chtnews.com.

They had blocked Rangamati – Khagrachari road for four days since 17 November in protest against an attempted rape on a Jumma woman and demanding punishment of the guilty army man and withdrawal of Ghilachari camp.

HWF begins its 7th central council in Chittagong

2009-12-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 206/2009, November 20, 2009

The Hill Women’s Federation has inaugurated its seventh central council with a call to resist repression of Jumma women and speed up the struggle for full autonomy in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The inaugural ceremony was held at Islamabadi Memorial Hall of Kadam Mobbarak High School with the hoisting of the national, UPDF and HWF flags.

The hall was packed with participants, who spilled over on to the school ground.

Advocate Bhulon Bhowmik inaugurated the council at 11:30am to the thunderous applause. In his inaugural address Mr. Bhowmik said it was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who had set and initiated the repressive policies on CHT. “The Pahari people have their own land laws which are based on customs, but the Bangladesh state does not recognise them.” he said and demanded that this just right be recognised and protected.

Presided over by HWF president Sonali Chakma, the inaugural ceremony was also addressed by Mamun, General Secretary, Ganotantrik Front Chittagong Unit; Md. Anwar, convenor, Jatiya Chattra Dal Chittagong Unit; Sumi Chakrabarti, central committee member of Paribrajok Progoti Dal and a Masters student of Chittagong University; Rakib Uddin, a leader of Naya Ganotantric Gano Morcha; Mithun Chakma, General Secretary, Democratic Youth Forum, Ricoh Chakma, president, Hill Students’ Council and Shanti Dev Chakma, organiser, UPDF Rangamati District Unit.

HWF president Sonali Chakma expressed her solidarity with the Ghilachari women who have been enforcing road blocks, demanding punishment of an army man for attempting to rape a Jumma woman.

She said the Jumma women have become more vulnerable to sexual violence then ever. “They are nowhere safe in the CHT” she said adding, their safety and dignity can be ensured only if the army and settlers are withdrawn from CHT.

She demanded constitutional recognition to the Jumma people and their traditional land laws.

Shanti Dev Chakma said when it comes to the issue of Chittagong Hill Tracts there is no difference between the ruling national political parties such as Awami League, BNP, JP and Jammat.

“UPDF has been oppressed under all the previous governments and continue to be oppressed under the present government.” he said.

“This is because in the CHT the real government is not AL or BNP, but the army; it is the army who rule the roost, they are the final authority.” he added.

Expressing solidarity with the struggle of the Jumma people, Mamun emphasized the need for linking the struggle against national repression to the struggle against feudalism and imperialism.

“Until the struggle against imperialism and feudalism is won, there will be no let up in national repression”, he sad.

He also condemned the killing of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma in Laxmichari.

Md. Anwar said Bangladesh is a multi-national country. “It is not possible to find a solution to the national question under the existing state structure.” he said.

Supporting the demands of the Ghilachari women, Sumi Chakrabarti said the message of their resistance should be spread all over.

Rakib Uddin said the ruling class has ruined the country and the Jumma people should not expect much from this government.

Mithun Chakma narrated his experience of his recent visits to Panchari, Laxmichari, Naniachar and Jurachari, and said the army is the greatest threat to peace and survival of the Jumma people in CHT.

He described how Lt. Col. Sharif in Laxmichari has formed a terrorist gang -- the so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum) which is popularly known as Borkha Bahini or Veiled Force as its members cover their faces with Muslim veils during their actions.

Ricoh Chakma said full autonomy is the only solution to the CHT problem.

Rally
The inaugural ceremony was followed by a procession which marched to the Chittagong press club on Jamal Khan road.

An estimated 750 Jumma women took part in the procession, holding banners and placards and waving UPDF and HWF flags. They came from all over the CHT including Bandarban and belong to almost all the Jumma nationalities.

In addition, 50 Bengali sympathizers and 100 PCP and DYF members and supporters also took part in the programme.

Discussion
Later in the afternoon, a discussion on the role of women in the resistance against repression in Chittagong Hill tracts was held at the same hall room with Sonali Chakma in the chair.

The speakers included professor Mohammad Hossain Khan, joint convenor, Committee Against Fascism and Imperialism, Chittagong; professor Ferdous Ara Alim; Arup Barua, member, Bangladesh Lakhok Shibir Chittagong unit; Sadaf Nur-e-Islam, Associate professor, department of anthropology, Chittagong University; and Shanti Dev Chakma, a UPDF leader.

Professor Ferdous Ara Alim said the way the Jumma women have built up their movement is most appreciable. “My head bends down with respect when I think of it” she said.

Justifying the struggle of the Hill Women Federation, Mrs Ferdous said the Jumma women are regularly assaulted. She cited the example of Kalpana Chakma who was kidnapped by Lt. Ferdous in 1996.

