chtnews.com
News No. 120/2009, September 11, 2009
The Khagrachari district units of the Democratic Youth Forum, Hill Women’s Federation and Hill Students’ Council held their joint conference yesterday at Khagrachari Town Hall.
The conference was attended by an estimated 3,000 members and supporters who came in from different Upazilas in buses and jeeps. They met no obstacles on the way except in Guimara.
The Laxmichari zone commander Shariful Islam and his soldiers halted the jeeps carrying the participants of the conference at a place called Hatimura and searched their hand bags.
The commander was on his way to Guimara Brigade from Laxmichari. He held the participants there for one and a half hours in the name of search so that they reached the conference venue late.
Shariful asked Apruchi Marma, convenor of PCP Manikchari Unit -- who was leading the delegates -- who provided the funds for the conference and how they were collected.
He said “you are misguiding the youths and the school going children by talking about struggle and putting arms into their hands.”
He went on lecturing: “terrorism and extortion cannot be an ideal for any political party; you will join DYF from PCP and from DYF to UPDF. UPDF has one thousand armed cadres.”
He showed pictures of Rupali brand shoes on the screen of his mobile phone and said “UPDF ‘terrorists’ wear this footwear and practice extortion.”
When Aprichi refuted all these slanderous allegations, Shariful Islam took to a mean tactic of inciting communal division.
He asked Apruchi whether he is from Marma community. When he replied “yes”, Shariful said, cunningly: “in Chittagong Hill Tracts Marmas and Tripuras are deprived of opportunities. The Marmas get only 3 percent of the opportunities, while he Chakmas enjoy all the privileges.”
He went on to say: “out of 31 reserved seats for Australian scholarships for higher education, the Marmas have only 1. Being a Marma, why you are engaged in the struggle?”
In reply, Apruchi told the commander that there is no problem between the Chakmas, Marmas and Tripuras; “it is you who are misguiding the common people by spreading false propaganda.” he said.
Broaching the subject of the settlers, the zone commander said “you are harassing the Bengali people and encroaching on their lands.”
Apruchi refuted this again, saying that it was the settlers who were grabbing Jumma people’s lands and evicting them from their homesteads.
“We are not against the settlers. Rather, on their behalf we are demanding for their honourable rehabilitation in the plain land” Apruchi said. “It is you who are using them as human shields and inciting them to communal violence to destabilize the CHT situation.”
Apruchi protested the way the commander halted their vehicles and said: “it is the job of the terrorists to halt vehicles and harass the passengers like this. You are acting like a terrorist.”
Apruchi gave Shariful a good dressing down, and after much protest the commander had to let them go.
Zone commander Shariful also halted other public vehicles coming from Laxmicahri and Manikchari directions in front of Guimara Brigade and checked them.
Lest we forget! It is the same Shariful Islam who had tried to foil a rally organised jointly by Democratic Youth Forum and Boroitali Land Protection Committee in Manikchari on 10 July.
Again, this is the same army commander who held secret meetings with misguided Jumma youths in Manikchari and Laxmichari and persuaded them to join the so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts Nationalist Forum) created by the army in Bandarban.
The name of Shariful evokes terror in the hearts of the Jumma people. He reigns supreme in Laxmichari and Manikchari and terrorize the people.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
UPDF’s front organisations hold joint conference in Khagrachari: Demand complete withdrawal of troops
chtnews.com
News No. 119/2009, September 10, 2009
A joint conference of the Khagrachari district units of the Democratic Youth Forum, Hill Women’s Federation and Hill Students’ Council has demanded a complete withdrawal of Bangladesh Army troops from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. (Photo attached)
An estimated 3,000 members and supporters of these three front organisations of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) took part in the conference held at Khagrachari Town Hall today.
Presided over by Rina Dewan, convenor of the Joint Conference Preparatory Committee, the conference was also addressed by Ujjal Smriti Chakma, member of UPDF central committee, Konika Dewan, General Secretary (in charge) of Hill Women’s Federation, Mithun Chakma, DYF leader, and Ricoh Chakma, president of PCP.
Besides, Biddut Bhoumik, member of Jatiyo Mukti Council Eastern Chapter – 3, Ashish Sharma, convenor, Biplobi Chattra Sangha (Revolutionary Students’ Society), Mir Nixon, Joint Convenor, Bangladesh Students’ Federation Chittagong Unit, and Prince Mahmud, Secretary of Lamppost, a progressive study circle also addressed the conference expressing solidarity with the just struggle of the Jumma people.
The conference passed a resolution moved by Ratan Chakma, Member Secretary of the Joint Conference Preparatory Committee. The participants approved it with thunderous applause and hoisting their fists.
UPDF leader Ujjal Smriti Chakma said the ruling elites have spread their tentacles of conspiracy to undermine the struggle of the Jumma people. “On the one hand, they are trying to gag the voices of the people by not allowing the news of our struggle and our demands to get into the print and electronic media, and on the other hand, they are launching a racist, communal and ultra-nationalist campaign in the most crudest form.” he added.
