chtnews.com
News No. 81/2009, July 08, 2009
THREE MEMBERS OF THE HILL STUDENTS’ COUNCIL, BETTER KNOWN AS PCP, WERE
ARRESTED AND SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED BY POLICE IN MANIKCHARI UNDER
KHAGRACHARI DISTRICT ON TUESDAY, YESTERDAY.
PCP sources told chtnews.com the police arrested Apruchi Marma,
president of PCP Manikchari branch, Obhinoy Chakma, convenor of PCP
Baghaichari Branch and Hriddhi Chakma, a member of PCP, from
Manikchari College while they were holding a meeting with students
around noon.
The meeting was aimed at persuading the Jumma students to participate
in a 10-July rally organised jointly by Boroitali Land Protection
Committee and Democratic Youth Forum to protest against recent land
grabbing in Ramgarh-Manikchari area.
The PCP activists were taken to the police station, threatened with
filing criminal cases against them and forced to sign a blank sheet of
paper before being released.
Meanwhile, a leader of Boroitali Land Protection Committee alleged
that army personnel have torn down their posters about the 10-July
meeting.
“In East Chillyatoli of Lakshmichari, the army has torn down our
meeting posters” said Aung Cha Ching, adding that they would continue
with their scheduled programme.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
SANTU LARMA SUPPORTERS ATTACK ONE IN RANGAMATI
chtnews.com
News No. 80/2009, July 08, 2009
MEMBERS OF THE JANA SAMHATI SAMITI (SANTU GROUP) YESTERDAY ATTACKED A
SUPPORTER OF THE UNITED PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC FRONT (UPDF) IN RANGAMATI.
UPDF’s Rangamati district organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma told
chtnews.com that a group of JSS (Santu) members led by Bodhisattwa
Chakma and Chinese Chakma attacked Mintu Chakma (42) with hokey sticks
and iron rods at Banarupa in the town.
The attack left Mintu Chakma seriously wounded. He was first admitted
to Rangamati Sadar Hospital, and then shifted to Chittagong Medical
College Hospital.
His condition has been stated to be critical He sustained grievous
injuries in his head.
Mintu Chakma is a staunch supporter of the UPDF. Couples of weeks ago
his house at Gorjontoli in Rangamati town had come under attack of the
JSS members.
He held a press conference against the said attack, holding Santu
Larma responsible for it.
Mr. Larma and his gang members have unleashed a reign of terror in
Rangamati town. Previously, his men shot and wounded Chandra Shekhor
Chakma, ex-General Secretary of the JSS, Pragati Chakma, a Union
Council Chairman, Kollol Chakma, a PCP (UPDF) member, and Aungshuman
Chakma, a JSS member (Rupayan).
Their terror victims also included Baghaihat Upazila Chairman
Sudarshan Chakma and Jurachari Union Council Chairman Kina Mohan
Chakma.
The government and the army are providing full support to Santu Larma
-- who is also the Chairman of the CHT Regional Council -- in his
fascist and anti-Jumma activities, alleged Shanti Dev Chakma.
“Mr. Larma and his gang member have become ferocious recently because
they have lost ground and have been ousted from many areas previously
held by them.” Mr. Chakma said and added that Santu Larma’s days are
numbered.
News No. 80/2009, July 08, 2009
MEMBERS OF THE JANA SAMHATI SAMITI (SANTU GROUP) YESTERDAY ATTACKED A
SUPPORTER OF THE UNITED PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC FRONT (UPDF) IN RANGAMATI.
UPDF’s Rangamati district organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma told
chtnews.com that a group of JSS (Santu) members led by Bodhisattwa
Chakma and Chinese Chakma attacked Mintu Chakma (42) with hokey sticks
and iron rods at Banarupa in the town.
The attack left Mintu Chakma seriously wounded. He was first admitted
to Rangamati Sadar Hospital, and then shifted to Chittagong Medical
College Hospital.
His condition has been stated to be critical He sustained grievous
injuries in his head.
Mintu Chakma is a staunch supporter of the UPDF. Couples of weeks ago
his house at Gorjontoli in Rangamati town had come under attack of the
JSS members.
He held a press conference against the said attack, holding Santu
Larma responsible for it.
Mr. Larma and his gang members have unleashed a reign of terror in
Rangamati town. Previously, his men shot and wounded Chandra Shekhor
Chakma, ex-General Secretary of the JSS, Pragati Chakma, a Union
Council Chairman, Kollol Chakma, a PCP (UPDF) member, and Aungshuman
Chakma, a JSS member (Rupayan).
Their terror victims also included Baghaihat Upazila Chairman
Sudarshan Chakma and Jurachari Union Council Chairman Kina Mohan
Chakma.
The government and the army are providing full support to Santu Larma
-- who is also the Chairman of the CHT Regional Council -- in his
fascist and anti-Jumma activities, alleged Shanti Dev Chakma.
“Mr. Larma and his gang member have become ferocious recently because
they have lost ground and have been ousted from many areas previously
held by them.” Mr. Chakma said and added that Santu Larma’s days are
numbered.
ARMY REPRESSION IN SAJEK: VICTIMS HARASSED AFTER PRESS CONFERENCE
chtnews.com
News No. 79/2009, July 08, 2009
REPORTS REACHING FROM SAJEK SAID ARMY HAD BEEN HARASSING THOSE TORTURE
VICTIMS WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN A PRESS CONFERENCE IN DHAKA TO TELL
THEIR STORIES.
Bali Kumar Chakma alias Ballya (53) was picked up from his home in the
village of MSF Para at 4pm on 6 July, Amar Dhan Chakma told
chtnews.com by mobile phone from a location in Sajek.
Both Bali Kumar Chakma and Amar Dhan Chakma were present at the Dhaka
press conference on 2 July.
It is not known where Bali Kumar Chakma has been kept or whether he
has been handed over to the police.
HOUSE SEARCHES
The army also searched the houses of all those who had participated in
the Dhaka press conference.
Sources said a group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone carried out
the search on 7 July. The aim of the search was to arrest them.
However, none of the victims was present in their homes during the
search. Some settlers accompanied the army during the search, they
added.
Ten Jumma torture victims participated in the Dhaka press conference.
They are Bali Kumar Chakma, 53, of MSF Para; Mintu Chakma, 27,
Gangaram Dore; Kala Dhan Chakma, age 52, Gongaram; Amar Dhan Karbari,
age 49, Hogeyatoli; Jagot Joti Chakma, 32, village Korengatoli,
Bongoltoli Union; Ajit Chakma, 32, Gangaram Dore; Sukkho Chakma, age
29, Jarulchari; and Ms Kamala Chakma, age 26, Balurghat Purbopara.
ARMY DETAINS HOGEYATOLI VILLAGE CHIEF
On 6 July around 7pm, the army raided the village of Hogeyatoli and
picked up Manek Karbari, the village chief, and took him to Baghaihat
zone.
The army asked him such questions as whether he knew Amar Dhan
Karbari, whether he himself had taken part in the press conference,
who asked him (Amar Dhan) to go to Dhaka and take part in the press
conference, who sponsored his travel and stay in Dhaka, and who helped
him organise the press conference etc.
In reply, Manek Karbari told the army that Amar Dhan is involved in a
UNDP project in his village and that UNDP might have sponsored his
visit to Dhaka.
The interrogation lasted for three hours.
The army also picked up Amar Dhan Chakma’s brother-in-law, Priya
Shanti Chakma of Hogeyatoli village, took him to the camp and
subjected him to interrogation.
KOJOICHARI VILLAGE CHIEF DETAINED
On 5 July, the army detained Ajit Chakma, village chief of Kojoichari.
He was taken to Baghaichari zone and interrogated.
The army asked him whether he had participated in the press conference
in Dhaka organised by Sajek victims.
One torture victim named Ajit Chakma was present in the said press
conference, but he is not the village chief; the army mistook Ajit
Chakma, the village chief, for Ajit Chakma, the victim.
Later the army released him after interrogation.
The participants of the conference now fear army reprisals and have
been forced to go into hiding.
News No. 79/2009, July 08, 2009
REPORTS REACHING FROM SAJEK SAID ARMY HAD BEEN HARASSING THOSE TORTURE
VICTIMS WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN A PRESS CONFERENCE IN DHAKA TO TELL
THEIR STORIES.