Chittagong University teacher Sadaf Nur-e-Islam said “Kalpana Chakma is a symbol of resistance in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Once we tried to name a place after Kalpana Chakma on Jahangirnagar University campus, but the university authority refused to give us permission.”

She went on to say, “We – Paharis and Bengalis -- live side by side. When I hear the news of human rights violations in CHT it reminds me of the incidents of Ekattor (Liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971).”

Arup Barua shared his experience of his visits different parts of CHT and narrated how the Jumma people are subjected to repression and inhuman and degrading treatment.

He said the movement initiated by HWF is of different kind; it is born out of resistance against repression.

Professor Hossain Khan stressed the need for a simultaneous movement in the Hills and in the plain.

Ghilachari road blockade continues: army arrests two in Kudukchari

2009-12-02T16:16:00.000-08:00

chtnews.comNews No. 205/2009, November 19, 2009

Jumma women in Ghilachari enforced peaceful road blockade for the third consecutive day today without any untoward incidents.

Army personnel remained deployed all over the area, and in Kudukchari, which lies five kilometers south of Ghilachari on Rangamati–Khagrachari road, they have arrested two Jumma villagers from Halfchari market.

The army also ordered all the shops in Halfchari market, 8–10 in all and belonging to the Jummas, to be closed.

The arrested Jummas are Arabindu Chakma, 35, and Mulukya Chakma (34). They were taken to Kudukchari camp.

Last night the army raided a hostel of Kudukchari High School, searched the rooms and insulted its inmates.

In another incident, the army stopped Sumoti Chakma son of Shukro Kumar Chakma of Kabukchari village from entering Ghilachari bazaar at 2:15pm today. He was going to the market to buy some medicines.

Statement
The Ghilachari Committee for Guiding Movement Against Women Repression in a press statement yesterday said, “the rumour that the blockade enforcers had attacked students ofBetchari Osmania High School is completely false, fabricated and baseless. There is not an iota of truth in it.”

It went on to say: “We think a corrupt element within the army spread this rumour to attain a certain objective, and it is to divert our movement by creating a Pahari-Bengali communal riot”

Solidarity demonstrations for Ghilachari uprising

2009-12-02T16:15:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 204/2009, November 18, 2009

Solidarity demonstrations for the just cause of the Ghilachari women have been held across Chittagong Hill Tracts and in Dhaka and Chittagong.

In Khagrachari, hundreds of people, mostly women, took to the streets today to protest against yesterday’s brutal army attack on the agitating Jumma women in Ghilachari who were enforcing a peaceful road blockade, demanding punishment of an army sex offender and withdrawal of Ghilachari army camp.

The demonstration was organised by Hill Women’s Federation, Hill Students’ Council and Democratic Youth Forum.

They brought out a procession from Upazila ground at 11am, proceeded to Khagrachari bazaar and then held a rally at Mukhta Mancha.

Chandani Chakma, Vice-president of HWF Khagrachari District unit; Subir Chakma, Organising Secretary of DYF Khagrachari District Unit and Apruchi Marma, General Secretary of PCP Khagrachari District unit addressed the rally.

The speakers condemned the unprovoked attack on the Jumma women in Ghilachari and demanded that the army personnel involved in the attack be punished.

They expressed solidarity with the movement of the Jumma women in Ghilachari and urged the government to concede to their just demands.

Solidarity meetings and demonstrations have also been held in Panchari, Dighinala, Mahalchari, Kaokhali in CHT and in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Sachib Chakma released again

2009-12-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 203/2009, November 18, 2009

UPDF leader Sachib Chakma has been released from Rangamati jail, party sources say.

A judicial magistrate ordered his release yesterday. Earlier he was granted bail in all the three cases filed against him.

But he was arrested again at the jail gate on 12 November under section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which gives the police arbitrary powers to arrest anyone on mere suspicion.

Sachib walked out of the jail at about 3pm today.

DYF members beaten by JSS Santu faction

2009-12-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

chtnews.comNews No. 202/2009, November 18, 2009

As the Jumma women were putting up a brave fight against the army during their peaceful road block in Ghilachari yesterday, the pro-government JSS (Santu) beat up three members of the Democratic Youth Forum in Chittagong.

The DYF members came under attack of the JSS men at 10:30pm when they were putting up posters announcing the Hill Women’s Federation’s upcoming central council.

The council will be held from 20 – 23 November in Chittagong.

The JSS people were 15 – 16 in number and led by Bakul Chakma, Romel Chakma and Bhaskar Chakma.

The tortured DYF members have been identified as Dipu Chakma, 22, son of Kanchon Moni Chakma of village Barazhola Para, Matiranga; Polen Chakma, 28, son of Shanti Kumar Chakma of village Baghaihat, Sajek; and Tapan Chakma, 21, son of Adi Chandra Chakma of village Harubil, Panchari.