Commenting on the decision of the CHT Land commission to conduct land survey in mid-October, he said if it is conducted before a recognition to the customary land rights of the Jumma, it will further complicate the issue.
He urged the government not to conduct land surveys in the CHT until the customary land rights of the Jumma people are restored.
The speakers said despite the announcement of partial troop pullout, the Awami League government is in reality trying to perpetuate military occupation of the CHT.
“The army has created the so-called Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum (CHTNF) to create anarchy in the area and thereby justify their continued presence in the CHT.” they said.
The speakers called for the government to immediately demilitarize CHT, end military rule and concede to the just demand of full autonomy.
Remin Chakma, organiser of DYF, delivered a welcome address while Arpan Chakma, GS of PCP Khagrachari district unit conducted the conference.
After the conference, a huge procession paraded the main city streets of Khagrachari.
UPDF supporter arrested in Kaokhali
chtnews.com
News No. 118/2009, September 10, 2009
The army last night arrested a supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Kaokhali of Rangamati district.
Soldiers from Kaokhali army camp raided the house of Atushi Marma (38 years) in the village of Bot-toli in the small hours and took him away. Bot-toli is approximately 7 miles north of Kaokhali town.
Mr. Marma is the president of pro-UPDF Bot-toli Village Committee and provides active support to the members of the party.
The army claims that a home-made gun has been found during a search in the hen house of Mr. Atushi Marma, but his family members denied this, saying it “was a pure lie”.
30 Jumma villagers tortured by JSS
chtnews.com
News No. 117/2009, September 10, 2009
Armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu group) tortured 30 Jumma villagers in Maghainpara under Rajstali Upazila in Rangamati district.
The incident took place on 1 September, Tuesday. UPDF and independent sources said a group of armed members of the JSS (Santu) led by Sadhan Tanchangya and Bhagya Tanchangya raided Punorbashon Elaka (Rehabilitation area) No. 1, 2 and 3 and beat up the villagers en mass accusing them of supporting UPDF.
Even minor boys, women and teachers were not spared.
The JSS thugs also snatched away a mobile hand set from Ven. Pragga Bongshaw Bhikkhu of Milon Bihar in Maghainpara, and prevented the villagers from offering him mid-day meals (Seyong).
chtnews.com has obtained a list of the torture victims which we reproduce below:
No.NameAgeFather’s Name / Husband’s NameOccupation
01Tejendra Tanchangya43Brojo Kumar TanchangyaFarming
02Arjun Kumar Tanchangya14Tejendra Tanchangya6th grade student, Titong Para High School
03Shanti Kumar Tanchangya26Fukong TanchangyaFarming
04Bombeya Karbari (Village head)45Hegera TanchangyaFarming
05Amal Kanti Tanchangya30Kironto TanchangyaFarming
06Kironto Tanchangya50Late Rashikya KarbariFarming
07Kanta Lala Tanchangya36Brojo Kumar TanchangyaFarming
08Ratri Mohan Tanchangya45Bhokto TanchangyaFarming
09Jotin Tanchangya14Ratri Mohan Tanchangya8th grade student
10Rohin Kumar Tanchangya37Late Indra Mohan TanchangyaFarming
11Uday Bikash Tanchangya42Singha Ram TanchangyaFarming
12Chandan Tanchangya13Priya Tanchangya6th grade student
13Khula Dhan Tanchangya13Roamuni Tanchangya6th grade student
14Bacharam Tanchangya35Paati Mohan TanchangyaFarming
15Natun Joy Tanchangya40Laxmi Aung TanchangyaFarming
16Laxmi Aung Tanchangya62unknownphysically challenged
17Dhappya Hulo Chakma35unknownFarming
18Paran Joy Tanchangya35Takko Mohan TanchangyaFarming
19Suro Moni Tanchangya35Rejendra TanchangyaFarming
20Bhat Hia Tanchangya35Nonokya TanchangyaFarming
21Mrs Nishati Tanchangya35Udoy Bikash TanchangyaHouse wife
22Rabi Chan Tanchangya35unknownFarming
23Anik Kumar Tanchangya16Rabi Dhan Tanchangya
24Rubel Tanchangya14Bombeya Karbari7th grade student
25Tantu Tanchangya23Mullya Kumar TanchangyaFarming
26Noaram Tanchangya23Pati Mohan TanchangyaFarming
27Rabindra Tanchangya50Khulo Mohan TanchangyaFarming
28Nanekya Tanchangya52Late Gondi Aung TanchangyaFarming
29Upajoy Tanchangya20Suken TanchangyaFarming
30Aung Thoai Ching Marma of village Sayong-gong Karbari Para35Suni Aung MarmaTeachar, Shilchari Govt. Primary School.
Tensions mount over death of a settler in Marishya
chtnews.com
News No. 116/2009, September 09, 2009
There have been reports of escalating tensions between the Jumma villagers and Bengali settlers over the death of a Bengali settler under mysterious circumstances.
Sources said 4 – 5 days ago a Bengali settler was allegedly disappeared from Baghaichari in Rangamati district. Later, on 7 September, his dead body was found floating on the Kaptai lake water near Sijok Dore area.