Bali Kumar Chakma alias Ballya (53) was picked up from his home in the
village of MSF Para at 4pm on 6 July, Amar Dhan Chakma told
chtnews.com by mobile phone from a location in Sajek.
Both Bali Kumar Chakma and Amar Dhan Chakma were present at the Dhaka
press conference on 2 July.
It is not known where Bali Kumar Chakma has been kept or whether he
has been handed over to the police.
HOUSE SEARCHES
The army also searched the houses of all those who had participated in
the Dhaka press conference.
Sources said a group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone carried out
the search on 7 July. The aim of the search was to arrest them.
However, none of the victims was present in their homes during the
search. Some settlers accompanied the army during the search, they
added.
Ten Jumma torture victims participated in the Dhaka press conference.
They are Bali Kumar Chakma, 53, of MSF Para; Mintu Chakma, 27,
Gangaram Dore; Kala Dhan Chakma, age 52, Gongaram; Amar Dhan Karbari,
age 49, Hogeyatoli; Jagot Joti Chakma, 32, village Korengatoli,
Bongoltoli Union; Ajit Chakma, 32, Gangaram Dore; Sukkho Chakma, age
29, Jarulchari; and Ms Kamala Chakma, age 26, Balurghat Purbopara.
ARMY DETAINS HOGEYATOLI VILLAGE CHIEF
On 6 July around 7pm, the army raided the village of Hogeyatoli and
picked up Manek Karbari, the village chief, and took him to Baghaihat
zone.
The army asked him such questions as whether he knew Amar Dhan
Karbari, whether he himself had taken part in the press conference,
who asked him (Amar Dhan) to go to Dhaka and take part in the press
conference, who sponsored his travel and stay in Dhaka, and who helped
him organise the press conference etc.
In reply, Manek Karbari told the army that Amar Dhan is involved in a
UNDP project in his village and that UNDP might have sponsored his
visit to Dhaka.
The interrogation lasted for three hours.
The army also picked up Amar Dhan Chakma’s brother-in-law, Priya
Shanti Chakma of Hogeyatoli village, took him to the camp and
subjected him to interrogation.
KOJOICHARI VILLAGE CHIEF DETAINED
On 5 July, the army detained Ajit Chakma, village chief of Kojoichari.
He was taken to Baghaichari zone and interrogated.
The army asked him whether he had participated in the press conference
in Dhaka organised by Sajek victims.
One torture victim named Ajit Chakma was present in the said press
conference, but he is not the village chief; the army mistook Ajit
Chakma, the village chief, for Ajit Chakma, the victim.
Later the army released him after interrogation.
The participants of the conference now fear army reprisals and have
been forced to go into hiding.
Sajek torture victims speak out
chtnews.com
July 06, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we are repeating in a series. Please read the fourth and final part of the series below. The first part was sent on 3 July, the second part on 4 July and the third part on 5 July. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday, 1 July.
8. Interview of Mintu Chakma, 27, Gangaram Dore
The day was Monday, 18 May. It was about 6am. I was sowing popcorn and long been seeds near my house.
There is a UNICEF-run village school near my house. I was taking a break from work and puffing a cigarette inside the school. My six-month old baby boy was beside me.
Suddenly, an army personnel and a police came up to me and said: ‘leave your boy to someone else and come with us.’
I said there was none in the house, but they insisted. Later, I put the boy to a young school girl and went with them.
They took me towards an army post in Gangaram. They asked whether I prevented any Bengali women from fetching water. I said it was only a joke.
They laid me on the ground, blindfolded and beat with a stick. Then they asked who killed Alkajya. I said ‘I do not know. I often stay at home and socialize with the Bengalis. I just heard that two persons had called Alkajya away.’
They said: ‘where did you keep your arms. If you show it to us, we will let you go.’
Later, they took me out of the post to the road. I was almost unable to walk. They took me to a Bengali’s shop and tied me to a pole. It was raining. A few minutes later, they led me to the main road.
My mother and many others came there. My mother was kowtowing to them, begging for my release. But they paid no heed and took me towards the post again.
On that day some army personnel were carrying firewood in a van. They got me on that van and took to Baghaihat zone. In the van I was beaten again.
When I was taken to the Gol Ghar [in Baghaihat zone camp], the army hit me on my knees. One soldier called me bastard and said: “we were looking for terrorists and have found one.” It was 3 o’clock by then. They gave me rice to eat. But they beat me with a cane while eating.
They gave me food at night too. But when I was refusing to take food, one soldier beat me with a stick and hit me with piece of roasted chicken.
At 11pm, they blindfolded me again. I was aware of the time because they were asking time from one another.
They kept me blindfolded all time except when they let me eat something.
At night, after eating they walked me around, blindfolded and with my legs tied.
They said: tell us the truth; who is your leader.
I said: I do not do such kind of things.
Then they gave me electric shocks. When they gave electric shocks, a stout army man got over my body and pressed me hard. I still do not feel my hands and legs.
After 2am they stopped beating. One soldier said to another: Sir, this guy will rather die then open his mouth.
Then someone – who might be an officer – came and asked them not to beat me any more.
Four army personnel were on sentry duty. They changed their duties. New ones took charge. One said: ‘Shall I beat’. Another one suggested he should not.
Yet, another one beat me. ‘My friend is being bitten by mosquitoes. Let me kill the mosquitoes for him.’ he said sarcastically and beat me.
In the morning, they said: ‘How is it! No one has come from your home. They [the army authority] might have released you if either your wife or your mother had come’
Around 11am, members of [Baghaihat] Bazaar Committee, Anwar, Kalakuchu, Gobinda Headman and Joti Lal came to the zone.
The Warrant Officer unfolded my eyes and said: “speak the truth or else you are going to die. Do you want to die or live?”
I said: I want to live, Sir.
They repeated the same question again and again. And when I said I knew nothing, they began beating me.
Finally, they led me to Gol Ghar and released me. I was unable to walk.
After release, I went to bazaar, borrowed some money and bought medicines. I went back home, tired.
It has become difficult for us Jummas to live in Sajek. The settlers often come and intimidate us and threaten us. They say “there will be military rule here. You must leave the area.”
They also steal things – such as clothes, utensils etc from our houses and fruits from our gardens. They even take away our chickens, and we cannot say anything. The army always patrols the area.
Krishna Chandra Chakma of Gangaram Dore cannot keep his two daughters at home. Arif, an army officer, teases them. His daughters’ names are Chokka and Kalabi. He sent Chokka to Rangamati and Kalabi to Korengatoli.
Arif once molested a young girl. Her name is Joari, a class three student. The incident occurred when she was on her way to Baghaihat Primary School. Arif grabbed her hand and made sexual advances. Joari protested and called him “Beyadob” (uncouth). But Arif, instead of being ashamed, became furious and threatened to do harm to her if she did not apologize. She found no other alternatives at that moment than to obey him.
Now the women folks cannot stay at home or go out all alone. There is fear of sexual attack. I had to send my sister, Sabina – a class five student – to Agalachara because of a fear of being sexually attacked by Arif.
There is nowhere we can complain. Arif threatened us saying: “if you mistreat any Bengali, I will finish you off. I will reduce everything to ashes.”
Warrant Officer Selim always employs abusive and filthy languages against the village elders. He never shows respect to them. No one dares to speak about it.
We are in deep anguish. We are at a loss what to do. Are we leading a human life in Sajek? Are we treated as human? I often ask to myself. As you know, we are all internally displaced persons (IDPs). We came here after being uprooted from our original homes by military oppression. When we settled in Sajek, we thought there would be no more army torture in there. But we were mistaken.
Even we had to pay a sum to be on the list of IDPs. We paid the money to JSS. I don’t know when our miseries will come to an end.
Sajek torture victims speak out
chtnews.com
July 05, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we are repeating in a series. Please read the third part of the series below. The first part was sent on 3 July and the second part on 4 July. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday, 1 July.
6. Interview of Jagot Joti Chakma, 32, village Korengatoli, Bongoltoli Union
It was 20 June. I was working on bamboo rafts [in the river Kachalong]. The army men came and asked whether I had seen some people running away nearby. I said ‘no’. But they would not believe me and began beating me. One soldier snatched my “tagol” (machete) from my hands and hit me on my neck with its blunt side. The army also kicked and beat me with a cane.
