chtnews.com
News No. 121/2008, June 29, 2008
On 23 June, an army commander in Marishya ordered the Jummas to transact in a new bazaar or market place opened at Dui Tila after settling hundreds of Bengali settler families in the area.
The commander of Dui Tila camp has been trying to force the Jummas to go to the new bazaar for the last few months, sources in Dighinala said. But they could not give his name.
"You must come to this new bazaar and sell all your produce here. You are barred from selling them in any other market." the commander was quoted by a Jumma resident in Dighinala, Khagrachari district as ordering the Jumma villagers in Dui Tila area.
Over the last few months, the military has settled hundreds of new Bengali settlers after taking away land from the Jummas. In the process the settlers have destroyed many houses, orchards and fruit gardens of the Jumma villagers.
Now the army wants a new market to be open in the area in the interest of the settlers. But Jummas has opposed the idea.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Indigenous Jumma youth shot dead in Bandarban
An indigenous Jumma youth was shot dead at Kanaiupara in Sadar upazila here Thursday midnight. The deceased was identified as Priya Tongchanga (32).
Sources said a group of armed miscreants surrounded the house of Priya Tonchongya that day.
They called him out of the house and shot him point blank in front of his wife and two daughters. The miscreants then left the scene.
A case has been filed with Bandarban police station in connection with the incident. But no one has been arrested till the writing of this report.
Sources said a group of armed miscreants surrounded the house of Priya Tonchongya that day.
They called him out of the house and shot him point blank in front of his wife and two daughters. The miscreants then left the scene.
A case has been filed with Bandarban police station in connection with the incident. But no one has been arrested till the writing of this report.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Two activist & 3 villagers arrested in Kudukchari
chtnews.com
News No. 119/2008, June 28, 2008
Two members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and three villagers have been arrested from Kudukchari under Rangamati district, sources said.
Sources in Rangamati said at about 10:30 a.m., military personnel from Kudukchari camp arrested Sadallya Chakma (25) s/o Bagya Chakma from his house in the village of Hazachari Purbo Para, while Kalatukya Chakma (21) s/o Bhupati Chakma and Rupa Moni Chakma (18) s/o Gollya Chakma of village Headman Para were arrested from the house of Amalendu Chakma, an ex-member of Ghilachari Union Council.
Both Kalatukya Chakma and Rupa Moni Chakma went there after hearing noises made by the army personnel.
Rupa Moni Chakma is a student of Rangamati Government College.
The soldiers also arrested two UPDF members. One of them has been identified as Jagot Chakma (30). The name of the other one could not be known.
All of them have been handed over to Rangamati police station.
The army personnel also searched the houses of UPDF members A P Chakma (45) and Tapan Chakma (38) in the village of Hazachari Purbo Para. After that, the soldiers took the wives of AP Chakma and Tapan Chakma to the R.P. check post at Kudukchari camp. However, they were released subsequently.
News No. 119/2008, June 28, 2008
Two members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and three villagers have been arrested from Kudukchari under Rangamati district, sources said.
Sources in Rangamati said at about 10:30 a.m., military personnel from Kudukchari camp arrested Sadallya Chakma (25) s/o Bagya Chakma from his house in the village of Hazachari Purbo Para, while Kalatukya Chakma (21) s/o Bhupati Chakma and Rupa Moni Chakma (18) s/o Gollya Chakma of village Headman Para were arrested from the house of Amalendu Chakma, an ex-member of Ghilachari Union Council.
Both Kalatukya Chakma and Rupa Moni Chakma went there after hearing noises made by the army personnel.
Rupa Moni Chakma is a student of Rangamati Government College.
The soldiers also arrested two UPDF members. One of them has been identified as Jagot Chakma (30). The name of the other one could not be known.
All of them have been handed over to Rangamati police station.
The army personnel also searched the houses of UPDF members A P Chakma (45) and Tapan Chakma (38) in the village of Hazachari Purbo Para. After that, the soldiers took the wives of AP Chakma and Tapan Chakma to the R.P. check post at Kudukchari camp. However, they were released subsequently.
Fresh tensions in Sajek as settlers build houses on Jumma's land
chtnews.com
News No. 118/2008, June 27, 2008
There have been reports of fresh tensions in Sajek, the scene of the 20 April deadly arson attack, as the settlers have begun building houses on lands belonging to the Jumma people.
Sources said on 24 June, Tuesday, about 2 pm, Md. Helal (23) began building a house on the lands of Mongol Sen Chakma (45) in Purbopara village. Helal's father and mother were assisting him in the work.
When Mongol Sen Chakma's wife, Mrs. Poran Sona Chakma (38) protested, a heated altercation ensued between them. In the face of the protest the settlers stopped work and left.
However, a few minutes later they came back with more fellow settlers - among whom was "butcher" Shah Alam - and chased Poran Sona Chakma away. The settlers were armed with dao and other sharp weapons.
On 26 June, a group of military personnel from Baghaihat zone surrounded the house of Poran Sona Chakma and searched for her husband Mongol Sen Chakma. He was not available at home at the time.
Sources said while the army personnel continue to intimidate the Jummas with arrests and house searches, the settlers keep on building new houses on the lands of the Jumma villagers. "They (the settlers) have already built a number of houses in Purbopara in the last few days" said a resident of Sajek, adding that the situation was tense.
He further said that more settlers had been brought in from Marishya, and that there was growing fear among the Jummas that another attack was being planned.
On 20 April, the illegal settlers, backed by a strong contingent of army personnel, launched an attack on four Jumma villages in Sajek and burnt 77 houses, a church and two Unicef-run schools to ashes.
There have been protests and condemnation against the attack, and national human rights organisations demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident. They sent their own inquiry teams into the area, held press conferences and published reports on the incident.
Yet, the government has failed to bring those responsible to justice. Not a single settler has so far been arrested in connection with the incident.
News No. 118/2008, June 27, 2008
There have been reports of fresh tensions in Sajek, the scene of the 20 April deadly arson attack, as the settlers have begun building houses on lands belonging to the Jumma people.
Sources said on 24 June, Tuesday, about 2 pm, Md. Helal (23) began building a house on the lands of Mongol Sen Chakma (45) in Purbopara village. Helal's father and mother were assisting him in the work.
When Mongol Sen Chakma's wife, Mrs. Poran Sona Chakma (38) protested, a heated altercation ensued between them. In the face of the protest the settlers stopped work and left.