The settlers tried to use his death as a pretext to fan communal tension and launch attacks on Jumma villages. They claimed that the Jummas were responsible for his death, but gave no evidence in their support.
The Jummas, on the other hand, denied the claim, saying a section of the settlers are engaged in a plot to launch communal attacks on them.
“These settlers might have killed him to create a pretest” one Jumma villager told chtnews.com by mobile phone from a hill top in Marishya.
However, as the telephone line was noisy, the name of deceased settler could not be heard clearly.
Two settlers tortured for not agreeing to organise rally against army withdrawal
chtnews.com
News No. 115/2009, September 09, 2009
Bangladesh military personnel from Naniachar zone yesterday beat up two settler leaders in Naniachari under Rangamati district for refusing to help organise a rally against government decision to withdraw one brigade of troops from Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The army had been putting pressure on Ayub Hossain, former chairman of Burighat Union, and Ansar Ali, an incumbent member of the same Union, to organise the rally in the name of Sama Odhikar Andolon, a platform of the Bengali settlers, which is backed the military.
However, the settler leaders consistently refused to take the diktat of the army, and this invited the anger of the army who summoned them to the camp and did the beating.
Even the Second-in-Command (2-IC) of Naniachar zone (1 Bir), Morshed Khan Pathan, took part in torturing them himself.
On the night of 8 September, the army also spread a rumour that the Jumma people had attacked Bengali settlers.
However, after investigation the settlers learnt that it was a hoax.
On 29 July, the Awami League government announced that it would pull out one brigade of troops from the CHT by September this year. In conformity with the said decision 16 army and para-military camps have been withdrawn so far.
However, the process of withdrawal has apparently been stalled in the face of opposition from the Bengali settlers.
It is now an open secret that the army is trying flat out to frustrate the pull out. It is not only giving full support to the settlers in their opposition to the government decision to withdraw troops, but also directly instigating them to resort to violence to thwart the withdrawal process.
Over the last four decades, the army has developed a vested interest in perpetuating their presence in the CHT.
According to a Samakal (Bengali daily) report, the army receives a huge amount of funds and food stuffs annually from the government under the so-called “Pacification Program” and “Operation Uttoron”.
They spend a tiny fraction of this amount and misappropriate the rest.
The army commanders also inflate their pockets by controlling the lucrative logging business in the CHT. No trucks load of logs can move out of the CHT without paying taxes to the army commanders.
If they are withdrawn, they will lose all these opportunities, and hence their opposition to the pull-out decision.
Army arrests two innocent villagers in Laxmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 114/2009, September 08, 2009
Bangladesh military personnel from Joroppya Para camp under Naniachar zone arrested two innocent Jumma villagers in Laxmichari on Monday.
Sources said on 6 September a group of army personnel from Joroppya Para camp went to Laxmichari zone and returned to their camp the next day, 7 September.
On their way back to their camp, the soldiers picked up the two Jummas from Simana Para and Dojor Para villages.
The arrested are Sadhan Chakma (22 years) s/o Forachan Chakma of Simana Para village and Noaram Chakma (20 years) s/o Rabi Chandra Chakma (Headman) of Dojor Para village.
They were taken to Bogachari army camp, sources said. The army gave no reason for their arrest. One of the arrested, Mr. Noaram Chakma, is a son of a headman or chief of a Mouza, which is composed of a number of villages.
Upon request from Rabi Chandra Chakma, father of arrested Noaram Chakma, Laxmichari Upazila chairman Remrachai Chowdhury contacted Laxmichari zone commander to inquire about the arrested Jummas today.
However, the zone commander Mr. Shariful Islam denied having arrested any one. He said the soldiers had destroyed hemp plants on their way back to the camp.
Protest against murder of Poney Mala Tripura held
chtnews.com
News No. 113/2009, September 08, 2009
Jumma organisations held a protest demonstration against continuing military repression and the killing of Ms Poney Mala Tripura in Khagrachari.
The Hill Students’ Council, Hill Women’s Federation and Democratic Youth Forum jointly organised the demonstration on Saturday, 5 September.
They brought out a procession from Swanirbhor bazaar and paraded city streets chanting slogans before holding a protest rally at Chengi Square.
Hundreds of members and supporters of these front organisations of the UPDF joined the demonstration.
Presided over by Arpan Chakma, General Secretary of PCP Khagrachari District Unit, the rally was also addressed by Remin Chakma, central member of DYF, and Konika Dewan, General Secretary (in charge) of Hill Women’s Federation.
The speakers condemned the arrest of PCP president Ricoh Chakma and others in Panchari and the killing of Poney Mala Tripura in Sindukchari.
Arpan Chakma said “Ricoh Chakma went to Panchari on a speaking tour to persuade Jumma youths and students to take part in a joint conference of the Khagrachari District Units of the three organisaitons to be held on 10 September. But the army detained him along with many others and harassed him.”
Mr. Chakma condemned the undemocratic and fascist behaviour of the army and demanded their complete withdrawal from the CHT.