They took me to their camp [Baghaihat zone]. At Gol Ghar (round house) in the camp, they tortured me again. I was blindfolded and moved to another place. However, they did not torture me there.
I had Taka 1,230 in my pocket; they took it out and did not return. They took the money when I was in Gol Ghar.
Razzak Mazhi and Sottor came to the camp to recommend for my release.
After release, I went to Baghaihat bazaar and received medical treatment from a Hindu doctor.
When I was arrested, the army did not give me time to tie the bamboos so that thousands of them washed down the river. Some people caught the bamboos downstream, and I had to pay them Taka 30,000. Yet, I did not recover 7,000 pieces of bamboo. I have estimated the loss at Taka 75,000 ($1,071).
7. Interview of Ajit Chakma, 32, Gangaram Dore
It was 28 May. I went to Nanda Kishor’s shop at Gangaram Dore to sell the fish I caught in the river. At first a soldier hit me with an umbrella. I thought he was kidding. Later, the army got me on to their vehicle and drove to the camp [Baghaihat zone], blindfolded.
They hit me trice on my neck. They said: ‘you are a terrorist’. I said: ‘I do business and catch fish.’ ‘No, you are involved in terrorist activities.’ one retorted.
One soldier asked another to bring an electric device, and when he brought it, gave me electric shocks.
When I screamed in pain, they put a piece of wood between my teeth. They also beat me.
After 3 – 4 hours, I asked for water. They unfolded my eyes and said I could go. They served me biscuits, but I refused.
I was taken back to Gol Ghar where I saw Rip Babu, Joti Lal Karbari and Anwar, a member of Baghaihat Bazaar Committee. My wife also came to the camp, but she was not there.
I was released on the condition that I would see the Warrant Officer of the camp on every Sunday.
I was released after 6 - 7 hours of my arrest.
Just before the beating session began, one soldier said: ‘The 2-IC (Second-in-Command) will give you a feast today; which do you prefer – beef “Bhuna” or chicken “Bhuna”?’
It was Warrant Officer Selim who arrested me. Actually he was returning after inaugurating the planting of palm oil trees somewhere in the area.
Four Jummas are now in jail in connection with the killing of the two Bengalis. They are Kala Chulo Chakma, Suman Chakma, Laden Chakma and Mao Setung Chakma.
The army also arrested Boidyo Chakma and Ratan Priya Chakma of Chaminichara village on 7 or 8 May in connection with the murder of the two Bengalis. However, they were released after beating.
Sajek torture victims speak out
chtnews.com
July 04, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we are repeating in a series. Please read the second part of the series below. (Photos of the victims attached) The first part was sent yesterday. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday, 1 July.
3. Interview of Amar Dhan Karbari, age 49, Hogeyatoli
I was on my way to Hillahilly office, an NGO in Marishya, to discuss how to draw UNDP project money. It was on 20 June. When I reached Balughat around 12 noon, the army arrested me. Balughat is half a kilometer north-east of Baghaihat bazaar.
I told the army the purpose of my visit, and showed them the relevant papers, but yet they would not let me go. They took me to the camp, blindfolded. They hit me on the joints of my hands and legs. As a result, my wrists and knuckles got so swollen up that I could not grasp anything. However, they spared me of electric shocks.
Later on, village elders and [Baghaihat] market committee members went to the camp to recommend for my release. They had to go because they had found that I was not among those released earlier.
The army also arrested Mr. Dipayan from village Hogeyatoli. He works for a UNDP project. He has been sent to jail.
The settlers built houses after destroying my fruit garden. When I protested, the army took side with them. They said I talked too much.
About 15 – 20 settler families have already occupied the Bain Ghor (Waiving House) in Simanachara. This house belongs to Bana Vihara [a Buddhist temple]. The settlers also opened a shop there and grabbed lands belonging to Lakshmichandra Chakma.
In Balughat, the settlers built 11 houses after grabbing lands belonging to Pattor Karbari. And in Gangaram, 20 – 25 settler families have grabbed lands belonging to Mintu Chakma, Buddhi Chakma and a Kuthir (monk’s abode).
All this land grabbing took place after the disappearance of the two settlers.
We tried to resist, but the army provided protection to the settlers round the clock and helped them build the houses. Now the army has set up a permanent post at Gangaram Dore for the protection of the settlers. They stay there night and day. In addition, the army also patrols the area at night.
4. Interview of Sukkho Chakma, age 29, Jarulchari
I was working on bamboo rafts in the river Kachalong. It was about 1pm [20 June]. The army came on the river bank and called me out. When I went up to them, one of the soldiers snatched my dao (a kind of machete) from my hand. Another solider caught me by my shirt and kicked me. I fell on the ground. He pressed my body hard with his foot and pointed his gun close to my cheek. Then he kicked me again, tied my hands and led me on to a boat. When I was on the boat they untied me.
One of the soldiers said ‘we chased a man and he ran away; did you see him?’ I said ‘no’. Then they kicked me.
The soldiers took me to their camp [Baghaihat zone], blindfolded. In the camp, they beat me on my legs, on my shoulders, on my neck and on my back. I got terrible pain. Even now I have problem chewing foods. One soldier pointed a knife close to my body as if he would push it in anytime. However, they spared me of electric shocks.
It was Warrant Officer Selim who arrested me. From what the CO said to me at the time of my release I understood that Selim had lied to the CO about my arrest. He appeared to have told him that they had arrested me because I was running away.
“Chali Mazhi” Rajjak from Chandraghona went to the camp and recommended for my release.
5. Interview of Ms Kamala Chakma, age 26, Balurghat Purbopara
I was grazing cows on the bank of river Kachalong – another villager’s cows – for Taka 100 per day.
The army came and asked me whether I saw the terrorists. I said ‘yes, I saw them’. Then they asked whether I could recognize them. I said ‘no’. Then they hit me on my waist and on my hands.
One soldier said ‘why didn’t you recognize them with such big eyes?’ and then poked my eyes with his fingers. I got terrible pain in my eyes and had problems seeing things clearly for days. Still I cannot see clearly.
Someone had left a knife nearby. The army found it and pointed close at my nose. I was crying. One soldier asked why I was crying. I said ‘why shouldn’t I; I got pain’.
I wrapped Taka 500 at one end of my Khadi (kind of scarf). It was actually a donation for our Buddhist temple. One soldier took the money away.
After the solders had gone, I went to MSF office and bought some medicines.
I have 3 children – two girls and a boy.
..... to be continued.
Sajek torture victims speak out
chtnews.com
July 03, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we would like to repeat in a series starting today. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday.
1. Interview of Bali Kumar Chakma, age 53, MSF Para, Sajek
Bali Kumar Chakma says:
The day was Saturday, 20 June. The army surrounded the house of Baghya Master in MSF Para village. They came in boats as well as in jeeps. It was in the morning, about 11am.
I came back home after selling pineapples in the market. I was weeding my fruit garden when I saw the army. They came and took me away. They said to me: “we could not nab the terrorists because of you; you helped them to escape.” But I told them that I did not know anything about the terrorists.
The army took me to Baghaihat zone. They beat me with sticks and gave electric shocks twice in my body parts. I was released at about 7:30pm the same day.
Four of us were released in the first batch. Others that were released along with me were Sukkho Chakma, Jagat Joti Chakma and Chuchyang Naga Chakma.
2. Interview of Kala Dhan Chakma, age 52, Gongaram
Kala Dhan Chakma has the following to say:
In the first week of May two Bengalis were disappeared. [Their dead bodies were found later on] One of them was Alkajjya, leader of Gongaram Dore settlers. Before his disappearance, he had asked for a piece of land from my son-in-law, Sunesh Talukder. The army also recommended for him. Yet, my son-in-law withstood the pressure and refused to give away his land.
After Alkajjya’s disappearance, the settlers are now pointing their accusing fingers at my son-in-law, eventually, forcing him to go into hiding.
On the day of my arrest, I was taking a nap. It was Saturday. They came and surrounded my house at 3:30pm and picked me up. They took me to the camp. There I saw that the other arrested villagers were tied together with a single rope. They sat on the floor. But when rain came down, they were taken inside the Goal Ghar (Round House). From there Amar Dhan, Jagat Joti, Sukko and Chuchyan Naga were separated from the rest and taken to another place. Two of us were kept there.