However, a few minutes later they came back with more fellow settlers - among whom was "butcher" Shah Alam - and chased Poran Sona Chakma away. The settlers were armed with dao and other sharp weapons.
On 26 June, a group of military personnel from Baghaihat zone surrounded the house of Poran Sona Chakma and searched for her husband Mongol Sen Chakma. He was not available at home at the time.
Sources said while the army personnel continue to intimidate the Jummas with arrests and house searches, the settlers keep on building new houses on the lands of the Jumma villagers. "They (the settlers) have already built a number of houses in Purbopara in the last few days" said a resident of Sajek, adding that the situation was tense.
He further said that more settlers had been brought in from Marishya, and that there was growing fear among the Jummas that another attack was being planned.
On 20 April, the illegal settlers, backed by a strong contingent of army personnel, launched an attack on four Jumma villages in Sajek and burnt 77 houses, a church and two Unicef-run schools to ashes.
There have been protests and condemnation against the attack, and national human rights organisations demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident. They sent their own inquiry teams into the area, held press conferences and published reports on the incident.
Yet, the government has failed to bring those responsible to justice. Not a single settler has so far been arrested in connection with the incident.
Alakesh Chakma and others released
chtnews.com
News No. 117/2008, June 25, 2008
Alakesh Chakma, Publication Secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum, was released yesterday after 3 days of captivity. The three others, arrested along with him, were also freed.
Plainclothes security personnel arrested them on 21 May from Hathazari, Chittagong, and kept them incommunicado in detention until their release.
Alakesh Chakma, who has just completed his Masters courses in Social Sciences from Chittagong University, was set free from Agrabad area of Chittagong city. He came to Chittagong to know his result of the exams.
The security personnel released Ani Chakma on 24 June from Gate No. 2 of Chittagong University. He is a paramedic student of a private institute in Chittagong.
Pulok Chakma and Simon Chakma were released today. Pulok was in Chittagong for medical treatment for his wound sustained when he was attacked by a wild bore. Both of them hail from Kawkhali under Rangamati district.
After release Ani Chakma told chtnews.com that a man of mongoloid stock accompanied the security personnel during the arrest. He believes that there was ample evidence to suggest that the arrests were made after tip-off from a Jumma.
He said the plainclothes security personnel, who arrested them, spoke Chakma and Marma fluently and added that he was tortured during interrogation.
On the day they were arrested, security personnel also searched for Sonali Chakma, President of Hill Women's Federation and wife of Alakesh Chakma, at her father's residence at West Naranghia, Khagrachari.
News No. 117/2008, June 25, 2008
Alakesh Chakma, Publication Secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum, was released yesterday after 3 days of captivity. The three others, arrested along with him, were also freed.
Plainclothes security personnel arrested them on 21 May from Hathazari, Chittagong, and kept them incommunicado in detention until their release.
Alakesh Chakma, who has just completed his Masters courses in Social Sciences from Chittagong University, was set free from Agrabad area of Chittagong city. He came to Chittagong to know his result of the exams.
The security personnel released Ani Chakma on 24 June from Gate No. 2 of Chittagong University. He is a paramedic student of a private institute in Chittagong.
Pulok Chakma and Simon Chakma were released today. Pulok was in Chittagong for medical treatment for his wound sustained when he was attacked by a wild bore. Both of them hail from Kawkhali under Rangamati district.
After release Ani Chakma told chtnews.com that a man of mongoloid stock accompanied the security personnel during the arrest. He believes that there was ample evidence to suggest that the arrests were made after tip-off from a Jumma.
He said the plainclothes security personnel, who arrested them, spoke Chakma and Marma fluently and added that he was tortured during interrogation.
On the day they were arrested, security personnel also searched for Sonali Chakma, President of Hill Women's Federation and wife of Alakesh Chakma, at her father's residence at West Naranghia, Khagrachari.
Raid, torture and search in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 116/2008, June 25, 2008
Military personnel have tortured 3 Jummas and searched a house during a raid in Bangalkaba village under Belaichari Upazila of Rangamati district. The whole operation lasted for about 4 hours, between 6 to 10 a.m.
On 24 June, a group of military personnel led by Captain Tanvir from Merangchara camp raided the village of Bangalkaba. "Two half-masked JSS members were along with them", a human rights activist quoted one of the victims as saying.
The soldiers interrogated three bazaar-bound Jummas about the whereabouts of the local activists of the United People's Democratic Front and when they said they did not know anything about it, the infuriated army men beat them up. The torture victims are Ananda Talukder (20) s/o late Dhirendra Talukder, Toroi Chakma (26) s/o Bijoy Basanta Chakma and Dipak Chakma (20) s/o unknown.
The soldiers then broke into the house of Sonaram Tonchongya (25) s/o Sojit Tonchongya and searched it. No one was there in the house, as the family was away to their Jum field.
The army personnel also looked for Kalamon Chakma (45). But when they did not find him at home, they picked up his wife Kalapudi Chakma (40). However, they released her from a place near Belaichari bazaar on way to the camp.
The soldiers forayed into the tea shop of Dulal Tonchongya (28) s/o Kalendra Tonchongya, ate refreshments and walked away. Not a single penny was paid for this.
Villagers alleged that two JSS members were seen along with the army. "One of the victims told me that they could recognise the half-masked JSS members who boasted that they had found ally in the army. He also said that the JSS men had told the villagers that they would finish off the UPDF very soon", the human rights activist told chtnews.com on condition that his named is not mentioned in the report for security reasons.
Over the last two years, the JSS has been routed from most of the areas it held for decades. Recently, it lost almost the whole of Belaichari area to the UPDF which has gained in popularity for the role it has played in the campaign against land grabbing in CHT. Since then, the JSS has been trying to regain the area. They have become so desperate that they had no qualm about finding ally in the military to oust their rival.
News No. 116/2008, June 25, 2008
Military personnel have tortured 3 Jummas and searched a house during a raid in Bangalkaba village under Belaichari Upazila of Rangamati district. The whole operation lasted for about 4 hours, between 6 to 10 a.m.
On 24 June, a group of military personnel led by Captain Tanvir from Merangchara camp raided the village of Bangalkaba. "Two half-masked JSS members were along with them", a human rights activist quoted one of the victims as saying.