“The army is the perpetual threat to peace, democracy and development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and therefore they must go back to their barracks in the plain land.” he said.
He also urged the government to bring the killer of Poney Mala Tripura to justice. “It is regrettable that the police have done nothing to arrest Noab Ali and his accomplices” he said and demanded that the government must take measures to ensure that Poney Mala Tripura’s lands cannot be captured illegally by the settlers.
UPDF Dighinala Unit office launched
chtnews.com
News No. 112/2009, September 07, 2009
The United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) has opened its Dighinala Upazila Unit office at Master Para of Dighinala town.
The office was launched on 2 September at a ceremony held at the office premises. In his inaugural address Mr. Uday Chakma, an organiser of Dighinala Unit of the party, urged the government to demilitarize the CHT and restore the customary land rights of the Jumma people.
Commenting on the government announcement of partial troop withdrawal, he said “it is an eyewash; the government made this announcement to hoodwink the international community.”
He said without a complete withdrawal of the army and an end to “operation Uttoran” which gives the army sweeping powers in the CHT, there will be no peace.
Mr. Chakma alleged that the present Awami League government had been following in the footsteps of the previous BNP government and unleashed repressive measures against the UPDF.
“The present government does not represent any change when it comes to the political freedom in CHT. The government is hell bent on crushing our movement by arresting and intimidating our members and supporters.” he said.
“But we will defeat the design of the government with the support of the people.” he added.
The inauguration meeting was also attended among others by Choyon Chakma, a distinguished elder; Chirot Joti Chakma, former chairman of Boalkhali Union; Nagor Chakma and Iruk Chakma, members of CHT Bus Owners Assiciation; Joti Bikash Chakma, a Jumma businessman; and Dayal Kumar Chakma, a service holder.
PCP President, 21 others arrested by army, released later
chtnews.com
News No. 111/2009, September 07, 2009
The Hill Students Council President Ricoh Chakma was arrested along with 21 others including 5 women in Panchari under Khagrachari district on 4 September.
Army personnel from Panchari zone made the arrest at 3:15pm when PCP leaders were returning from a meeting organised by Democratic Youth Forum. They were arrested from a tea shop at Taltola.
“The army came in two jeeps and caught us without assigning any reason.” Ricoh Chakma told chtnews.com.
The army gave no reason for the arrest and took them to the Panchari police station. However, they were released after midnight.
Among the arrested were PCP Khagrachari district unit president Ratan Chakma, Chairman (in-charge) of Chengi Union Council Mr. Nabo Kumar Chakma, Chengi UP member Khagendra Tripura and businessman Hirohito Chakma.
The arrested also included 5 Jumma women who were returning from a meeting of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF). All other arrested excepting the PCP members had also taken part in the same meeting.
The army beat up nine of the arrested including Tripti Dhan Chakma, Tinku Chakma and Kamleshwar Chakma.
“We don’t know why they have been tortured. None of them has committed any crime and the army personnel also did not ask them anything; they just beat them up.” Ricoh Chakma said.
“The army tied Tripti Dhan and Tinku to a wooden pole and beat them mercilessly”, he added.
He further said the army released them in phases: the five women were released first from Panchari bazaar after forcing them to sign a bond.
All others were released after midnight.
Jumma woman killed by settlers in Sindukchari
chtnews.com
News No. 110/2009, September 07, 2009
A group of settlers chopped to death a Jumma woman in Sindukchari under Mahalchari Upazila of Khagrachari district on 3 September.
Sources said a group of 4 - 5 settlers led by Noab Ali of Sindukchari village went to the house of Ms Poney Mala Tripura (age 50) in the village of Chotomura Para and chopped her to death. The incident occurred at around 9:30 PM. Her husband’s name is Bibishon Tripura.
Her dead body was taken to Khagrachari for autopsy. A case has been filed with Guimara police station against 4 settlers and a Jumma in connection with the killing.
The accused have been identified as Noab Ali, Rustam Ali, Khairul Islam, Aksar Gaji and Shola Ana Tripura. No one has been arrested till the writing of this report.
Ms Poney Mala Tripura might have been killed over a land dispute with Noab Ali, one of the accused, who has been trying to capture her land. Before the incident, he had been continuously giving threats to her, it has been learnt.
In a village arbitration, it was decided that the disputed land belongs to Ms Tripura. However, Noab Ali refused to accept the verdict.
Conspiracy on to foil partial army pull out
chtnews.com
News No. 109/2009, August 20, 2009
There is a deep conspiracy to frustrate the government move to withdraw some of the temporary army camps from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, observers say.
“A vested interest group inside the army and the settlers is involved in the conspiracy” said Ujjal Smriti Chakma, a central leader of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF).
According to him, the so-called settler leaders and the army made huge profits by plundering food rations provided to the settlers by the government.
The Samakal, a national Bengali daily, ran a report by Samir Kumar Dey and Sotrong Chakma in its 19 August issue on development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
They said “the army is allocated thousands of tons of food grains and huge amounts of money under ‘Pacification Programme’ and ‘Operation Uttoron’; but the army don’t account for it.”