They hit me first on the knee, and then give electricity shocks in my body.
They asked me who were involved in the killing of the Bengalis and how they were killed. I said I knew nothing about it. I screamed and begged them, and said I could not bear any longer. After that, they stopped beating me.
In the afternoon, three Bengali and three Jumma elders went to the camp to recommend for our release. They are Rib Babu, Narayan Member, Kalakuju, Najim Doctor, Anwar and Sottor.
After the release of Bali Kumar Chakma and others, the army took me inside the post, blindfolded. The whole night I was kept blindfolded. I was released the next morning after breakfast.
July 03, 2009
IN Sajek, one of the flashpoints of Rangamati district, the last two months saw an increase in arrests and torture of innocent Jumma villagers, who continue to live in fear of settler attacks similar to the one carried out on 20 April last year. Some of these torture victims came to Dhaka to tell their stories to the journalists. chtnews.com had the opportunity to do interviews with them which we would like to repeat in a series starting today. All the interviews were conducted on Wednesday.
1. Interview of Bali Kumar Chakma, age 53, MSF Para, Sajek
Bali Kumar Chakma says:
The day was Saturday, 20 June. The army surrounded the house of Baghya Master in MSF Para village. They came in boats as well as in jeeps. It was in the morning, about 11am.
I came back home after selling pineapples in the market. I was weeding my fruit garden when I saw the army. They came and took me away. They said to me: “we could not nab the terrorists because of you; you helped them to escape.” But I told them that I did not know anything about the terrorists.
The army took me to Baghaihat zone. They beat me with sticks and gave electric shocks twice in my body parts. I was released at about 7:30pm the same day.
Four of us were released in the first batch. Others that were released along with me were Sukkho Chakma, Jagat Joti Chakma and Chuchyang Naga Chakma.
2. Interview of Kala Dhan Chakma, age 52, Gongaram
Kala Dhan Chakma has the following to say:
In the first week of May two Bengalis were disappeared. [Their dead bodies were found later on] One of them was Alkajjya, leader of Gongaram Dore settlers. Before his disappearance, he had asked for a piece of land from my son-in-law, Sunesh Talukder. The army also recommended for him. Yet, my son-in-law withstood the pressure and refused to give away his land.
After Alkajjya’s disappearance, the settlers are now pointing their accusing fingers at my son-in-law, eventually, forcing him to go into hiding.
On the day of my arrest, I was taking a nap. It was Saturday. They came and surrounded my house at 3:30pm and picked me up. They took me to the camp. There I saw that the other arrested villagers were tied together with a single rope. They sat on the floor. But when rain came down, they were taken inside the Goal Ghar (Round House). From there Amar Dhan, Jagat Joti, Sukko and Chuchyan Naga were separated from the rest and taken to another place. Two of us were kept there.
They hit me first on the knee, and then give electricity shocks in my body.
They asked me who were involved in the killing of the Bengalis and how they were killed. I said I knew nothing about it. I screamed and begged them, and said I could not bear any longer. After that, they stopped beating me.
In the afternoon, three Bengali and three Jumma elders went to the camp to recommend for our release. They are Rib Babu, Narayan Member, Kalakuju, Najim Doctor, Anwar and Sottor.
After the release of Bali Kumar Chakma and others, the army took me inside the post, blindfolded. The whole night I was kept blindfolded. I was released the next morning after breakfast.
Sajek torture victims demand end to repression
chtnews.com
News No. 78/2009, July 02, 2009
A group of eight torture victims at a press conference today demanded that the government take effective measures to end repression of innocent people and stop grabbing of lands belonging to the Jumma people in Sajek.
They made this demand while speaking to the media at Reporters Unity Auditorium in the morning.
The victims traveled to Dhaka from Sajek to tell how they were subjected to inhuman torture in Baghaihat zone.
Prussing Thowai Marma read out a written text on behalf of the victims.
One of the victims, Bali Kumar Chakma, 53, of MSF Para in the text said the army beat him with sticks and gave electric shocks twice in his body parts.
Kala Dhan Chakma, 52, of Gangaran village said “They (army) hit me first in the knee, and then give electricity shocks in my body.”
Narrating how he was arrested, Amar Dhan Karbari, 49, of Hogeyatoli village has it to say: “I was on my way to Hillahilly office, an NGO in Marishya, to discuss how to draw UNDP project money. When I reached Balughata at 12 noon or 1pm, the army arrested me.”
He continued: “They took me to the camp, blindfolded. They hit me on the joints of my hands and legs. As a result, my wrists and knuckles got so swollen up that I could not grasp anything with my hands.”
Sukkho Chakma, 29, of Jarulchari said he was taken to Baghaiha zone, blindfolded and tortured.
Jagot Joti Chakma said he was kicked in the abdomen and hit on the neck with the blunt side of his own machete. “One of the soldiers took away Taka 1,230 from my pocket.” he added.
Ms Kamala Chakma, 26, of Balurghat Purbopara said on 20 June she was grazing cows on the bank of river Kachalong when the army came and asked her whether she had seen any terrorist.
“When I said ‘no’, a soldier hit me in the waist and hands with a stick, and poked my eyes with his fingers. I got terrible pain in my eyes, and still I can not see clearly.” she said and added that the army took away Taka 500 from her.
Another victim Mintu Chakma, 29, of Gangaram Dore was tortured on 18 May. He said he was taking a break from work when the army came and picked him up. “I was taken to Baghaihat zone and tortured inhumanly. The army gave me electric shocks.” he added.
Ajit Chakma, 32, of the same village said he was arrested on 28 May from Nanda Kishore Chakma’s shop. “The army took me to Baghaihat zone blindfolded and tortured.” he added.
“At first, they hit me on the neck. Thereafter, they beat me relentlessly accusing me of being a terrorist. The army also gave me electric shocks.” he continued.
Land grabbing
The victims said using the murder of two settlers as a pretext the settlers occupied lands belonging to the Jumma people under protective wings of the army. According to the victims, about 15 – 20 settler families have already occupied the Bain Ghor (waiving house) of a Buddhist temple in Simanachara village, about 20 – 25 settler families have been settled on lands belonging to Mintu Chakma, Buddhi Chakma and a temple in Gangaram, and built 11 houses in the village of Balughat.
Demands
The victims put forward a four point demands. These include 1. an end to repression of innocent people in Sajek and release of innocent victims detained on charge of involvement in the murder and disappearance [of the two Bengalis]; 2. putting an end to land grabbing in Sajek and return of the lands already taken away; 3. stoppage of intimidation in the name of army patrol; dismantling army posts and rolling back of Baghaihat zone; and putting army personnel involved in the torture of innocent people on trial; 4. impartial investigation into the kidnapping and disappearance of Alkajjya and Muzibar and bringing those responsible to justice.
Sajek torture victims to hold press conference tomorrow
chtnews.com
News No. 77/2009, July 01, 2009
A group of torture victims from Sajek in Rangamati district is now in Dhaka to narrate their harrowing experience and to highlight the recent land grabbing in their area, says a press release.
They will be speaking at a press conference tomorrow at Reporters Unity, Dhaka. The press conference will start at 11am.
“Recently military repression and land grabbing incidents have increased in Sajek,” Amar Dhan Karbari, one of the eight victims who traveled to Dhaka for the press conference told chtnews.com.
“The army of the Baghaihat zone is using the murder of two Bengali people in early May to torture Jumma people and grab their lands.” he added. “It all appears that they want us to leave the area so that they can occupy our lands more easily.”
He said the Jumma villagers continued to live in fear of army and settler attacks.
Sajek is one of the flashpoints in Chittagong Hill Tracts. On 20 April last year a group of settlers, in collaboration with the members of the Bangladesh Army, attacked a number of Jumma villages and burned down 77 houses.
The incident provoked protests from national human rights organisations as well as progressive forces of the country, and on 8 August members of the International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, including Lord Avebury, visited the area.
However, after their visit, the settlers carried out further attacks on 9 and 19 August, killing Ladu Moni Chakma and wounding four other villagers.
News No. 77/2009, July 01, 2009
A group of torture victims from Sajek in Rangamati district is now in Dhaka to narrate their harrowing experience and to highlight the recent land grabbing in their area, says a press release.
They will be speaking at a press conference tomorrow at Reporters Unity, Dhaka. The press conference will start at 11am.