DYF General Secretary Mithun Chakma condemned the attack on his organisation’s members, and urged the JSS to come to senses, shun violence and join the struggle of the Jumma people for survival.

He said “the JSS should have supported the Ghilachari movement instead of killing, kidnapping and beating its own brethren.”

Ghilachari road blockade: 7 injured in army and settler attack

2009-12-02T10:29:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 201/2009, November 17, 2009: 9:45pm

At least 7 persons including 5 Jumma women were wounded as the army attacked them in a bid to break a peaceful road block set up by Ghilachari Committee for Guiding Movement Against Women Repression today, sources said.

Three of the injured have been admitted to Rangamati Sadar Hospital with serious injuries.

They have been identified as Maya Chakma, a class nine student of Baro Mahapuram High School, Chandrahela Chakma (40) wife of Suresh Chakma of village Kudukchari Nich Para and Dev Rani Chakma (45) of village Kudukchari Headman Para.

Maya Chakma’s condition has been stated to be critical as she has sustained injuries on her head.

Other injured women are Manti Chakma, a class nine student of Baro Mahapuram High School and Zhinu Chakma (35) wife of Sumati Lal Chakma of village Hazachari Pachchim Para.

These five Jumma women were wounded at Kudukchari when the army led by the 2-IC (Second-in-Command) of Naniachar zone resorted to indiscriminate baton charges in retaliation for stopping his boss’s vehicle in the morning.

The road block was enforced by Jumma women under the banner of “Ghilachari Committee for Guiding Movement Against Women Repression”

They were demanding punishment of an army man involved in an incident of attempted rape on a Jumma woman on 8 November and withdrawal of Ghilachari army camp to which he belongs.

Many vehicles remained stranded on Khagrachari – Rangamati road as the blockade began at 9am.

In the morning, there was chase and counter-chase between the army and the stick-wielding Jumma women.

In Bogachari, a few kilometers north-east of Ghilachari, some settlers spread rumour that one of their fellows were attacked and injured by the Jummas in Ghilachari.

This instigated the settlers who came out of their homes and attacked Anil Chakma son of Nandi Kumar Chakma of village Maischari. He was left unconscious after heavy beating. Later, the Additional District Magistrate sent him to Rangamati for treatment.

Another unnamed Jumma was also injured when the army beat him up at Atharo Mile area on Khagrachari – Rangamati road. He was returning from Khagrachari on foot.

The settlers also tried to attack the Jumma women, but when they saw them in large numbers and armed with sticks, axe, dao (a kind of knife) and beyong (weaving tool), they went back.

In the afternoon, some army personnel also tried to attack a group of Jumma women at Ghilachari Buddhist temple, but they were resisted.

Meanwhile, UPDF said the army has imposed an undeclared curfew in and around Kudukchari bazaar and no one is being allowed to move in and out. Many have been trapped there.

Earlier in the afternoon, an army captain from Kudukchari camp entered UPDF office at Kudukchari and threatened Sona Moni Chakma, a UPDF member, not to get involve in the road block.

Another source from Naniachar told chtnews.com that the C.O. had got 8 settlers – 6 women and 2 men – admitted to the hospital with no injuries. He then forced the attending doctors and the nurses out of the room.

“Many believe that there is something on his mind. And it is that he wants to show that these people have been injured in attacks by Jummas.” the source said.

UPDF’s Shanti Dev Chakma and Hill Women’s Federation president Sonali Chakma condemned the attack on Jumma women who were enforcing a peaceful road blockade to realize their just demands.

Naniachar Massacre Day observed

2009-12-02T10:28:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 200/2009, November 17, 2009

The Hill Students Council today observed Naniachar Massacre Day in Naniachar as the local administration imposed section 144 on parts of the town.

About 1,000 participated in a commemoration rally held at Rest House ground at 12 noon. Earlier a procession was taken out and floral wreaths were placed before a makeshift monument set up for the martyred.

Presided over by Bilash Chakma, president of PCP Naniachar Unit, the rally was addressed by Mithun Chakma, General Secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum, Ricoh Chakma, president of Hill Students’ Council and Juthika Chakma, convenor of HWF Rangamati District branch.

Besides, Sushil Jibon Chakma spoke on behalf of the martyred families.

The speakers urged the government to publish the inquiry report on Naniachar massacre and punish those involved in the gruesome killing.

At least 36 Jummas were killing in this massacre.

JSS Santu faction kidnaps DYF leader

2009-12-02T10:27:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 199/2009, November 17, 2009

A leader of the Democratic Youth Forum has been kidnapped by members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu faction) in Rangamati.