“Sama Odhikar Andolon leader Jahangir Kamal said the people of the country think that these money and food grains are provided to the Bengalee people in the Hill Tracts, but in reality the Bengalees don’t get anything. He said that there must be accountability for such food grains and funds provided to the army. He thinks that this was one of the factors contributing to the misunderstanding between the Pahari and Bengalee people.”
A section of the settlers have been opposing the troop withdrawal decision openly and a section of the army providing them support secretly.
“They are opposing the withdrawal of the army because that would mean that they will no longer be able to plunder public funds in the name of spurious programmes” commented Ujjal Smriti Chakma.
The interest groups are trying to foil the withdrawal process by destabilizing the situation in the CHT.
It has been learnt that a zone commander in Khagrachari district held a number of secret meetings with their Jumma agents in Manikchari and formed the so-called Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum (CHTNF). The recent kidnappings in Bandarban might have been committed this group. There should be a serious investigation to ascertain the identity and motive of the kidnappers.
On 15 August, a Bengali settler named Shohel was murdered, and his dead body was found the following day near Sorbeshwar Para, a bordering Jumma village in Feni under Khagrachari district. A section of the settlers tried to create communal tensions by blaming the Jummas for his dead. But the police and the civil administration intervened immediately and arrested Taher, the perpetrator.
On 18 August, Nasima Begum’s dead body was found in the paddy field of Awal near a Jumma village in Panchari. Some settlers claim that she was killed by the Jumma villagers of Horigopal Para when she went to the jungle to collect firewood.
The Jummas vehemently denied the allegation and termed it a conspiracy to create communal tension and thereby justify their opposition to troop withdrawal.
One villager said it is unusual and unbelievable that Nasima Begum should go deep into the jungle all by herself.
“Secondly, it is also unthinkable that the Jummas should let her dead body lying in a paddy field or anywhere in the open if they had committed the crime.” he added.
Nonetheless, some settlers staged demonstrations in Panchari chanting communal slogans and are scheduled to observe hartal today.
“The vested interest groups desperately need issues to justify the presence of the army in CHT; and since there is none, they are creating issues artificially. The killing of Nasima is one of such issues, and it is horrible and disgusting.” Ujjal said.
“The government should immediately investigate her killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
He demanded that the government must take stern actions against those who are creating unrest and murdering innocent people to create communal tension and thereby justify their opposition to the decision of troop withdrawal.
Settlers attempt to create riot in Panchari over death of a woman
chtnews.com
News No. 108/2009, August 19, 2009
Tensions have been mounting in Panchari as the settlers are trying to use the death of a settler woman to launch attacks on Jumma villages, reports from the area say.
Ms Nasima Begum (26 years) of Islampur died yesterday in mysterious conditions. Her body was recovered near the paddy field of Mohammad Awal. Her husband’s name is Mohammad Khokan.
Some of the settlers allege that Nasima went to the jungle of Wadokchara adjacent to Horigopal Para, a village of the Jumma people, to collect firewood. As she did not return home till the evening, the settlers began to search for her, and eventually found her lying dead near the paddy field of Awal which is situated near a Jumma village.
Afterwards, the settlers tried to whip up communal sentiment among their fellow brothers by deliberately propagating that she was killed by the Jumma people.
At around 9pm the agitated settlers of Islampur tried to launch a communal attack on Horigopal para village, but the attempt failed as the police intervened in a swift manner.
Panchari Upazila chairman Sorbottam Chakma told chtnews.com that he had tried to contact the local army zone headquarters by phone to seek their help to prevent the settlers, but none responded.
He further said that fears and anxiety had been prevailing among Jumma villagers of Horigopal para last night, and many, specially the women and children, had fled the village fearing settler attacks.
Independent sources said relations between Nasima and her husband had become sore and acrimonious over the last few months, and many believe that she might have been killed in a planned way by taking advantage of the charged political situation.
Her dead body has been taken to Khagrachari for autopsy. However, the settlers staged demonstrations in Panchari today against her killing.
A state of fear and anxiety is now prevailing among the Jumma inhabitants in the area.
UPDF supporter beaten in Rangamati
chtnews.com
News No. 107/2009, August 19, 2009
A supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) was beaten up by Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu group) members in Rangamati town on Monday, 17 August.
Mr. Bidit Dewan (36 years), a businessman, was on his way to meet his business partner at around 5pm when the incident took place.
A gang of JSS (Santu) members led by Pohel Chakma halted him at T&T area and roughed him up. They kicked and punched him, and hit him with sticks.
He was admitted to Rangamati Sadar Hospital with serious injuries.
Mr. Dewan is a supporter of the UPDF and lives in Kalindipur of Rangamati town. He ran for the post of Upazila Chairman of Barkal in the last Upazila elections held in January.
One of his neighbours said “this is the second time he has been beaten up by the Santu’s gang members.”
Mr. Dewan was first beaten up before the last parliamentary elections in December last year, he added.