“Recently military repression and land grabbing incidents have increased in Sajek,” Amar Dhan Karbari, one of the eight victims who traveled to Dhaka for the press conference told chtnews.com.
“The army of the Baghaihat zone is using the murder of two Bengali people in early May to torture Jumma people and grab their lands.” he added. “It all appears that they want us to leave the area so that they can occupy our lands more easily.”
He said the Jumma villagers continued to live in fear of army and settler attacks.
Sajek is one of the flashpoints in Chittagong Hill Tracts. On 20 April last year a group of settlers, in collaboration with the members of the Bangladesh Army, attacked a number of Jumma villages and burned down 77 houses.
The incident provoked protests from national human rights organisations as well as progressive forces of the country, and on 8 August members of the International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, including Lord Avebury, visited the area.
However, after their visit, the settlers carried out further attacks on 9 and 19 August, killing Ladu Moni Chakma and wounding four other villagers.
Ex-Law Minister Maudud admits they made mistakes with regard to CHT
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News No. 76/2009, June 28, 2009
Former Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Maudud Ahmed has admitted that their government (2001 – 2006) had made mistakes with regard to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and said the present government can rectify them.
He was speaking at a round table conference on ‘UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture’ at CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka yesterday, Saturday, organised jointly by Odhikar, a human rights organisation, and RCT Denmark.
During question and answer session Democratic Youth Forum General Secretary, Mithun Chakma questioned the legality and justifiability of the continuing military rule in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in the name of “Operation Dabanol” and Operation Uttoron”.
Maudud Ahmed asked Mithun Chakma whether the military rule was still continuing during the rule of the present AL government. When Mithun replied in the positive, he said “we made mistakes, and for this the people (of CHT) have punished us by voting us out.”
He continued: “the present government can rectify the mistake, if it so wishes.”
The conference was presided over by Dr. C. R. Abrar Chowdhury, President of Odhikar, and moderated by its Secretary Advocate Adilur Rahman Khan.
Dr. Salimullah Khan, Chief Academic Adviser, Department of Law, Stamford University, presented the keynote paper on torture.
The conference was also addressed among others by Asafuddollah, ex-secretary and incumbent Executive Director of private TV channel Bangla Vision; Maudud Ahmed, former Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs; Dr. Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir MP; Mahmudur Rahman, Chairman, Amar Desh Publications; Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, Organising Secretary, Bangladesh Awami League; Advocate Sigma Huda, Motiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor, Manob Jamin; and Saiful Haq, leader of Biplobi Workers Party.
Participants to the conference from Chittagong Hill Tracts were UPDF member Ripon Chakma, General Secretary of Democratic Youth Forum Mithun Chakma and Information and Publicity Secretary Alakesh Chakma.
News No. 76/2009, June 28, 2009
Former Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Maudud Ahmed has admitted that their government (2001 – 2006) had made mistakes with regard to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and said the present government can rectify them.
He was speaking at a round table conference on ‘UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture’ at CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka yesterday, Saturday, organised jointly by Odhikar, a human rights organisation, and RCT Denmark.
During question and answer session Democratic Youth Forum General Secretary, Mithun Chakma questioned the legality and justifiability of the continuing military rule in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in the name of “Operation Dabanol” and Operation Uttoron”.
Maudud Ahmed asked Mithun Chakma whether the military rule was still continuing during the rule of the present AL government. When Mithun replied in the positive, he said “we made mistakes, and for this the people (of CHT) have punished us by voting us out.”
He continued: “the present government can rectify the mistake, if it so wishes.”
The conference was presided over by Dr. C. R. Abrar Chowdhury, President of Odhikar, and moderated by its Secretary Advocate Adilur Rahman Khan.
Dr. Salimullah Khan, Chief Academic Adviser, Department of Law, Stamford University, presented the keynote paper on torture.
The conference was also addressed among others by Asafuddollah, ex-secretary and incumbent Executive Director of private TV channel Bangla Vision; Maudud Ahmed, former Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs; Dr. Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir MP; Mahmudur Rahman, Chairman, Amar Desh Publications; Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, Organising Secretary, Bangladesh Awami League; Advocate Sigma Huda, Motiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor, Manob Jamin; and Saiful Haq, leader of Biplobi Workers Party.
Participants to the conference from Chittagong Hill Tracts were UPDF member Ripon Chakma, General Secretary of Democratic Youth Forum Mithun Chakma and Information and Publicity Secretary Alakesh Chakma.
Commemoration held for four martyred in Baghaichari
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News No. 75/2009, June 28, 2009
A commemoration meeting was held yesterday for Rupon, Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh, who were killed in the course of a protest against the abduction of Kalpana Chakma in 1996.
Held at Rupokari High School ground at 9am, the commemoration was presided over by Abhinoy Chakma, president, Baghaichari Unit of Hill Students’ Council.
Among those spoke were Jewel Chakma, UPDF organiser in Baghaichari; Bishwajit Chakma, Chairman of Rupokari Union; Ranjit Chakma, leader of Democratic Youth Forum Baghaichari Unit; Rina Dewan, president, Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari district unit; and Arpan Chakma, General Secretary, Hill Students’ Council Khagrachari District Unit.
The commemoration began with the leaders placing floral wreaths at the altar of the martyred.
About 1,000 took part in the program.
Of the martyred, Rupon was shot dead by a settler when he was picketing in Baghaichari town in support of a peaceful road block. PCP members Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh were disappeared from a place called Muslim Block, a settler area, while they were on their way to Baghaichari town to participate in the picketing. They were believed to have been murdered. All these incidents took place on 27 June in 1996.
The speakers said the supreme sacrifice of these four valiant fighters will not go in vain. The Jumma struggle could not be subdued with these brutal murders, and it will never be subdued in the future, no matter how much repression the Jumma people are made to endure.
“The Jummas will always hold their heads high.” declared the speakers.
Terming the cold-blooded murder of the four valiant fighters preplanned, the speakers said it was aimed at covering up the kidnapping of Kalpana Chakma.
They demanded punishment for those responsible for the murder of Rupon, Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh.
Expressing concern over the increase in army repression since the 12 June Baghaichari rally marking 13 years after abduction of Kalpana Chakma, peoples are being tortured and harassed in the name of house searches.
They demanded that all sorts of repression are immediately stopped.
They also urged the government to publish the inquiry report on the abduction of Kalpana Chakma and punish Lt. Ferdous and his cohorts.
News No. 75/2009, June 28, 2009
A commemoration meeting was held yesterday for Rupon, Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh, who were killed in the course of a protest against the abduction of Kalpana Chakma in 1996.
Held at Rupokari High School ground at 9am, the commemoration was presided over by Abhinoy Chakma, president, Baghaichari Unit of Hill Students’ Council.
Among those spoke were Jewel Chakma, UPDF organiser in Baghaichari; Bishwajit Chakma, Chairman of Rupokari Union; Ranjit Chakma, leader of Democratic Youth Forum Baghaichari Unit; Rina Dewan, president, Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari district unit; and Arpan Chakma, General Secretary, Hill Students’ Council Khagrachari District Unit.
The commemoration began with the leaders placing floral wreaths at the altar of the martyred.
About 1,000 took part in the program.
Of the martyred, Rupon was shot dead by a settler when he was picketing in Baghaichari town in support of a peaceful road block. PCP members Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh were disappeared from a place called Muslim Block, a settler area, while they were on their way to Baghaichari town to participate in the picketing. They were believed to have been murdered. All these incidents took place on 27 June in 1996.
The speakers said the supreme sacrifice of these four valiant fighters will not go in vain. The Jumma struggle could not be subdued with these brutal murders, and it will never be subdued in the future, no matter how much repression the Jumma people are made to endure.
“The Jummas will always hold their heads high.” declared the speakers.
Terming the cold-blooded murder of the four valiant fighters preplanned, the speakers said it was aimed at covering up the kidnapping of Kalpana Chakma.
They demanded punishment for those responsible for the murder of Rupon, Samar Bijoy, Sukesh and Monotosh.
Expressing concern over the increase in army repression since the 12 June Baghaichari rally marking 13 years after abduction of Kalpana Chakma, peoples are being tortured and harassed in the name of house searches.
They demanded that all sorts of repression are immediately stopped.