Sources said Shakyo Muni Chakma (28) son of Binod Karbari of village Indrama Chara under Subholong Union was kidnapped from Samaresh Dewan’s Saw Mill at Samataghat in Rangamati town at around 10am.

He is the member secretary of Barkal Upazila Unit of Democratic Youth Forum, a front organisation of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF).

The kidnappers were led by JSS (Santu faction) members Padmalochon Chakma, Chinese Chakma, Fodangtang Chakma and Foren Chakma.

They demanded Taka 500,000 ($ 7142.85) as ransom from his relatives.

Section 144 imposed in Naniachar

2009-12-02T10:27:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 198/2009, November 17, 2009

The local administration last night imposed section 144 to prevent from taking place a planned rally in commemoration of those killed in Naniachar massacre 16 years ago.

The Hill Students’ Council, Hill Women’s Federation and Democratic Youth Forum decided to hold the rally at Upazila ground, but the UNO ordered the police to dismantle the stage being prepared there.

“No public meetings, rallies and processions are permitted within 200 yards of the Upazila” the announcement said.

Later, the organisers reached an agreement with the UNO and shifted the venue to Amgashtola area.

Nanicahar massacre took place on 17 November 1993. About 36 Jumma people were killed when the Bengali settlers and the Bangladesh army personnel attacked them in Naniachari bazaar.

Attempted rape in Ghilachari: protest rally held

2009-12-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 197/2009, November 17, 2009

The women of Ghilachari continued their peaceful agitation yesterday, protesting against the attempted rape on Juboni Chakma.

They held a rally at Ghilachari bazaar under the banner of the Ghilachari Committee for Guiding Movement Against Women Repression. An estimated 1,000 women participated.

They will enforce another round of road blockade today.

Army and police personnel including policewomen tried to intimidate the participants of the rally, but stick-wielding women chased them away.

Many including the OC of Naniachar police station, an Army Habilder, Naniachar Upazila chairman Pritimoy Chakma and Ghilachari UP chairman Mitu Chakma were clubbed by the women.

They also waved ragged pinon (lower-part garment of Chakma women) at them as a mark of protest.

Condemning the sexual attack on Juboni Chakma, the movement leaders demanded exemplary punishment of the guilty army man and immediate withdrawal of Ghilachari army camp from their area.

The rally, which began at 1pm and ended at 3:30pm without a break, was addressed by Rina Chakma, Sabina Chakma, Romita Chakma, Ittugi Chakma, Kajoli Chakma, Sumoti Chakma and Zhinu Prabha Chakma – all housewives and first-time speakers.

DYF Naniachar Upazila Committee formed

2009-12-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 196/2009, November 16, 2009

Democratic Youth Front’s Naniachar Upazila committee was formed yesterday with Priya Lal Chakma and Miltan Chakma elected as president and general secretary respectively, DYF sources said.

The 19-member strong committee was formed at a council session held at Naniachar College under the slogan “Unite the Youth for Self-determination”.

A total of 80 activists of the DYF active in Naniachar attended the session, which was also participated by DYF General Secretary Mithun Chakma, Organising Secretary Michael Chakma, PCP member Pruching Thoai Marma and Naniachar PCP president Bilash Chakma.

After the council session a rally was held which was addressed by HWF Naniachar branch president Juthika Chakma and Priya Lal Chakma.

One tortured, meditation hut ransacked in Baghaihat

2009-12-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 195/2009, November 15, 2009

An elderly Jumma villager was detained and tortured in Baghaihat zone under Rangamati district on 13 November, sources said.

A group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone raided the village of Balughat at around 8am and picked up Pathor Moni Chakma (72) son of late Narammya Chakma from his home.

He was detained till 3pm and tortured. He was released after forcing him to sign on a blank sheet of paper.

Mr. Chakma’s son Rupan Chakma is an active member of the UPDF.

Meditation hut ransacked

On 10 November, a group of army personnel led by Subedar Selim and Habildar Iqbal (44 Bengal) from Majalong army camp raided Porihola Chug Arannyo Kuthir or jungle hut (meditation centre) and ransacked it.

HWF Rangamati Unit Committee formed

2009-12-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 194/2009, November 15, 2009

An eleven-member committee for Hill Women’s Federation Rangamati District Unit was formed yesterday with Juthika Chakma and Sadhana Chakma elected as convenor and member secretary respectively, HWF sources said.

The committee was formed at a meeting held at UPDF office at Kudukchari in Rangamati.

HWF Acting General Secretary Konika Dewan and Domocratic Youth Forum leader Alakesh Chakma spoke at the meeting as special guests.

HWF members and supporters from various parts of Rangamati district, including members of Marma and Tripura communities, took part in the meeting.