Posters about CHTNF in Bandarban and Khagrachari
chtnews.com
News No. 106/2009, August 17, 2009
There have been hand-written posters put up in various places in Bandarban and Khagrachari towns saying that the so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Forum) is the creation of the army. Photo attached.
Some of the posters branded the CHTNF as the “new version of the Mukosh Bahini” or Masked force created and patronized by the army in 1995 – 1996.
Others carried slogans such as “stop human rights violations in CHT”, “we demand full withdrawal of troops from the CHT” and “put an end to army rule in CHT” etc.
The posters have been put up in the name of Democratic Youth Forum.
The posters created sensation in both the towns.
In Bandarban, a group of army personnel dressed in civvies went to the house of Rupon Marma, General Secretary of the PCP Bandarban District Unit, in Jadipara yesterday apparently to arrest him.
Mr. Marma was not available at home at the time.
The army men interrogated her mother about him and then left.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
UPDF will not accept replacement of army camps with police camps – Ujjal Smriti Chakma
chtnews.com
News No. 105/2009, August 14, 2009
UPDF leader Ujjal Smriti Chakma said his party will not accept the
government decision to set up police camps to replace the withdrawn
army camps.
Mr. Chakma said this when asked to comment on a news article published
in the Samakal, a national Bengali daily, today in which it was
reported that the government will set up police camps on lands vacated
by the army.
Terming the said decision as “contradictory”, Ujjal said “the
government has been consistently assuring us that there will be no law
and order problems after the withdrawal of the army.”
“So, the legitimate question is: if there is no break down of law and
order situation, then what is the need of setting up police camps?” he
asked.
He further said “the decision to replace the army camps with police
camps only gives credence to our claim that the government
announcement of withdrawing one army brigade is purely an eyewash.”
“It also indicates that the government is not willing to end its
ultra-Bengali nationalist domination over the Jumma people” he added.
He regretted that the government has succumbed to the pressure of the
communal forces like the so-called Sama Odhikar Andolon, Parbottyo
Gono Parishad and Bengali Chattra Parishad – all backed by a vested
quarter in the army.
Mr. Chakma reiterated their demand for a complete withdrawal of the
army from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and said “there can be no peace
as long as the army remains in the CHT.”
He said it was also imperative that the government began a
rehabilitation programme for the Bengali settlers outside the CHT.
News No. 105/2009, August 14, 2009
UPDF leader Ujjal Smriti Chakma said his party will not accept the
government decision to set up police camps to replace the withdrawn
army camps.
Mr. Chakma said this when asked to comment on a news article published
in the Samakal, a national Bengali daily, today in which it was
reported that the government will set up police camps on lands vacated
by the army.
Terming the said decision as “contradictory”, Ujjal said “the
government has been consistently assuring us that there will be no law
and order problems after the withdrawal of the army.”
“So, the legitimate question is: if there is no break down of law and
order situation, then what is the need of setting up police camps?” he
asked.
He further said “the decision to replace the army camps with police
camps only gives credence to our claim that the government
announcement of withdrawing one army brigade is purely an eyewash.”
“It also indicates that the government is not willing to end its
ultra-Bengali nationalist domination over the Jumma people” he added.
He regretted that the government has succumbed to the pressure of the
communal forces like the so-called Sama Odhikar Andolon, Parbottyo
Gono Parishad and Bengali Chattra Parishad – all backed by a vested
quarter in the army.
Mr. Chakma reiterated their demand for a complete withdrawal of the
army from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and said “there can be no peace
as long as the army remains in the CHT.”
He said it was also imperative that the government began a
rehabilitation programme for the Bengali settlers outside the CHT.
HWF holds discussion on women rights in Lakshmichari
chtnews.com
News No. 104/2009, August 13, 2009
The Hill Women’s Federation on 10 August organised a discussion in Lakshmichari with the slogan “Take part in the struggle for full-autonomy and ensure the rights of the women”.
Held at the office premises of Lakshmichari Union Council, the discussion was presided over by HWF president Sonali Chakma.
Konika Dewan, General Secretary of the HWF, presented the key note address.
Abdul Wahid, owner of a progressive publishing house “Joban”, and Amir Abbas Tapu, member secretary of Jatiya Mukti Counci Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts Chapter, also took part in the discussion as speakers.
Abdul Wahid said in a male-dominated society women are deprived of many rights. He stressed the importance of recognising the rights of the Jumma women in traditional customs.
Amir Abbas Tapu said in the Chittagong Hill Tracts women are suppressed in various ways. “The Jumma women are oppressed by both their male partners in a male dominated society and by various state forces” he added.
Sonali Chakma said women are neglected in our society and they are deprived of their due rights.
“Jumma women are most vulnerable to military repression in the CHT; we have to think twice before speaking about women rights because there are instances of Jumma women being assaulted for raising women issues. ” she added.
She said there are daily reports of incidents of rape or repression of women in the newspapers.
On the question of representation, she said Jumma women do not have proper representation in their social, political, administrative and state institutions.
She urged all to take part in the full autonomy struggle in order to speed up the movement for establishing women rights in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in the whole of Bangladesh.