The soldiers interrogated three bazaar-bound Jummas about the whereabouts of the local activists of the United People's Democratic Front and when they said they did not know anything about it, the infuriated army men beat them up. The torture victims are Ananda Talukder (20) s/o late Dhirendra Talukder, Toroi Chakma (26) s/o Bijoy Basanta Chakma and Dipak Chakma (20) s/o unknown.
The soldiers then broke into the house of Sonaram Tonchongya (25) s/o Sojit Tonchongya and searched it. No one was there in the house, as the family was away to their Jum field.
The army personnel also looked for Kalamon Chakma (45). But when they did not find him at home, they picked up his wife Kalapudi Chakma (40). However, they released her from a place near Belaichari bazaar on way to the camp.
The soldiers forayed into the tea shop of Dulal Tonchongya (28) s/o Kalendra Tonchongya, ate refreshments and walked away. Not a single penny was paid for this.
Villagers alleged that two JSS members were seen along with the army. "One of the victims told me that they could recognise the half-masked JSS members who boasted that they had found ally in the army. He also said that the JSS men had told the villagers that they would finish off the UPDF very soon", the human rights activist told chtnews.com on condition that his named is not mentioned in the report for security reasons.
Over the last two years, the JSS has been routed from most of the areas it held for decades. Recently, it lost almost the whole of Belaichari area to the UPDF which has gained in popularity for the role it has played in the campaign against land grabbing in CHT. Since then, the JSS has been trying to regain the area. They have become so desperate that they had no qualm about finding ally in the military to oust their rival.
Attempted rape of a minor Jumma girl in Baghaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 115/2008, June 25, 2008
An unidentified settler has attempted to rape a 13-year old Jumma girl in Nalkata under Baghaichari Upazila of Rangamati district.
The incident took place on 23 June about 8 a.m. when Ruma Chakma d/o Ananda Chakma went to a nearby stream to fetch water. Finding her alone, the settler, who is of 35 to 40 years of age, grabbed her.
As she screamed for help, the settler struck her with his dao (a one-edged sharp knife) leaving a cut-wound of a few centimeters deep in her right elbow. The settler had run away before the villagers reached the scene. The girl could not tell his name.
Ruma Chakma was then admitted to Baghaihat Health Complex.
News No. 115/2008, June 25, 2008
An unidentified settler has attempted to rape a 13-year old Jumma girl in Nalkata under Baghaichari Upazila of Rangamati district.
The incident took place on 23 June about 8 a.m. when Ruma Chakma d/o Ananda Chakma went to a nearby stream to fetch water. Finding her alone, the settler, who is of 35 to 40 years of age, grabbed her.
As she screamed for help, the settler struck her with his dao (a one-edged sharp knife) leaving a cut-wound of a few centimeters deep in her right elbow. The settler had run away before the villagers reached the scene. The girl could not tell his name.
Ruma Chakma was then admitted to Baghaihat Health Complex.
Breaking News
chtnews.com
June 21, 2008
JOINT FORCES have arrested Alkesh Chakma, a central committee member
of the Democratic Youth Forum, a front organisation of the United
People's Democratic Front (UPDF), from Hathazari, Chittagong.
Anther member of DYF, Pulok Chakma, and a paramedic student, Ani
Bikash Chakma, were also arrested. The joint forces arrested them at 2
p.m. from house rented by Ani Bikash Chakma.
June 21, 2008
JOINT FORCES have arrested Alkesh Chakma, a central committee member
of the Democratic Youth Forum, a front organisation of the United
People's Democratic Front (UPDF), from Hathazari, Chittagong.
Anther member of DYF, Pulok Chakma, and a paramedic student, Ani
Bikash Chakma, were also arrested. The joint forces arrested them at 2
p.m. from house rented by Ani Bikash Chakma.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Hilly Multi-purpose Cooperative Society sends relief to Sajek victims
chtnews.com
News No. 114/2008, June 20, 2008
The Hilly Multi-purpose Cooperative Society, a Chittagong-based socio-cultural organisation of the Jummas, sent relief for the Sajek arson victims Friday.
A 15-member team led by Nani Jibon Chakma, president of the HMCS left for Dighinala today. The team will hand over the relief materials to the representatives of the victims in Dighinala.
The team also included five members from the HMCS - Sunil Chakma, Kollol Chakma, Tapan Chakma, Nation Chakma and Shanti Bikash Chakma - and nine Buddhist monks.
Of the Buddhist monks included in the relief team, two are from Hill Chadigang Temple, two from Rangamati Moitree Vihar and one each from Fatikchari Bouddha Vihar, Cement Crossing Buddhist Temple and Agrabad Biswa Moitree Bouddha Vihar, Chittagong. Another two monks joined them in Khagrachari.
The team will hand over cash Taka 25 thousand and 40 sacks of clothes to the representatives of the Sajek victims. Additionally, it will give each affected Jumma family three saplings - one of mahogany, one of litchi and one of Belgium tree (?).
News No. 114/2008, June 20, 2008
The Hilly Multi-purpose Cooperative Society, a Chittagong-based socio-cultural organisation of the Jummas, sent relief for the Sajek arson victims Friday.
A 15-member team led by Nani Jibon Chakma, president of the HMCS left for Dighinala today. The team will hand over the relief materials to the representatives of the victims in Dighinala.
The team also included five members from the HMCS - Sunil Chakma, Kollol Chakma, Tapan Chakma, Nation Chakma and Shanti Bikash Chakma - and nine Buddhist monks.
Of the Buddhist monks included in the relief team, two are from Hill Chadigang Temple, two from Rangamati Moitree Vihar and one each from Fatikchari Bouddha Vihar, Cement Crossing Buddhist Temple and Agrabad Biswa Moitree Bouddha Vihar, Chittagong. Another two monks joined them in Khagrachari.
The team will hand over cash Taka 25 thousand and 40 sacks of clothes to the representatives of the Sajek victims. Additionally, it will give each affected Jumma family three saplings - one of mahogany, one of litchi and one of Belgium tree (?).
Thursday, June 19, 2008
CHTs Commission Re-activated
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Chittagong Hill Tracts
This conference was held in Copenhagen on May 31 and June 1, following up the earlier work of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, an international body of experts which published a series of reports on the governance and human rights problems of the CHT between 1991 and 2000. The territory had been administered separately during the colonial era, but since independence it has been effectively under the control of the military. Arrangements for local self-government, agreed in 1997, were not implemented, and immigration of settlers from the rest of Bangladesh have progressively diluted the CHT's cultural, linguistic and religious identity. The Copenhagen meeting discussed the present situation, and made decisions on how to proceed, which will be announced shortly.