They also urged the government to publish the inquiry report on the abduction of Kalpana Chakma and punish Lt. Ferdous and his cohorts.
Army raid two villages in Kawkhali
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News No. 74/2009, June 27, 2009
A villager was tortured during an army raid into the remote villages of Manji Adam and Gongotyatoli under Fatikchari Union of Kawkhali Upazila in the small hours of Saturday, 27 June.
The two villages are situated 3 kilometers apart, and about 15 kilometers north-west of Kawkhali town.
The soldiers are from Ghagra zone, but the name of the army officers who led the raid could not be known.
While it is not yet known what happened during the raid in Gongotyatoli village, in Manji Adam the army beat up Sona Ram Chakma, a Jumia farmer (or Jum cultivator), and forced him to climb and pick green coconuts from trees.
It is not known whether the soldiers paid for the coconuts.
The soldiers searched all the eight houses of the village and found a homemade gun from the house of Shanti Ram Chakma who used it to keep away hordes of monkeys from his jum field.
Mr. Chakma ran away fearing arrest.
The army personnel also interrogated the villagers about the whereabouts of the “terrorists” meaning UPDF.
Two Jummas wearing bandanas around their faces were seen along with the army during the raid.
“They put off their bandanas at Khiram army camp, and they have been recognised,” claimed a UPDF leader.
The soldiers left the village at 8am.
News No. 74/2009, June 27, 2009
A villager was tortured during an army raid into the remote villages of Manji Adam and Gongotyatoli under Fatikchari Union of Kawkhali Upazila in the small hours of Saturday, 27 June.
The two villages are situated 3 kilometers apart, and about 15 kilometers north-west of Kawkhali town.
The soldiers are from Ghagra zone, but the name of the army officers who led the raid could not be known.
While it is not yet known what happened during the raid in Gongotyatoli village, in Manji Adam the army beat up Sona Ram Chakma, a Jumia farmer (or Jum cultivator), and forced him to climb and pick green coconuts from trees.
It is not known whether the soldiers paid for the coconuts.
The soldiers searched all the eight houses of the village and found a homemade gun from the house of Shanti Ram Chakma who used it to keep away hordes of monkeys from his jum field.
Mr. Chakma ran away fearing arrest.
The army personnel also interrogated the villagers about the whereabouts of the “terrorists” meaning UPDF.
Two Jummas wearing bandanas around their faces were seen along with the army during the raid.
“They put off their bandanas at Khiram army camp, and they have been recognised,” claimed a UPDF leader.
The soldiers left the village at 8am.
200 Mro families in fear of land-grabbers and terrorists in Bandarban
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News No. 73/2009, June 25, 2009
About 200 ethnic Mro families in Ronjupara, Penaipara, Chakkoipara and Bhattyapara under Tonkaboti Union in Bandarban Sadar Upazila have been living in fear of land grabbers and terrorists, says Prothom Alo, a leading national Bengali daily.
In a news article today, 25 June, the daily says “Since the attack on a villager of Penaipara on 18 June, the residents of the area have been living in fear of further terrorist attacks on them.”
“The villagers spoke of their sense of insecurity at a press conference held at Bandarban press club on Sunday. The chairman and members of Tonkaboti Union Council and village chiefs at the press conference demanded that land-grabber Shaha Alam and his terrorist gang members are arrested and brought to justice.
“At the press conference Tonkaboti Union Council Chairman Purna Chandra Mro said: ‘Shah Alam, a resident of Choromba area under Lohagora Upazila in Chittagong, has occupied without legal documents hundreds of acres of land belonging to Mro people with the help of his Rohinga terrorist gang. As a result the Mro people of Ronjupara and Penaipara have been unable to cultivate Jum for the last three years, plagued by dire financial crisis and compelled to live a substandard life. Complaints have been lodged with the government administration but to no avail, and the lack of effective measures on the part of the government has been a shot in the arms of terrorist Shah Alam.’
“Expressing anger village chief of Ronjupara, Luring Mro said: ‘I can no longer enter the land where we have been cultivating Jum for generations.’ He said Shah Alam and his terrorists tortured Rengrao while he was working at Jum field. He is still undergoing treatment in Bandarban Sadar Hospital. A case has been filed against six persons including Shah Alam; however police has so far failed to arrest any of them.’
“UP member Majeda Begum and Ashraf Mian told the press conference that they have been living in peaceful co-existence with the Mro. As Shah Alam has illegally occupied the lands of Mro people, who are simple and peaceful, they cannot cultivate their Jum fields and have to live in starvation.
“Bandarban Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anupam Barua said Shah Alam has no land in Tonkaboti Union. He is doing this defying an order not to occupy Jum lands belonging to Mro people.”
News No. 73/2009, June 25, 2009
About 200 ethnic Mro families in Ronjupara, Penaipara, Chakkoipara and Bhattyapara under Tonkaboti Union in Bandarban Sadar Upazila have been living in fear of land grabbers and terrorists, says Prothom Alo, a leading national Bengali daily.
In a news article today, 25 June, the daily says “Since the attack on a villager of Penaipara on 18 June, the residents of the area have been living in fear of further terrorist attacks on them.”
“The villagers spoke of their sense of insecurity at a press conference held at Bandarban press club on Sunday. The chairman and members of Tonkaboti Union Council and village chiefs at the press conference demanded that land-grabber Shaha Alam and his terrorist gang members are arrested and brought to justice.
“At the press conference Tonkaboti Union Council Chairman Purna Chandra Mro said: ‘Shah Alam, a resident of Choromba area under Lohagora Upazila in Chittagong, has occupied without legal documents hundreds of acres of land belonging to Mro people with the help of his Rohinga terrorist gang. As a result the Mro people of Ronjupara and Penaipara have been unable to cultivate Jum for the last three years, plagued by dire financial crisis and compelled to live a substandard life. Complaints have been lodged with the government administration but to no avail, and the lack of effective measures on the part of the government has been a shot in the arms of terrorist Shah Alam.’
“Expressing anger village chief of Ronjupara, Luring Mro said: ‘I can no longer enter the land where we have been cultivating Jum for generations.’ He said Shah Alam and his terrorists tortured Rengrao while he was working at Jum field. He is still undergoing treatment in Bandarban Sadar Hospital. A case has been filed against six persons including Shah Alam; however police has so far failed to arrest any of them.’
“UP member Majeda Begum and Ashraf Mian told the press conference that they have been living in peaceful co-existence with the Mro. As Shah Alam has illegally occupied the lands of Mro people, who are simple and peaceful, they cannot cultivate their Jum fields and have to live in starvation.
“Bandarban Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anupam Barua said Shah Alam has no land in Tonkaboti Union. He is doing this defying an order not to occupy Jum lands belonging to Mro people.”
Reception for successful SSC candidates held in Panchari
chtnews.com
News No. 72/2009, June 24, 2009
Reception for successful SSC candidates was held today in Panchari.
The program was organised by Panchari Degree College Organising Committee in close cooperation with the Hill Students’ Council (PCP).
It was scheduled to be held at Panchari Pilot School. But the organisers shifted the venue to College Gate after the TNO refused to give permission.
The TNO and Upazila Chairman were also scheduled to participate in the program. But under intense pressure from the army, both of them had to decline in the last moment.
Presided over by Chandra Dev Chakma, a student of Panchari Degree College, the reception was also addressed among others by Rina Dewan, President of Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari District Unit, Arpan Chakma, General Secretary of Hill Students’ Council Khagrachari District Unit and Sona Gulo Chakma, a second year student of Panchari Degree College.
Reception was accorded to over 150 students in Panchari Upazila who passed in the last Secondary School Certificate examination.
The speakers said the Jummas are being subjected to discrimination in all spheres of life including education.
“There is no congenial atmosphere for education in CHT. Jumma students who go out of the CHT to pursue studies in different higher educational institutions of the country also face harassment.” they alleged.
They said conspiracy was afoot to replace “Pahari or Hill quota” reserved for the Jumma students with “Parbottyo (CHT) quota” to provide reserved seats to the settlers at the cost of the Jumma students.
Rina Dewan said children of all the ethnic nationalities have an inalienable right to education up to primary level in their own languages; but the government is depriving them of this right.
Terming the primary education system in CHT as unsatisfactory, Arpan Chakma said hundreds of children drop out every year at primary level, while many children suffer malnutrition.