News No. 104/2009, August 13, 2009
The Hill Women’s Federation on 10 August organised a discussion in Lakshmichari with the slogan “Take part in the struggle for full-autonomy and ensure the rights of the women”.
Held at the office premises of Lakshmichari Union Council, the discussion was presided over by HWF president Sonali Chakma.
Konika Dewan, General Secretary of the HWF, presented the key note address.
Abdul Wahid, owner of a progressive publishing house “Joban”, and Amir Abbas Tapu, member secretary of Jatiya Mukti Counci Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts Chapter, also took part in the discussion as speakers.
Abdul Wahid said in a male-dominated society women are deprived of many rights. He stressed the importance of recognising the rights of the Jumma women in traditional customs.
Amir Abbas Tapu said in the Chittagong Hill Tracts women are suppressed in various ways. “The Jumma women are oppressed by both their male partners in a male dominated society and by various state forces” he added.
Sonali Chakma said women are neglected in our society and they are deprived of their due rights.
“Jumma women are most vulnerable to military repression in the CHT; we have to think twice before speaking about women rights because there are instances of Jumma women being assaulted for raising women issues. ” she added.
She said there are daily reports of incidents of rape or repression of women in the newspapers.
On the question of representation, she said Jumma women do not have proper representation in their social, political, administrative and state institutions.
She urged all to take part in the full autonomy struggle in order to speed up the movement for establishing women rights in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in the whole of Bangladesh.
UPDF opens office at Betbunia as OC tries to prevent it
chtnews.com
News No. 103/2009, August 13, 2009
The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) opened a branch office at Betbunia under Kaokhali Upazila of Rangamati district yesterday, 12 August.
A discussion was held at the office premises on the occasion. Presided over by Ripon Chakma, UPDF organiser in Kaokhali, the discussion was also addressed among others by Thuiko Ching Marma, Rina Dewan and Apruchi Marma.
The office was inaugurated by Ruisha Aung Karbari, head of the village of Kochupara, at 1pm, while Monchaprue Marma, head of Baro Amchari village, and Mong Paila Marma, ex-member of Kalampati Union (Ward No. 5) gave solidarity speech.
Mr. Ruisha Aung Karbai thanked the UPDF for opening an office at Betbunia and expressed hope that it would be able to raise consciousness among the people of the area about their fundamental rights and their role in the fight to achieve these rights.
As the discussion drew to a close and some of the participants left the office, a group of army personnel all on a sudden appeared there in a threatening manner, pointing their guns at the participants.
The army looked for Md. Bodiul Alam, the owner of the house that UPDF rented to house its Betbunia unit office.
Meanwhile, at Godapar camp on Chittagong – Rangamati road, the army halted a jeep carrying a group of PCP, DYF and HWF activists back to Khagrachari.
The army interrogated them about a few posters they found in the jeep. However, they released the activists a few minutes later.
Police threatens to arrest the owner of the house
The UPDF at first leased a house from Md. Malek (70) for the office. In July, a deed was duly signed between the parties to that effect.
However, on 9 August, the OC of Kaokhali police station summoned Mr. Malek to his office, rebuked him for leasing his house to the UPDF and threatened to arrest him. He gave him two options: either to revoke the deal or to give him (OC) Taka 20,000 in bribes.
Again on 11 August, the OC called Malek to his office and asked him to meet either of the two options by the morning of 12 August.
Against this backdrop, the UPDF hurriedly rented a house from Bodi Alam and launched its office.
News No. 103/2009, August 13, 2009
The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) opened a branch office at Betbunia under Kaokhali Upazila of Rangamati district yesterday, 12 August.
A discussion was held at the office premises on the occasion. Presided over by Ripon Chakma, UPDF organiser in Kaokhali, the discussion was also addressed among others by Thuiko Ching Marma, Rina Dewan and Apruchi Marma.
The office was inaugurated by Ruisha Aung Karbari, head of the village of Kochupara, at 1pm, while Monchaprue Marma, head of Baro Amchari village, and Mong Paila Marma, ex-member of Kalampati Union (Ward No. 5) gave solidarity speech.
Mr. Ruisha Aung Karbai thanked the UPDF for opening an office at Betbunia and expressed hope that it would be able to raise consciousness among the people of the area about their fundamental rights and their role in the fight to achieve these rights.
As the discussion drew to a close and some of the participants left the office, a group of army personnel all on a sudden appeared there in a threatening manner, pointing their guns at the participants.
The army looked for Md. Bodiul Alam, the owner of the house that UPDF rented to house its Betbunia unit office.
Meanwhile, at Godapar camp on Chittagong – Rangamati road, the army halted a jeep carrying a group of PCP, DYF and HWF activists back to Khagrachari.
The army interrogated them about a few posters they found in the jeep. However, they released the activists a few minutes later.
Police threatens to arrest the owner of the house
The UPDF at first leased a house from Md. Malek (70) for the office. In July, a deed was duly signed between the parties to that effect.
However, on 9 August, the OC of Kaokhali police station summoned Mr. Malek to his office, rebuked him for leasing his house to the UPDF and threatened to arrest him. He gave him two options: either to revoke the deal or to give him (OC) Taka 20,000 in bribes.