Chittagong Hill Tracts
This conference was held in Copenhagen on May 31 and June 1, following up the earlier work of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, an international body of experts which published a series of reports on the governance and human rights problems of the CHT between 1991 and 2000. The territory had been administered separately during the colonial era, but since independence it has been effectively under the control of the military. Arrangements for local self-government, agreed in 1997, were not implemented, and immigration of settlers from the rest of Bangladesh have progressively diluted the CHT's cultural, linguistic and religious identity. The Copenhagen meeting discussed the present situation, and made decisions on how to proceed, which will be announced shortly.
Posted by Eric Avebury at 9:13 PM 0 comments
CHT Commission mission statement
Mission statement of the re-established CHT Commission:
The purpose of the Commission, which is composed of concerned experts from inside and outside Bangladesh, is to promote respect for human rights, democracy, participatory development and land rights in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including examination of the implementation of the CHT Peace Accord of 1997. It will build on the work already done by the Commission between 1990 and 2001.
Today, events in the CHT become known rapidly worldwide, and the issues are well known in Bangladesh and internationally. They are increasingly of concern to human rights organizations, the media, and all within Bangladesh who are looking for a peaceful future in the CHT based on the preservation of the linguistic, cultural and religious rights of the indigenous inhabitants.
The limited implementation of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord, particularly as regards land rights; the continued violations of human rights in the region; the relentless influx of Bengali settlers, and the oppressive presence of the military, made a compelling case for re-establishing the CHT Commission, decided at the Copenhagen Conference of May 31 and 1 June.
The meeting elected Ms Sultana Kamal, Ms Ida Nicolaisen and Eric Avebury as co-chairs of the Commission.
Posted by Eric Avebury at 10:25 AM 0 comments
Mission statement of the re-established CHT Commission:
The purpose of the Commission, which is composed of concerned experts from inside and outside Bangladesh, is to promote respect for human rights, democracy, participatory development and land rights in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including examination of the implementation of the CHT Peace Accord of 1997. It will build on the work already done by the Commission between 1990 and 2001.
Today, events in the CHT become known rapidly worldwide, and the issues are well known in Bangladesh and internationally. They are increasingly of concern to human rights organizations, the media, and all within Bangladesh who are looking for a peaceful future in the CHT based on the preservation of the linguistic, cultural and religious rights of the indigenous inhabitants.
The limited implementation of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord, particularly as regards land rights; the continued violations of human rights in the region; the relentless influx of Bengali settlers, and the oppressive presence of the military, made a compelling case for re-establishing the CHT Commission, decided at the Copenhagen Conference of May 31 and 1 June.
The meeting elected Ms Sultana Kamal, Ms Ida Nicolaisen and Eric Avebury as co-chairs of the Commission.
Posted by Eric Avebury at 10:25 AM 0 comments
Outbreak of diarrhea in Thanchi, 100 affected
chtnews.com
News No. 113/2008, June 19, 2008
Diarrhea has been broken out in some Jumma villges of remote Tindu area under Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban district, report the Daily Purbokone and the Daily Suprabhat Bangladesh, two local dailies published from Chittagong.
The use contaminated water led to the outbreak of diarrhea affecting 100 persons including young children in five villages. The BDR personnel are struggling to provide medical service to them. So far no medics from the Health Department have visited the area.
The acute watery diarrhea began to spread on Monday in Kamchipara, Bojupara, Grouping para, Halimpara and Tindu Bazaar Para. Besides, 37 persons including women and children have been affected by diarrhea in Mizn Para of Thanchi Sadar.
Eight of the diarrhea affected patients have been admitted to a health complex.
News No. 113/2008, June 19, 2008
Diarrhea has been broken out in some Jumma villges of remote Tindu area under Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban district, report the Daily Purbokone and the Daily Suprabhat Bangladesh, two local dailies published from Chittagong.
The use contaminated water led to the outbreak of diarrhea affecting 100 persons including young children in five villages. The BDR personnel are struggling to provide medical service to them. So far no medics from the Health Department have visited the area.
The acute watery diarrhea began to spread on Monday in Kamchipara, Bojupara, Grouping para, Halimpara and Tindu Bazaar Para. Besides, 37 persons including women and children have been affected by diarrhea in Mizn Para of Thanchi Sadar.
Eight of the diarrhea affected patients have been admitted to a health complex.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Fresh land grabbing in Longudu
chtnews.com
News No. 112/2008, June 19, 2008
Fresh land grabbing has been reported from Longudu Upazila, host to the largest concentration of the Bengali settlers in Rangamati district.
Sources said in the last week of May 2008, Mokbul, a settler, pulled out and then destroyed all the 200 teak saplings planted by Gurudev Chakma (60) s/o late Probhu Charan Chakma of Harikaba village under Kattoli Mouza on his own land. When Gurudev protested, Mokbul said that the land belonged to him and that the government gave it to him back in 1982. The settler also threatened Gurudev not to enter the land. "Otherwise, there would be bloodshed", he warned.
Thereafter, Gurudev Chakma lodged a complaint with the Mainee army zone commander. The commander assured him that he would look into the matter. But, he has not taken any action so far.
In another incident, a group of settlers led by Md. Rashid and Md. Fazlu from Tila Gram No. 3 of Bhaibone Chara cleared shrubs in 5-acre land belonging to Dayal Chandra Chakma (s/o Lakshmi Charan Chakma) in the village of Harikaba.
Another settler named Nupur Ali illegally occupied Goyeshur Chakma's one-acre land in Baro Harikaba village. Ali, who is a VDP commander in Bhaibone Chara, has already renovated the land. Goyeshur Chakma's wife complained to the Headman of the area about it. However, Nupur Ali is defying the Headman's order to refrain from encroaching on Goyeshur's land.
On the night of May 23, some identified persons cut the paddy belonging to Ranjan Chakma s/o Bajigor Chakma of Harikaba village and took it away. "The stolen rice paddy would amount to 160kgs," he said. He suspects that Md. Rahman and Theda Buro, two settlers from Rajnogor School Tila of Bhaibone Chara, might have done it. He said they have similar records in the past.
In the same way, unknown pilferers cut the paddy belonging toAshwatma Chakma in Moddyo Harikaba and took it away. The stolen rice paddy would amount to 100kgs. The villagers blamed the pilferage on the settlers because of their close proximity to the paddy field.