The HWF will hold its seventh central council from 20 – 23 November in Chittagong.

Ghilachari bazaar committee president threatened

2009-12-02T10:18:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 193/2009, November 15, 2009

The Commanding Officer (CO) of Naniachar zone has threatened Ananta Bikash Chakma, president of Ghilachari bazaar committee, sources say.

The CO and Major Mehedi came to Ghilachari bazaar in the morning yesterday and accused Ananta of providing leadership to the recent uprising of the Jumma women in Ghilachari.

“Since I have come here, I will do something and then leave. And I am informed that it is you who is behind all this (uprising)” the CO is reported to have told Ananta Chakma.

Major Mehedi threatened him, saying “We know what you do. We have got all the reports. So be careful!”

Sachib Chakma’s wife demands his release

2009-12-02T10:17:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 192/2009, November 14, 2009

UPDF leader Sachib Chakma’s wife Ms Amita Chakma has demanded his immediate release, claiming that her husband is innocent. (photo courtesy Anik Chakma, Rangamati)

She made the demand while speaking at a press conference in Rangamati town.

Held at Rangamati press club at 3pm, the press conference was also attended by Sachib Chakma’s younger sister Shanti Bala Chakma and HWF leader Juthika Chakma.

In a written text, Ms Amita, the headmaster of East Ghilachari Non-government Primary School, said the cases filed against Sachib Chakma are politically motivated. “They were filed to harass him politically” she said.

“I think he was arrested because he criticized the CHT accord and opposed the destructive politics of a political party.”

She termed the re-arrest of Sachib Chakma at Rangamati jail gate after he was ordered to be released by the court as inhuman and contrary to the provisions of Bangladesh constitution, human rights laws and natural justice.

“It is also tantamount to contempt of court.” she added.

Refuting police statement that Sachib was arrested because they considered him a threat to the law and order of the district, she said “this argument of the police is laughable; Sachib Chakma can never be a threat to law and order because he is a responsible political leader”.

“I think he was arrested at the behest of his political opponents.” he said.

Settler grabs land in Kobakhali

2009-12-02T10:17:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 191/2009, November 14, 2009

A Bengali settler has grabbed 1.2 acres of registered land belonging to Niron Chakma, 40, in Kobakhali village under Pablakhali Mouza in Dighinala.

Mr. Niron Chakma (son of Nitipurna Chakma) alleged that one Yunusur Rahman s/o Anisur Rahman had begun ploughing the land since 5pm on 12 November.

By the night the same day he had prepared the land for planting.

Producing documents relating to the said land, Niron said, “The land is registered in the name of my father, the Khatian No. of which is 90.”

He further said that a case is still pending in the court of Judicial Magistrate and that in an arbitration facilitated by the authorities of Dighinala cantonment earlier it was clearly stated that the said land belongs to the Paharis (Jumma).

Army searches houses in Ghilachari

2009-12-02T10:15:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 190/2009, November 14, 2009

Army personnel raided and searched three houses in Ghilachari last night in an apparent bid to intimidate the participants of an uprising sparked by an incident of sexual violence involving a member of Bangladesh Army.

According to sources, the soldiers searched the house of Angad Chakma, a member of Bangladesh Navy, whose wife Poheli Chakma has played an important role in the uprising.

The soldiers entered their house in a threatening manner, asked her silly questions about their marriage and took away her husband’s photographs apparently to pressure him to stop her from taking part in the movement.

The other two houses the soldiers searched include Amar Jibon Chakma, ex-chairman of Ghilachari Union Parishad, and Jogendra Chakma, incumbent member of Ward No. 7 under Ghilachari Union.

A resident of Ghilachari told chtnews.com by mobile phone that “the army is still there in the area.”

“My view is that the aim of the deployment of the army is to intimidate and coerce the people into retreat.” he commented.

Three organisations stage demo against Lt. Col. Sharif

2009-12-02T10:15:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 189/2009, November 13, 2009

Three front organisations of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) have staged demonstration in Khagrachari demanding arrest and punishment of Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam for masterminding the killing of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma on 2 October. (photo attached)

The demonstration was organised by Democratic Youth Forum, Hill Students’ Council and Hill Women’s Federation.

They took out a procession from Swanirbhor bazaar at 4:45pm which marched to Shapla Chattwar in downtown Khagrachari.

Later, they held a rally at Chengi Square which was addressed by DYF leader Subir Chakma, HWF Khagrachari District unit president Riku Chakma and PCP activist Subrata Tripura.

“We urge the government to arrest and punish Laxmichari zone commander Lt. Col. Sharif for orchestrating the murder of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma.” Subir Chakma demanded.