He urged the government to give priority to primary education and end discriminatory policies in respect of education in CHT.
News No. 72/2009, June 24, 2009
Reception for successful SSC candidates was held today in Panchari.
The program was organised by Panchari Degree College Organising Committee in close cooperation with the Hill Students’ Council (PCP).
It was scheduled to be held at Panchari Pilot School. But the organisers shifted the venue to College Gate after the TNO refused to give permission.
The TNO and Upazila Chairman were also scheduled to participate in the program. But under intense pressure from the army, both of them had to decline in the last moment.
Presided over by Chandra Dev Chakma, a student of Panchari Degree College, the reception was also addressed among others by Rina Dewan, President of Hill Women’s Federation Khagrachari District Unit, Arpan Chakma, General Secretary of Hill Students’ Council Khagrachari District Unit and Sona Gulo Chakma, a second year student of Panchari Degree College.
Reception was accorded to over 150 students in Panchari Upazila who passed in the last Secondary School Certificate examination.
The speakers said the Jummas are being subjected to discrimination in all spheres of life including education.
“There is no congenial atmosphere for education in CHT. Jumma students who go out of the CHT to pursue studies in different higher educational institutions of the country also face harassment.” they alleged.
They said conspiracy was afoot to replace “Pahari or Hill quota” reserved for the Jumma students with “Parbottyo (CHT) quota” to provide reserved seats to the settlers at the cost of the Jumma students.
Rina Dewan said children of all the ethnic nationalities have an inalienable right to education up to primary level in their own languages; but the government is depriving them of this right.
Terming the primary education system in CHT as unsatisfactory, Arpan Chakma said hundreds of children drop out every year at primary level, while many children suffer malnutrition.
He urged the government to give priority to primary education and end discriminatory policies in respect of education in CHT.
Six innocent villagers tortured in Sajek
chtnews.com
News No. 71/2009, June 24, 2009
Six innocent Jummas were tortured in Sajek in Rangamati district during an army raid on a village.
Sources said on 20 June, at 2pm a group of Bangladesh Army soldiers from Baghaihat zone carried out a surprise raid into the village of MSF Para.
The soldiers surrounded the village and began searching for what they said “terrorists”. Finding no ‘terrorist’, the soldiers picked up 6 innocent villagers, took them to the camp and tortured them severely.
They army beat them with stick and gave electric shocks in their bodies.
Five of the torture victims have been identified as Ballya Chakma, 50, of village MSF Para; Chuchyang Naga Chakma, 40, of Bhuachari; Jagadish Chakma, 40, of Karengatoli; Amar Dhan Chakma, 45, of Nakshachari; Kaladhan Chakma, 50, of Gangaram Dore.
The victim whose name could not be known is a friend of Jagadish Chakma, himself a torture victim. Both of them are day labourers.
Ballya Chakma was picked up from his home, while Chuchyang Naga Chakma was arrested while he was on his way to Baghaihat bazaar.
Jagadish Chakma and his friend were preparing to float bundles of bamboo down the river Kachalong to be carried to Kaptai for Karnaphuli Paper Mill, while the army arrested them.
The army arrested Amar Dhan Chakma while he was on his way to Baghaichari Upazila headquarters to draw UNDP’s Village Development Project money from a bank.
Kaladhan Chakma was arrested from his home in Gangaram Dore.
The army released Ballya Chakma, Chuchyang Naga Chakma, Jagadish Chakma and his friend in the evening, the same day, while the rest two were set free the following day.
Baghaihat zone is notorious for carrying out raids, torture and arrest of innocent villagers.
The army takes these repressive measures as part of a general plan to capture land in the area.
In April last year, the settlers burned down hundreds of Jumma houses in ten villages and made a series of attempts to grab land belonging to the Jumma people.
Following the April incident, many human rights organisaitons including International CHT Commission have visited the area. Yet, the conditions have not improved.
Close on the heels of the CHT Commission’s visit last year, the settlers launched further attacks and killed one Ladu Moni Chakma in the most brutal fashion.
A few days ago, the army made a number of arrests in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of a Bengali settler.
Baghaihat zone, under Khagrachari brigade, is commanded by Lt. Col. Anisuzzaman of 14 Bir.
News No. 71/2009, June 24, 2009
Six innocent Jummas were tortured in Sajek in Rangamati district during an army raid on a village.
Sources said on 20 June, at 2pm a group of Bangladesh Army soldiers from Baghaihat zone carried out a surprise raid into the village of MSF Para.
The soldiers surrounded the village and began searching for what they said “terrorists”. Finding no ‘terrorist’, the soldiers picked up 6 innocent villagers, took them to the camp and tortured them severely.
They army beat them with stick and gave electric shocks in their bodies.
Five of the torture victims have been identified as Ballya Chakma, 50, of village MSF Para; Chuchyang Naga Chakma, 40, of Bhuachari; Jagadish Chakma, 40, of Karengatoli; Amar Dhan Chakma, 45, of Nakshachari; Kaladhan Chakma, 50, of Gangaram Dore.
The victim whose name could not be known is a friend of Jagadish Chakma, himself a torture victim. Both of them are day labourers.
Ballya Chakma was picked up from his home, while Chuchyang Naga Chakma was arrested while he was on his way to Baghaihat bazaar.
Jagadish Chakma and his friend were preparing to float bundles of bamboo down the river Kachalong to be carried to Kaptai for Karnaphuli Paper Mill, while the army arrested them.
The army arrested Amar Dhan Chakma while he was on his way to Baghaichari Upazila headquarters to draw UNDP’s Village Development Project money from a bank.
Kaladhan Chakma was arrested from his home in Gangaram Dore.
The army released Ballya Chakma, Chuchyang Naga Chakma, Jagadish Chakma and his friend in the evening, the same day, while the rest two were set free the following day.
Baghaihat zone is notorious for carrying out raids, torture and arrest of innocent villagers.
The army takes these repressive measures as part of a general plan to capture land in the area.
In April last year, the settlers burned down hundreds of Jumma houses in ten villages and made a series of attempts to grab land belonging to the Jumma people.
Following the April incident, many human rights organisaitons including International CHT Commission have visited the area. Yet, the conditions have not improved.
Close on the heels of the CHT Commission’s visit last year, the settlers launched further attacks and killed one Ladu Moni Chakma in the most brutal fashion.
A few days ago, the army made a number of arrests in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of a Bengali settler.
Baghaihat zone, under Khagrachari brigade, is commanded by Lt. Col. Anisuzzaman of 14 Bir.
Who is pulling the string?
chtnews.com
News No. 70/2009, June 24, 2009
Panchari Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s volte face over a reception to the successful SSC candidates has raised many eyebrows.
The reception is scheduled to be held today at Panchari Pilot High School. Initially, it was decided that the program would be held under the banner of the Panchari branch of the Hill Students’ Council (PCP).
However, PCP agreed not to use its banner to facilitate UNO’s participation as special guest at the reception.
On 21 June, UNO Mohammad Abdul Kader Sheikh agreed to attend the reception if it is not held under the banner of PCP.
After obtaining his consent the PCP began preparation under the banner of Organising Committee.
But the following day, the UNO changed his decision and told the organisers that he would not be able to attend the program and that no such program could be held within the boundaries of Panchari Pilot High School.
On inquiry, it was learnt that the UNO was summoned to the Panchari army zone on 22 June, and it is believed that the zone commander, Lt. Col. Hamidul Haq forced him to change his mind.
The organisers were taken aback at the volte face of the UNO. They ask who is running the civil administration in Panchari and who is pulling the string behind the scene?
However, they are determined to hold the reception as scheduled.
News No. 70/2009, June 24, 2009
Panchari Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s volte face over a reception to the successful SSC candidates has raised many eyebrows.
The reception is scheduled to be held today at Panchari Pilot High School. Initially, it was decided that the program would be held under the banner of the Panchari branch of the Hill Students’ Council (PCP).
However, PCP agreed not to use its banner to facilitate UNO’s participation as special guest at the reception.
On 21 June, UNO Mohammad Abdul Kader Sheikh agreed to attend the reception if it is not held under the banner of PCP.
After obtaining his consent the PCP began preparation under the banner of Organising Committee.
But the following day, the UNO changed his decision and told the organisers that he would not be able to attend the program and that no such program could be held within the boundaries of Panchari Pilot High School.