News No. 112/2008, June 19, 2008
Fresh land grabbing has been reported from Longudu Upazila, host to the largest concentration of the Bengali settlers in Rangamati district.
Sources said in the last week of May 2008, Mokbul, a settler, pulled out and then destroyed all the 200 teak saplings planted by Gurudev Chakma (60) s/o late Probhu Charan Chakma of Harikaba village under Kattoli Mouza on his own land. When Gurudev protested, Mokbul said that the land belonged to him and that the government gave it to him back in 1982. The settler also threatened Gurudev not to enter the land. "Otherwise, there would be bloodshed", he warned.
Thereafter, Gurudev Chakma lodged a complaint with the Mainee army zone commander. The commander assured him that he would look into the matter. But, he has not taken any action so far.
In another incident, a group of settlers led by Md. Rashid and Md. Fazlu from Tila Gram No. 3 of Bhaibone Chara cleared shrubs in 5-acre land belonging to Dayal Chandra Chakma (s/o Lakshmi Charan Chakma) in the village of Harikaba.
Another settler named Nupur Ali illegally occupied Goyeshur Chakma's one-acre land in Baro Harikaba village. Ali, who is a VDP commander in Bhaibone Chara, has already renovated the land. Goyeshur Chakma's wife complained to the Headman of the area about it. However, Nupur Ali is defying the Headman's order to refrain from encroaching on Goyeshur's land.
On the night of May 23, some identified persons cut the paddy belonging to Ranjan Chakma s/o Bajigor Chakma of Harikaba village and took it away. "The stolen rice paddy would amount to 160kgs," he said. He suspects that Md. Rahman and Theda Buro, two settlers from Rajnogor School Tila of Bhaibone Chara, might have done it. He said they have similar records in the past.
In the same way, unknown pilferers cut the paddy belonging toAshwatma Chakma in Moddyo Harikaba and took it away. The stolen rice paddy would amount to 100kgs. The villagers blamed the pilferage on the settlers because of their close proximity to the paddy field.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Update on Sajek: situation yet to come to normal (Second Part)
chtnews.com
News No. 111/2008, June 18, 2008
Nearly two months have passed since the 20 April Sajek attack that left 77 Jumma houses burnt to the ground, but the situation is yet to come back to normal.
Following is the last of the two-part series of the latest reports received from our sources in the area.
District Council's Project money used for "peace rally"
On 25 May, Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz organised a so-called peace rally in Baghaihat, Sajek. He arranged lunch for about 1,000 individuals and made Sajek Union Council Chairman, L. Thanga pay the cost from the funds he received from Rangamati District Council for public development projects.
Imtiaz ordered the elderly Jummas to attend the rally. But despite that, the participation of the Jummas was almost zero.
The participants gathered at "Egottor Park" in BDR zone area of Marishya where a few speeches were delivered. But many slipped away before a march towards Sajek began. In the end only a few dozens of the participants reached Baghaihat in one bus and two jeeps. In Baghaihat, Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz addressed the gathering before the start of the last leg of the so-called "peace procession" that took the participants from Baghaihat to Gongaram.
Later, a discussion meeting was held at Sajek Union Council office with Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz, the Baghaihat zone commander, as chief guest and Shibir Bichitra Barua, UNO of Baghaichari Upazila, as special guest. The other participants were Joynal Abedin, chairman, Khagrachari Municipality, Md. Selim Mian, General Secretary, Sama Odhikar Andolan, Baghaichari Unit, Diptiman Chakma, Secretary, JSS Baghaichari Unit and L. Thanga, chairman, Sajek Union Council.
Selim Mian in his speech said: "We must maintain communal harmony at all costs. This is independent Bangladesh. If there are any Indian or Bhutanese agents, I want to warn them: be careful."
Shibir Bichitra Barua said the problems of the area will not be resolved by such peace rallies. "We must sit together - Paharis and Bengalis - in cordial atmosphere and find out the root causes of the problems." he said.
Shanti Bikash Chakma, one of the Jumma participants, said "We have not received our lands back as per the peace accord. We came to this Reserve Forest area just to eke out a living. But there is no peace here."
Local journalists of Khagrachari were present at the discussion, which was followed by a cultural programme.
Only a handful of Jummas were present at the discussion meeting. They are Bipon Babu, Hridoy Ranjan Dewan, Kamini Ranjan Chakma, Shanti Bikash Chakma, Badu Moni Bap, Brisha Moni Chakma, L. Thanga Pankua, Nayan Member and Diptiman Chakma.
The Jummas alleged that on the morning of 25 May military personnel forced Jumma villagers in Hegeye Toli, Champatoli and Nandaram areas to take part in the so-called peace rally.
On the night of 24 May soldiers raided the house of Shanti Jibon Karbari aged 42 in the village of Uluchara and ordered him to participate in the next day's peace rally taking 30 - 40 people along with him. "Otherwise, you are damned" they warned.
The same day, 24 May, Md. Rafiq from ECB Army reportedly told Din Lal Chakma aged 38 and Amor Shanti Chakma aged 37 from Gongaram Doar village: "Case has been filed against both of you. So, be careful."
Attempt at land grabbing continues
The settlers continue to make attempts to grab lands in Sajek. Some of the incidents are mentioned below:
On 21 May, Nuru Alam's father entered the paddy land of Kinadhan Chakma (60) s/o Sen Chakma of Retkaba village and began cutting the ripen paddy. When protested, the settler said that the land belonged to the Forest Department and suggested that he who would cut the paddy first would get it. However, when Kinadhan called out to the nearby people, the settler left the scene.
On 22 May, Siraj, a settler, planted a coconut seedling on the land of Lakxmindra Chakma aged 45 in Purbapara village. The next day Md. Ayesh, his nephew, cut down 18 coconut seedlings which many villagers had seen. Later, Siraj came, saw the cut saplings and called the Jumma villagers names.
On 3 June, Alam aged 30, a settler, planted banana saplings on the land of Niharu Chakma aged 36 in Balughat.
On 4 June, Jamal aged 35 (elephant keeper) and his four labourers planted banana saplings on the land of Kiron Chakma aged 37 s/o Natun Chandra Chakma in Balughat. The same day, Shaha Alam aged 40 planted various kinds of saplings including banana on the land of Pattor Moni Karbari. Another settler named Kamal (known as Lambaya among the Jummas) aged 55 planted Jackfruit and other fruit tree seeds on the land of Lalu Chakma aged 55 in Gongaram Mukh.