Recalling the 9 October unprovoked attack on the activists of the three organisations in Laxmichari, Riku Chakma said “it was a planned attack; Lt. Sharif himself instigated the settlers to launch it. During the attack, we could not distinguish between the settlers and the police because the police were also in civilian uniforms. Even it might be possible that some army personnel had come and taken part in the attack wearing civilian dresses”

Subrata Tripura demanded a complete withdrawal of the army. “The army is the greatest threat to peace and security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.” he said.

Protest against re-arrest of UPDF leader Sachib Chakma

2009-12-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 188/2009, November 13, 2009

Protest demonstrations were held across Chittagong Hill Tracts against the re-arrest of UPDF leader Sachib Chakma after the court ordered his release on bail yesterday.

Demonstrations were held in Naniachar, Subholong, Jurachari, Khagrachari and Panchari on Thursday, yesterday.

Hundreds of UPDF members and supporters took part in these protests. They demanded Sachib Chakma’s unconditional and immediate release.

More protests will be held in Kaokhali and Bandarban.

Laxmichari acting UP Chairman and his office staff arrested by army

2009-12-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 187/2009, November 13, 2009

Laxmichari acting Union Parishad chairman Swapan Chakma, his secretary Md. Habibullah and peon Eka Chakma were arrested from their office late in the evening yesterday, sources said.

Laxmichari zone Commander Lt. Col. Shariful Islam, notorious for torturing innocent people, made the arrest himself and handed them over to the police.

“Swapn may not be that clean, but I think he has been arrested for speaking against the misdeeds of Lt. Col. Shariful Islam in a press conference in Dhaka.” said a school teacher in Laxmichari on condition of anonymity.

Newspaper reports say they have been arrested on charge of misappropriation of VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) food grains, and a case has been filed against them.

“But the news, as reported in some dailies including Daily Purbokone, that they were arrested by police is not true,” commented a Upazila vice president of Laxmichari who has gone into hiding in fear of reprisals from Lt. Col. Sharif.

UPDF leader Sachib Chakma re-arrested from Rangamati jail gate

2009-12-02T10:12:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 186/2009, November 12, 2009

Sachib Chakma, an influential member of the central committee of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), has been re-arrested at Rangamati jail gate immediately after his release on bail.

Plainclothes security personnel arrested him at around 11:45am today immediately after he had come out of jail, and whisked him away in to Kotwali police station.

Earlier, he was granted bail in all the three cases filed against him.

He was granted bail in Gyana Lal Chakma murder case on 20 July 2009, in Arjun Moni abduction case on 6 August 2009 and in Captain Gazi killing case on 11 November 2009.

No reason has been cited for his re-arrest, but there is indication that he might face new charges.

Over one hundred JSS members and supporters (Santu faction) thronged the police station to oppose his release.

They demanded that he (Sachib Chakma) be handed over to them.

Rangamati District Unit organiser Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the re-arrest of Sachib Chakma as vengeful and demanded his immediate release.

“We believe he (Sachib) has been re-arrested at the behest of a leader of a regional party who has unleashed a reign of terror in Rangamati town and in some areas of the district.” he said.

He warned that his party will be forced to announce tougher programme if Sachib Chakma is not released following the court order.

Sachib Chakma is no stranger to arrests and jail. He was first arrested from Naniachar bazaar on 11 February 1998, the day after the JSS laid down arms in much fanfare in Khagrachari stadium.

His second arrest came on 23 May 2005 when police raided the Khagrachari district unit office of the UPDF at Swanirbhor bazaar in a bid to foil a planned rally.

He was released on bail on both occasions but was arrested again on 8 February this year at Bogachari AP Army camp check post in Naniachar while he was on his way to visit his ailing mother.

His mother died when he was in jail. Sachib Chakma has two children – Mishuk Chakma aged 8 and Mitra Chakma 4.

Cased filed against Sachib Chakma:
Kudukchari UP chairman Gyana Lal Chakma murder case No. 09 Kotwali Thana, dated 21.01.2007, under sections 302/34 of Bangladesh Penal Code;
Arjun Chakma abduction case No. 15/10/2000, Kowtali Thana, under sections 364/379/11 of Bangladesh Penal Code;
Captain Gaji killing case No. 2001 Naniachar Thana, dated 27.12.2006, GR – 304/6, under sections 304/34 of Bangladesh Penal Code.

Attempted rape in Ghilachari: inquiry team to visit Ghilachari today

2009-12-02T10:12:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 185/2009, November 12, 2009

The inquiry committee constituted yesterday to probe the incident of an attempted rape on Juboni Chakma is likely to visit Ghilachari today, sources say.

The five-member committee headed by Additional District Magistrate of Rangamati Nurul Alam Chowdhury is required to submit its findings within three days.