On inquiry, it was learnt that the UNO was summoned to the Panchari army zone on 22 June, and it is believed that the zone commander, Lt. Col. Hamidul Haq forced him to change his mind.
The organisers were taken aback at the volte face of the UNO. They ask who is running the civil administration in Panchari and who is pulling the string behind the scene?
However, they are determined to hold the reception as scheduled.
JSS Reformist rally in Khagrachari
chtnews.com
News No. 69/2009, June 23, 2009
The Reformist faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti led by Rupayan Dewan has held a rally in Khagrachari against armed attacks on its leaders and activists by rival Santu faction.
The rally, held today at Shapla Chattar of the town, was addressed by JSS leaders Samiron Chakma, Sudhakor Tripura and Sudhasindhu Khisha.
The speakers condemned the attacks on their leaders and activists and demanded immediate arrest of those responsible.
They termed their faction as the real JSS and vowed to carry on the movement for full implementation of the CHT Accord.
News No. 69/2009, June 23, 2009
The Reformist faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti led by Rupayan Dewan has held a rally in Khagrachari against armed attacks on its leaders and activists by rival Santu faction.
The rally, held today at Shapla Chattar of the town, was addressed by JSS leaders Samiron Chakma, Sudhakor Tripura and Sudhasindhu Khisha.
The speakers condemned the attacks on their leaders and activists and demanded immediate arrest of those responsible.
They termed their faction as the real JSS and vowed to carry on the movement for full implementation of the CHT Accord.
Another JSS Reformist leader shot and wounded in Balukhali, Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 68/2009, June 22, 2009
Yet another leader of the Jana Samhati Samiti’s Reformist faction have been shot and wounded in Rangamati.
Mr. Aungshuman Chakma (40), who was shot at his home in Balukhali yesterday, is now undergoing treatment in Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
Mr. Chakma received bullet injuries in his left elbow and has got his bone fractured. Doctors said he needed to be operated on.
His father Dhirendra Kishore Chakma, also a former JSS member, blamed Santu Larma for the attack on his son and said he would file a criminal case in connection with the incident.
Eyewitnesses said at about 7pm Aungshuman Chakma and his friend Ashin Chakma were taking rest in the courtyard of his house when a group of five JSS (Santu) men appeared and shot at them.
Ashin Chakma, a former leader of Santu Larma backed student front, told chtnews.com “we were sitting in the courtyard after taking a stroll. Suddenly five people armed with sophisticated weapons appeared before us, with one of them saying ‘oh, I see, you are here!’.”
“At first they tried to catch us alive. But we knew who they were, and immediately began running away. Then they shot at us.”
Both of them escaped – Ashim Chakma unhurt.
Mr. Ashin said the armed men came in a boat from Manikchari Dore via the edge of Assam Bosti in Rangamati town.
“Each of them had a gun” he said.
Mr. Aungshuman Chakma was a staff member of the central committee of the JSS. He is one of those highly critical of Santu Larma’s corruption and questionable policies.
News No. 68/2009, June 22, 2009
Yet another leader of the Jana Samhati Samiti’s Reformist faction have been shot and wounded in Rangamati.
Mr. Aungshuman Chakma (40), who was shot at his home in Balukhali yesterday, is now undergoing treatment in Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
Mr. Chakma received bullet injuries in his left elbow and has got his bone fractured. Doctors said he needed to be operated on.
His father Dhirendra Kishore Chakma, also a former JSS member, blamed Santu Larma for the attack on his son and said he would file a criminal case in connection with the incident.
Eyewitnesses said at about 7pm Aungshuman Chakma and his friend Ashin Chakma were taking rest in the courtyard of his house when a group of five JSS (Santu) men appeared and shot at them.
Ashin Chakma, a former leader of Santu Larma backed student front, told chtnews.com “we were sitting in the courtyard after taking a stroll. Suddenly five people armed with sophisticated weapons appeared before us, with one of them saying ‘oh, I see, you are here!’.”
“At first they tried to catch us alive. But we knew who they were, and immediately began running away. Then they shot at us.”
Both of them escaped – Ashim Chakma unhurt.
Mr. Ashin said the armed men came in a boat from Manikchari Dore via the edge of Assam Bosti in Rangamati town.
“Each of them had a gun” he said.
Mr. Aungshuman Chakma was a staff member of the central committee of the JSS. He is one of those highly critical of Santu Larma’s corruption and questionable policies.
Police frustrate land grab attempt in Khagrachari
chtnews.com
News No. 67/2009, June 21, 2009
Police have frustrated a settler attempt to grab land in Khagrachari.
The settlers have been trying to occupy approximately 600 acres of land in Betchari under Kamalchari Union No. 2.
On 19 June, a group of settlers went to Moddyo (Middle) Betchari and began planting trees there. But the local people informed the police about the illegal act of the settlers, and police immediately swung into action and drove the settlers away.
The police also arrested a few settlers and uprooted the tree saplings.
Earlier on 16 June, the settlers went in droves to Betchari to cut jungles for construction of houses. However, as the local people resisted they had to come back.
The following day Khagrachari Upazila Chairman Shane Alam and the Khagrachari UNO went to Betchari and held a ‘compromise meeting’ with Jumma and Bengali elders.
It was decided in the meeting that until the CHT Land Commission decides on the issue, no one should enter the ‘disputed’ land.
But within two days, the settlers violated the decision by planting trees on the said land.
Local villagers alleged that most of the settlers are peaceful and don’t want a conflict with the Jumma villagers.
They said the settlers are instigated by Abul Hossain, ex-UP member and leader of Bhuachari Settler Para, Habibur Rahman, ex-UP member and Mostafa.
News No. 67/2009, June 21, 2009
Police have frustrated a settler attempt to grab land in Khagrachari.
The settlers have been trying to occupy approximately 600 acres of land in Betchari under Kamalchari Union No. 2.
On 19 June, a group of settlers went to Moddyo (Middle) Betchari and began planting trees there. But the local people informed the police about the illegal act of the settlers, and police immediately swung into action and drove the settlers away.
The police also arrested a few settlers and uprooted the tree saplings.
Earlier on 16 June, the settlers went in droves to Betchari to cut jungles for construction of houses. However, as the local people resisted they had to come back.
The following day Khagrachari Upazila Chairman Shane Alam and the Khagrachari UNO went to Betchari and held a ‘compromise meeting’ with Jumma and Bengali elders.
It was decided in the meeting that until the CHT Land Commission decides on the issue, no one should enter the ‘disputed’ land.
But within two days, the settlers violated the decision by planting trees on the said land.
Local villagers alleged that most of the settlers are peaceful and don’t want a conflict with the Jumma villagers.
They said the settlers are instigated by Abul Hossain, ex-UP member and leader of Bhuachari Settler Para, Habibur Rahman, ex-UP member and Mostafa.
UPDF supporter kidnapped by JSS in Barkal
chtnews.com
News No. 66/2009, June 20, 2009
One UPDF supporter has been kidnapped by armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu faction) in Barkal, Rangamati.
Mr. Modhu Mongol Chakma alias Markin, 42, s/o late Sudhon Moni Chakma was kidnapped from his home in the village of Korpotichara under Barkal Union No. 2 around 8pm on 18 June.
His whereabouts is still unknown. United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) sources said he might have been taken to Halamba-Billochara, a small patch of area bordering Mizoram of India, where the remnant of JSS members holds up.
Korpotichara is a remote village in Barkal Upazila, accessible only by foot and is about 6 miles north-east of Subholong bazaar.
UPDF’s Rangamati district organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the incident and demanded his immediate release.
News No. 66/2009, June 20, 2009
One UPDF supporter has been kidnapped by armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu faction) in Barkal, Rangamati.
Mr. Modhu Mongol Chakma alias Markin, 42, s/o late Sudhon Moni Chakma was kidnapped from his home in the village of Korpotichara under Barkal Union No. 2 around 8pm on 18 June.
His whereabouts is still unknown. United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) sources said he might have been taken to Halamba-Billochara, a small patch of area bordering Mizoram of India, where the remnant of JSS members holds up.
Korpotichara is a remote village in Barkal Upazila, accessible only by foot and is about 6 miles north-east of Subholong bazaar.
UPDF’s Rangamati district organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma condemned the incident and demanded his immediate release.
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