News No. 111/2008, June 18, 2008
Nearly two months have passed since the 20 April Sajek attack that left 77 Jumma houses burnt to the ground, but the situation is yet to come back to normal.
Following is the last of the two-part series of the latest reports received from our sources in the area.
District Council's Project money used for "peace rally"
On 25 May, Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz organised a so-called peace rally in Baghaihat, Sajek. He arranged lunch for about 1,000 individuals and made Sajek Union Council Chairman, L. Thanga pay the cost from the funds he received from Rangamati District Council for public development projects.
Imtiaz ordered the elderly Jummas to attend the rally. But despite that, the participation of the Jummas was almost zero.
The participants gathered at "Egottor Park" in BDR zone area of Marishya where a few speeches were delivered. But many slipped away before a march towards Sajek began. In the end only a few dozens of the participants reached Baghaihat in one bus and two jeeps. In Baghaihat, Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz addressed the gathering before the start of the last leg of the so-called "peace procession" that took the participants from Baghaihat to Gongaram.
Later, a discussion meeting was held at Sajek Union Council office with Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz, the Baghaihat zone commander, as chief guest and Shibir Bichitra Barua, UNO of Baghaichari Upazila, as special guest. The other participants were Joynal Abedin, chairman, Khagrachari Municipality, Md. Selim Mian, General Secretary, Sama Odhikar Andolan, Baghaichari Unit, Diptiman Chakma, Secretary, JSS Baghaichari Unit and L. Thanga, chairman, Sajek Union Council.
Selim Mian in his speech said: "We must maintain communal harmony at all costs. This is independent Bangladesh. If there are any Indian or Bhutanese agents, I want to warn them: be careful."
Shibir Bichitra Barua said the problems of the area will not be resolved by such peace rallies. "We must sit together - Paharis and Bengalis - in cordial atmosphere and find out the root causes of the problems." he said.
Shanti Bikash Chakma, one of the Jumma participants, said "We have not received our lands back as per the peace accord. We came to this Reserve Forest area just to eke out a living. But there is no peace here."
Local journalists of Khagrachari were present at the discussion, which was followed by a cultural programme.
Only a handful of Jummas were present at the discussion meeting. They are Bipon Babu, Hridoy Ranjan Dewan, Kamini Ranjan Chakma, Shanti Bikash Chakma, Badu Moni Bap, Brisha Moni Chakma, L. Thanga Pankua, Nayan Member and Diptiman Chakma.
The Jummas alleged that on the morning of 25 May military personnel forced Jumma villagers in Hegeye Toli, Champatoli and Nandaram areas to take part in the so-called peace rally.
On the night of 24 May soldiers raided the house of Shanti Jibon Karbari aged 42 in the village of Uluchara and ordered him to participate in the next day's peace rally taking 30 - 40 people along with him. "Otherwise, you are damned" they warned.
The same day, 24 May, Md. Rafiq from ECB Army reportedly told Din Lal Chakma aged 38 and Amor Shanti Chakma aged 37 from Gongaram Doar village: "Case has been filed against both of you. So, be careful."
Attempt at land grabbing continues
The settlers continue to make attempts to grab lands in Sajek. Some of the incidents are mentioned below:
On 21 May, Nuru Alam's father entered the paddy land of Kinadhan Chakma (60) s/o Sen Chakma of Retkaba village and began cutting the ripen paddy. When protested, the settler said that the land belonged to the Forest Department and suggested that he who would cut the paddy first would get it. However, when Kinadhan called out to the nearby people, the settler left the scene.
On 22 May, Siraj, a settler, planted a coconut seedling on the land of Lakxmindra Chakma aged 45 in Purbapara village. The next day Md. Ayesh, his nephew, cut down 18 coconut seedlings which many villagers had seen. Later, Siraj came, saw the cut saplings and called the Jumma villagers names.
On 3 June, Alam aged 30, a settler, planted banana saplings on the land of Niharu Chakma aged 36 in Balughat.
On 4 June, Jamal aged 35 (elephant keeper) and his four labourers planted banana saplings on the land of Kiron Chakma aged 37 s/o Natun Chandra Chakma in Balughat. The same day, Shaha Alam aged 40 planted various kinds of saplings including banana on the land of Pattor Moni Karbari. Another settler named Kamal (known as Lambaya among the Jummas) aged 55 planted Jackfruit and other fruit tree seeds on the land of Lalu Chakma aged 55 in Gongaram Mukh.
Update on Sajek: situation yet to come to normal (First part)
chtnews.com
News No. 110/2008, June 17, 2008
Nearly two months have passed since the 20 April Sajek attack that left 77 Jumma houses burnt to the ground, but the situation is yet to come back to normal.
Following is the first of the two-part series of the latest reports received from our sources in the area.
Sultana Kamal visits affected areas
On 18 May, a team of human rights activists led by Ms Sultana Kamal, Executive Director of Dhaka-based Ain-o-Salish Kendra, visited the place of occurrence. Her visit was known to the army and settlers well in advance, while the Jummas knew nothing about it.
The Commanding Officer of Baghaihat zone, Sajid Md. Imtiaz, briefed the settlers about how to deal with her visit. He, however, did not even bother to inform the affected Jummas about the visit. One Jumma villager commented: "this is such kind of mistrust and an unfair tilt towards the settlers that aggravate the situation here."
As briefed, the settlers surrounded her team as soon as it reached Baghaihat. Ms. Kamal told them that she would talk to them later on at the bazaar and proceeded towards Gongaram Mukh. There she talked to the Jummas and distributed Nappi (a semi-dried fish-paste with powerful flavor), cloths and cash Taka 500 to each of the affected families. She also visited Banani Bana Vihar and talked to Rev. Purnabas Bhante.
She visited the burnt huts of the settlers and talked to the settlers at the bazaar. "I cannot just imagine how such an incident can occur in front of the army," she has been quoted as saying. She gave five sacks of cloths and cash Taka 20 thousand to the settlers.
