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.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Two injured in JSS Santu Group attack in Jurachari
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
PCP leader kidnapped by Santu group, feared dead
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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”.
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”.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Military raids and torture in Sajek
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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.
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
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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
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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.
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
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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.
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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.
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Army arrests PCP activists in Naniachar, released later
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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).
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Borkha party’s terror campaign in Laxmichari
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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).
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).
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