Again on 11 August, the OC called Malek to his office and asked him to meet either of the two options by the morning of 12 August.
Against this backdrop, the UPDF hurriedly rented a house from Bodi Alam and launched its office.
UPDF supporter arrested by police in Ghagra
chtnews.com
News No. 102/2009, August 10, 2009
The police have arrested a supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Ghagra.
Sources said UPDF supporter Ratan Chakma, 32, was arrested from Nilomba’s shop at Jonumachara at around 11am today.
He is a resident of the village of Chelachara in Ghagra, Rangamati. His father’s name is Nua Chan Chakma.
Mr. Chakma is an ardent supporter of the UPDF and played an important role in the opening of the UPDF office in Ghagra bazaar.
Many believe that local members of the ruling Awami League might have colluded with the police in arresting him.
He has been falsely charged with robbery and possession of illegal drugs.
News No. 102/2009, August 10, 2009
The police have arrested a supporter of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Ghagra.
Sources said UPDF supporter Ratan Chakma, 32, was arrested from Nilomba’s shop at Jonumachara at around 11am today.
He is a resident of the village of Chelachara in Ghagra, Rangamati. His father’s name is Nua Chan Chakma.
Mr. Chakma is an ardent supporter of the UPDF and played an important role in the opening of the UPDF office in Ghagra bazaar.
Many believe that local members of the ruling Awami League might have colluded with the police in arresting him.
He has been falsely charged with robbery and possession of illegal drugs.
JSS leader Chandra Shekhor Chakma dies
chtnews.com
News No. 101/2009, August 9, 2009
The former General Secretary of the Jana Samhati Samiti, Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma has died in Khagrachari, party sources say.
Mr. Chakma complained of chest pain after attending a rally marking the World Indigenous Day in Khagrachari town today.
He died on the way when he was being taken to the hospital at 4:15pm.
The United People’s Democratic Front expressed deep shock at his death.
Mr. Chakma was one of the founder members of the Jana Samhati Samiti and a veteran guerrilla leader.
He was trice elected General Secretary of the Party, and was known for his simplicity, modesty and political acumen.
However, he fell from the grace of Santu Larma during the last party congress in 2006 when he, in an unusually bold manner, criticized him for his involvement in corruption and his undemocratic way of running party affairs.
Mr. Larma never took his criticism kindly and a power struggle ensued between the two. Eventually, Mr. Larma was able to get the support of the most of the delegates present at the congress and to keep the important posts to his henchmen.
Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma was elected to the central committee but without any portfolio.
Although Mr. Larma somehow managed to survive, the rift of the party widened with the time passed.
Aside Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma, many other JSS stalwarts fell out with Mr. Larma over the same issues and either deserted him or remained inactive in the party.
Among them are Mr. Rupayan Dewan, Mr. Sudhadindu Khisha, Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma Pele and Advocate Shaktiman Chakma.
In February last, the hired goons of Santu Larma made an attempt to assassinate him in Rangamati town. He was shot point blank and seriously wounded.
But this did not stop his criticism of Santu Larma, and in May, he published a four-page leaflet, openly criticizing Larma and exposing his corrupt practices.
Mr. Chakma left behind his wife Dipti Chakma and two sons, Alen Chakma and Pratibhash Chakma.
News No. 101/2009, August 9, 2009
The former General Secretary of the Jana Samhati Samiti, Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma has died in Khagrachari, party sources say.
Mr. Chakma complained of chest pain after attending a rally marking the World Indigenous Day in Khagrachari town today.
He died on the way when he was being taken to the hospital at 4:15pm.
The United People’s Democratic Front expressed deep shock at his death.
Mr. Chakma was one of the founder members of the Jana Samhati Samiti and a veteran guerrilla leader.
He was trice elected General Secretary of the Party, and was known for his simplicity, modesty and political acumen.
However, he fell from the grace of Santu Larma during the last party congress in 2006 when he, in an unusually bold manner, criticized him for his involvement in corruption and his undemocratic way of running party affairs.
Mr. Larma never took his criticism kindly and a power struggle ensued between the two. Eventually, Mr. Larma was able to get the support of the most of the delegates present at the congress and to keep the important posts to his henchmen.
Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma was elected to the central committee but without any portfolio.
Although Mr. Larma somehow managed to survive, the rift of the party widened with the time passed.
Aside Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma, many other JSS stalwarts fell out with Mr. Larma over the same issues and either deserted him or remained inactive in the party.
Among them are Mr. Rupayan Dewan, Mr. Sudhadindu Khisha, Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma Pele and Advocate Shaktiman Chakma.
In February last, the hired goons of Santu Larma made an attempt to assassinate him in Rangamati town. He was shot point blank and seriously wounded.
But this did not stop his criticism of Santu Larma, and in May, he published a four-page leaflet, openly criticizing Larma and exposing his corrupt practices.
Mr. Chakma left behind his wife Dipti Chakma and two sons, Alen Chakma and Pratibhash Chakma.
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