Attempt at resettlement under the rubric of "Peace and Development Committee"
On 22 May, using the influence of his position Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz formed a so-called Peace and Development Committee comprising members of both the communities. The 13-member committee is headed by Rokon Uddin, a shopkeeper-trader in Baghaihat bazaar. The other members are Bipon Chakma, a former JSS member-turned trader (vice president); Nazim Uddin, drugstore owner, (Secretary); Rafiq, Gobinda Headman (Daney Baibachara), Kamini Ranjan Chakma (Daney Baibachara), Paran Chakma (Retkaba Doar), Gyana Ram Karbari (Gongaram Doar), Joti Lal Karbari (Gongaram Doar), Shneha Kumar Chakma (Guchchagram, Baghaihat), Hridoy Ranjan Dewan (Guchchagram, Baghaihat), Liton Chakma (Daney Baibachara) and Dhantu Chakma (Hajachara).
On 23 May, a meeting of the Peace and Development Committee was held at Sajek Union Council office. Rokon Uddin presided over the meeting attended by 20 - 25 persons including the committee members.
Speaking at the meeting, Gyana Ram Karbari, a member of the committee, said "There will be no peace in the area if the new settlers are not taken back. There is unrest because they are occupying our lands, building houses on our lands and destroying our orchards."
He further said "if we speak the truth and protest against all these we are labeled as terrorists. This is the reason why many do not dare to speak out about the real problem."
Nuru Islam, a grocery shop owner, who originally hails from Noakhali, said "I came to Baghaihat many years ago. There were only 10 -12 shops at that time. I also discharged the duty of the Bazaar Chowdhury (responsible for maintaining the market place). Back then, the Jummas used to cultivate jum on the hills near the bazaar and there was government patronization for that. It was in fact called plantation. The Parharis used to plant teak on their jums or plantations. When plantation activities were closed down, they began to settle down permanently. They built good houses and created orchards. Then, when from 8 January 2008 the new Bengalis began coming in and building houses after destroying the Pahari people's orchards, the Paharis could not tolerate it."
He continued: "Now, my question is: where these new comers (Bengalis) - who are in need of land - had been for so long? My view is that peace will never return in the area unless they are taken back."
Before he could finish his speech, Golam Mowla impatiently interrupted him saying "there is no need to harp on old stories." He made a proposal to settle the new comers on a vast area of land stretching between Gongaram Mukh and Mazalong bazaar. The Jummas vehemently rejected the proposal.
The Jummas also raised a few demands at the meeting. These included withdrawal of the new settlers, release of the three Jummas arrested from Bamey Baibachara, withdrawal of the cases filed against some Jummas of the affected areas, return of the looted goods and rehabilitation of the affected Jummas.
The Bengali representatives at the meeting agreed to, and later returned, the looted valuables to 4 or 5 Jummas. The remaining valuables of two other Jummas have been entrusted to the market committee, which has asked them to contact it and take their belongings back.
At the said meeting Golam Mawla also claimed that 40 Jummas have sold lands to the Bengalis. But the Jumma representatives brushed aside his claim and asked him to show papers in support of his claim.
"I do not put someone to jail, I shoot him"
On 24 May, the Second-in-Command of Baghaihat zone, Major Anwarul Kabir sent a note to Sunesh Bikash Chakma aged 32 of village Gongaram Mukh ordering him to appear before him in the camp. When he appeared, Major Anwarul Kabir told him: "I have reports that you have become a leader in Gongaram Mukh and provide supplies to the terrorists. Listen, I do not put someone to jail; I shoot him. Therefore, I warn you to be careful from now on."
When asked what did he think prompted the Major to issue such threats, Sunesh Chakma told chtnews.com that "On 20 April, the day the arson took place, I saw some military personnel and Bengali settlers set fire to my house and I told this to the media persons. This might have infuriated the military."
News No. 110/2008, June 17, 2008
Nearly two months have passed since the 20 April Sajek attack that left 77 Jumma houses burnt to the ground, but the situation is yet to come back to normal.
Following is the first of the two-part series of the latest reports received from our sources in the area.
Sultana Kamal visits affected areas
On 18 May, a team of human rights activists led by Ms Sultana Kamal, Executive Director of Dhaka-based Ain-o-Salish Kendra, visited the place of occurrence. Her visit was known to the army and settlers well in advance, while the Jummas knew nothing about it.
The Commanding Officer of Baghaihat zone, Sajid Md. Imtiaz, briefed the settlers about how to deal with her visit. He, however, did not even bother to inform the affected Jummas about the visit. One Jumma villager commented: "this is such kind of mistrust and an unfair tilt towards the settlers that aggravate the situation here."
As briefed, the settlers surrounded her team as soon as it reached Baghaihat. Ms. Kamal told them that she would talk to them later on at the bazaar and proceeded towards Gongaram Mukh. There she talked to the Jummas and distributed Nappi (a semi-dried fish-paste with powerful flavor), cloths and cash Taka 500 to each of the affected families. She also visited Banani Bana Vihar and talked to Rev. Purnabas Bhante.
She visited the burnt huts of the settlers and talked to the settlers at the bazaar. "I cannot just imagine how such an incident can occur in front of the army," she has been quoted as saying. She gave five sacks of cloths and cash Taka 20 thousand to the settlers.
Attempt at resettlement under the rubric of "Peace and Development Committee"
On 22 May, using the influence of his position Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz formed a so-called Peace and Development Committee comprising members of both the communities. The 13-member committee is headed by Rokon Uddin, a shopkeeper-trader in Baghaihat bazaar. The other members are Bipon Chakma, a former JSS member-turned trader (vice president); Nazim Uddin, drugstore owner, (Secretary); Rafiq, Gobinda Headman (Daney Baibachara), Kamini Ranjan Chakma (Daney Baibachara), Paran Chakma (Retkaba Doar), Gyana Ram Karbari (Gongaram Doar), Joti Lal Karbari (Gongaram Doar), Shneha Kumar Chakma (Guchchagram, Baghaihat), Hridoy Ranjan Dewan (Guchchagram, Baghaihat), Liton Chakma (Daney Baibachara) and Dhantu Chakma (Hajachara).
On 23 May, a meeting of the Peace and Development Committee was held at Sajek Union Council office. Rokon Uddin presided over the meeting attended by 20 - 25 persons including the committee members.
Speaking at the meeting, Gyana Ram Karbari, a member of the committee, said "There will be no peace in the area if the new settlers are not taken back. There is unrest because they are occupying our lands, building houses on our lands and destroying our orchards."
He further said "if we speak the truth and protest against all these we are labeled as terrorists. This is the reason why many do not dare to speak out about the real problem."