The other members of the committee are Abdul Al Farooq, Additional Police Super, Rangamati district; Nirupa Dewan, a retired school teacher, Nirmalendu Tripura, a prominent cultural personality; and Tanzila Begum, Women Affairs Officer in Rangamati district administration.

Meanwhile, sources from Kudukchari say the army has reopened its check-post at Kudukchari bazaar and is checking each and every vehicle moving towards Ghilachari.

The check post had remained closed for few months after people rose in protest against harassment in the name of checks at such army posts in April.

Meanwhile, UPDF’s Samrat Chakma told chtnews.com that army personnel had searched each and every shop belonging to the Jummas in Kudukchari bazaar last night.

“Five pick-ups loads of army personnel came to Kudukchari bazaar last night. They were soon joined by other army men from nearby Kudukchari camp. Together they surrounded the market and searched the Jumma people’s shops there.” he said.

Attempted rape in Ghilachari: army deployed to the area

2009-12-02T10:11:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 184/2009, November 11, 2009

Hundreds of soldiers from a number of army camps under Naniachar zone have been deployed to Ghilachari and adjacent areas of Kudukchari and Bogachari in an apparent attempt to distract the attention of the media from the people’s uprising against sexual violence on Jumma women, sources say.

“Army have been scattered all over the area”, Michael Chakma, a UPDF leader, told chtnews.com from Kudukchari by mobile phone.

“They were deployed in the evening” he added.

He said he believed that the deployment of the army is part of a desperate attempt of the government to cover up the facts of the incident and save Ziaul, the army man who was responsible for the attempted rape on Juboni Chakma on 8 November.

Meanwhile, reports said the Deputy Commissioner of Ranamati has formed an investigation committee to probe the incident of attempted rape on Juboni Chakma.

Attempted rape in Ghilachari and Panchari: HWF stages demo

2009-12-02T10:11:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 183/2009, November 11, 2009

The Hill Women’s Federation, a front organisation of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front, staged a demonstration in Khagrachari yesterday in protest against attempted rape on Juboni Chakma in Ghilachari and Sabita Tripura in Panchari.

At a rally held in Chengi Square, the HWF leaders condemned the attempted rape on these two Jumma women and demanded exemplary punishment of the culprits.

Ms Riku Chakma, president of HWF Khagrachari District Unit, brushed aside the accusation made by Brigadier General Abdullah Baki of Rangamati Regional Army Headquarter that “a regional political party is trying to use the incident (Ghilachari incident) to make the situation complex”.

She termed his statement as ill motivated and a desperate attempt to cover up the rape incident.

General Secretary of PCP Khagrachari District Unit, Apruchi Marma said Jumma women are vulnerable to sexual abuses by army and settlers and urged that government to meet the just demands of the people of Ghilachari.

Organising Secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum Khagrachari District branch Subir Chakma said there is no alternative to a complete withdrawal of the army and settlers from CHT.

“Our girls and women are not safe. They cannot go to schools, they cannot go to the rivers to fetch water or to take baths, they cannot go to their work, they cannot go to the temples, they cannot visit their relatives, they cannot go to the market places, they cannot go to the nearby jungles, they cannot work in the paddy fields, and now they cannot even stay home, they are raped every where. Even the small girls as young as 4-5 years and the physically challenged women are not spared.” he said.

Alleging that hundreds of Jumma women have been raped since the arrival of the army and the settlers in the 1970s and 1980s, he further said, “The job of the army and the settlers seems to be to rape our women and grab our lands.”

He maintained that there can be no peace and the Jumma women will never be safe until the army and settlers are withdrawn from CHT.

Update from Ghilachari: govt. reluctant to implement the pledge

2009-12-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 182/2009, November 10, 2009

The government has apparently gone back on its promise to punish the army man responsible for an attempted rape on a Jumma woman in Ghilachari in Rangamati.

As per a deal reached yesterday, representatives of both the government and the Jumma movement met in Ghilachari bazaar today. An estimated seven hundred Jumma women were present there.

But instead of identifying the army personnel who made the attempt to rape Mrs Juboni Chakma on 8 November, the Naniachar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jahirul Islam asked the representatives of the movement to submit an application.

Naniachar Upazila Chairman Priti Moy Chakma, Naniachar UP chairman Panchanon Chakma and Ghilachari UP chairman Mitu Chakma were also present at the meeting.

In the afternoon, the Second-in-Command of Naniachar army zone took part in the meeting and echoed the request of the UNO.

But the Jumma movement representatives refused to submit any application or petition and urged the government side to fulfill its own pledge it made to the Ghilachari people yesterday.

They said they would not go back home until their demands are met.

Settlers prevent Jummas from cutting jungle in Sajek

2009-12-02T10:09:00.002-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 181/2009, November 10, 2009

The illegal settlers have been preventing the Jummas from clearing jungles for construction of houses on their own lands in Gangaram Doar in Sajek in Rangamati district.

Sources say groups of settlers led by Md. Akhtar and Md. Shamshu have been preventing the Jummas from building houses since 3 November.

On 4 November, Warrant Officer Rezaul from Baghaichari army zone told the local village elders that “No one, neither Paharis nor Bengalis, is permitted to cut jungles in the ‘disputed lands’ in Gangaram Dor until the disputes are settled.”

However, on 8 November, the illegal settlers cleared jungles in the so-called “disputed” area, but the army took no action against them.

On the contrary, the Jumma villagers suspect that the army might have instigated the settlers to do so.

Sajek has been one of the flashpoints in the CHT in the recent times. Nearly one hundred Jumma houses were burnt down on 20 April in 2008. During the two years’ emergency rule there had been continuous reports of land grabbing and settler violence from the area.

The army was directly responsible for these violence and illegal land grabbing.

Another rape attempt on a Jumma woman in Panchari

2009-12-02T10:09:00.001-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 180/2009, November 10, 2009

As the Jumma women in Ghilachari were busy enforcing a road blockade in protest against an attempted rape on a Jumma woman, another Jumma woman became a victim of a similar rape attempt in Panchari under Khagrachari district.

Sources said the rape attempt was made by Md. Sukur Ali, 25, son of Abdul Kader of village Mohammadpur on Sabita Tripura, 30, wife of Manindra Tripura at around 3pm yesterday in the house of one of her relatives in the village of Miladhan Karbari Para. Sabita also lives in the same village.

She was alone, puffing Daba (smoking pipe made of bamboo) in the courtyard of her relative’s house when Sukur Ali suddenly appeared from no where and grabbed her. (He must have been stalking somewhere)

When she screamed for help people from nearby houses rushed there and caught Sukur Ali red handed. Later, he was handed over to the Panchari police station.

HWF General Secretary Konika Dewan condemned the attempted rape on Sabita Tripura and demanded that the culprit be awarded maximum punishment for the offence.

She said as long as the army and settlers remain in the CHT, there will be no security for the Jumma women.

She reiterated their demand for complete withdrawal of the army from CHT and proper rehabilitation of the settlers elsewhere in the plain land.

Hill Women’s Federation, Hill Students’ Council and Democratic Youth Forum will stage demonstrations in Panchari and Khagrachari today against the incident.

Tripura Mohila Kalyan Samiti (Tripura Women Welfare Association) will also bring out a procession in Khagrachari town today.

Ghilachari rape attempt: villagers blocks road, government pledges to punish the culprit

2009-12-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 179/2009, November 09, 2009

The Jumma villagers in Ghilachari successfully ended their road blockade programme today, with the government giving a pledge in writing to punish, within three days, the army man who made an attempt to rape a Jumma woman yesterday.

The villagers, mostly the women, began the blockade of the Rangamati – Khagrachari link road at 9am in protest against an attempted rape on Mrs Juboni Chakma (22).

They demanded exemplary punishment of the culprit, withdrawal of Ghilachari army camp and measures for protecting the dignity of all women in CHT – Jumma and Bengali alike.

No vehicle was allowed to cross Ghilachari, and those blocked had to return to their respective stations.

Late in the afternoon, a deal was reached between the agitating villagers and the government representatives.

As per the deal, the government side represented by Naniachari Upazila chairman Priti Moy Chakma and Naniachari Upazila Nirbahi Officer signed a pledge to award maximum punishment to the delinquent soldier under the Army Act.

The United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) expressed their support for the road blockade programme.

The government representatives and representatives of the agitating villagers and five witnesses who also put their signatures on the written pledge will hold a meeting tomorrow at 10am to identify the army man involved in the attempted rape.

Two UPDF members arrested in Babuchara

2009-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

chtnews.com
News No. 178/2009, November 09, 2009

Army arrested two members of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front, popularly known by its acronym UPDF, from a house in Babuchara under Dighinala Upazila in Khagrachai district in the small hours of today.

Sources said a group of army personnel led by 2-IC Major Enam and Major Hemayet from Dighinala zone raided the house of Jotirmoy Chakma (65) at Nuabazar at 4am and picked up the UPDF members -- Rupam Chakma alias Pabitra, 30, son of Mukta Lal Chakma of village Rangapani, Rangamati and Miko Chakma, 27, son of Bindu Lal Chakma of village Amtoli Headman Para.

They were handed over to the police at about 8:30am.

When Suresh Kanti Chakma, a member of Babuchara Union Council, contacted Major Enam and requested him to release the UPDF members, he (Enam) reported to have said, “This is a matter not related to us. The police will decide it.”

Our correspondent from Dighinala adds: The army was taking the UPDF members back to its custody at 12 noon.