Nuru Islam, a grocery shop owner, who originally hails from Noakhali, said "I came to Baghaihat many years ago. There were only 10 -12 shops at that time. I also discharged the duty of the Bazaar Chowdhury (responsible for maintaining the market place). Back then, the Jummas used to cultivate jum on the hills near the bazaar and there was government patronization for that. It was in fact called plantation. The Parharis used to plant teak on their jums or plantations. When plantation activities were closed down, they began to settle down permanently. They built good houses and created orchards. Then, when from 8 January 2008 the new Bengalis began coming in and building houses after destroying the Pahari people's orchards, the Paharis could not tolerate it."
He continued: "Now, my question is: where these new comers (Bengalis) - who are in need of land - had been for so long? My view is that peace will never return in the area unless they are taken back."
Before he could finish his speech, Golam Mowla impatiently interrupted him saying "there is no need to harp on old stories." He made a proposal to settle the new comers on a vast area of land stretching between Gongaram Mukh and Mazalong bazaar. The Jummas vehemently rejected the proposal.
The Jummas also raised a few demands at the meeting. These included withdrawal of the new settlers, release of the three Jummas arrested from Bamey Baibachara, withdrawal of the cases filed against some Jummas of the affected areas, return of the looted goods and rehabilitation of the affected Jummas.
The Bengali representatives at the meeting agreed to, and later returned, the looted valuables to 4 or 5 Jummas. The remaining valuables of two other Jummas have been entrusted to the market committee, which has asked them to contact it and take their belongings back.
At the said meeting Golam Mawla also claimed that 40 Jummas have sold lands to the Bengalis. But the Jumma representatives brushed aside his claim and asked him to show papers in support of his claim.
"I do not put someone to jail, I shoot him"
On 24 May, the Second-in-Command of Baghaihat zone, Major Anwarul Kabir sent a note to Sunesh Bikash Chakma aged 32 of village Gongaram Mukh ordering him to appear before him in the camp. When he appeared, Major Anwarul Kabir told him: "I have reports that you have become a leader in Gongaram Mukh and provide supplies to the terrorists. Listen, I do not put someone to jail; I shoot him. Therefore, I warn you to be careful from now on."
When asked what did he think prompted the Major to issue such threats, Sunesh Chakma told chtnews.com that "On 20 April, the day the arson took place, I saw some military personnel and Bengali settlers set fire to my house and I told this to the media persons. This might have infuriated the military."
PCJSS member Anunay Chakma Manas again shown arrested at Khagrachari jail
News release: 17 May 2008
Kapaeeng Watch
(A human rights group for indigenous peoples)
Jagannath Hall, Dhaka University
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Today returnee PCJSS member Anunany Chakma Manas was again shown arrested at Khagrachari jail with an old murder case.
It is reported that yesterday Chief Judicial Magistrate Mr. Abul Basar Munchi of Khagrachari district court issued his release order by pronouncing him not guilty.
Following Sajek incident, Anunay Chakma was arrested by the army at Dighinala check post in Khagrachari district on 13 May 2008 and a case was filed against him under section 16(2) of the Emergency Power Rules 2007 with Dighinala police station. According to the sources, investigating officer sub-inspector Khokan Chandra Debnath of Dighinala police station submitted report to the court stating that Anunay Chakma was fully innocent. In accordance with the police report, Chief Judicial Magistrate issued his release order during the last hearing held yesterday.
Sources also informed that no sooner issuance of court release order, military forces of Dighinala zone sought arrest order against Anunay Chakma with an old murder case lodged in 2006 with Dighinala police station from the court, but it was rejected as he was not enlisted as defendant to this case. However, joint forces shown arrested him today mourning at Khagrachari jail when all the procedures have been completed to set him free.
It is mentionable that joint forces frequently arrest those indigenous activists in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) who get release or bail from the court, in order to keep them detention month after months.
Kapaeeng Watch
(A human rights group for indigenous peoples)
Jagannath Hall, Dhaka University
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Today returnee PCJSS member Anunany Chakma Manas was again shown arrested at Khagrachari jail with an old murder case.
It is reported that yesterday Chief Judicial Magistrate Mr. Abul Basar Munchi of Khagrachari district court issued his release order by pronouncing him not guilty.
Following Sajek incident, Anunay Chakma was arrested by the army at Dighinala check post in Khagrachari district on 13 May 2008 and a case was filed against him under section 16(2) of the Emergency Power Rules 2007 with Dighinala police station. According to the sources, investigating officer sub-inspector Khokan Chandra Debnath of Dighinala police station submitted report to the court stating that Anunay Chakma was fully innocent. In accordance with the police report, Chief Judicial Magistrate issued his release order during the last hearing held yesterday.
Sources also informed that no sooner issuance of court release order, military forces of Dighinala zone sought arrest order against Anunay Chakma with an old murder case lodged in 2006 with Dighinala police station from the court, but it was rejected as he was not enlisted as defendant to this case. However, joint forces shown arrested him today mourning at Khagrachari jail when all the procedures have been completed to set him free.
It is mentionable that joint forces frequently arrest those indigenous activists in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) who get release or bail from the court, in order to keep them detention month after months.
Sajek update: army arrests four Jummas
chtnews.com
News No. 109/2008, June 16, 2008
Army personnel from Baghaihat zone arrested four innocent Jumma villagers from their homes in an overnight raid on 14 June, sources said. This comes nearly two months after the 20 April settler-attack on a number of Jumma villages that left 77 houses, two Unicef-run village schools and one church burnt to the ground.
Sources said the Jummas were arrested from Gongaram Doar and Daney Baibachara villages at around 11 p.m. The arrested are Sunil Bikash Chakma (32) s/o Subhash Bashu Chakma of village Gongaram Doar, Phorakaji Chakma aged 28 s/o Rojonya Chakma and Sumon Chakma aged 30 from Daney Baihachara village, and Badichan Chakma aged 35 s/o Dhonnya Ram Chakma of village Kobakhali, Dighinala.
They were taken to Baghaihat zone and tortured inhumanly. The following day, the army released Phorakaji Chakma and Badichan Chakma, but handed the other two over to the police implicating them in false cases.
The reason for the arrest could not be known. However, the Jummas have been demanding the withdrawal of the settlers from Sajek. They are enforcing a boycott of Baghaihat bazaar to force the government to accept this demand.
When Sunil Bikash Chakma's wife contacted the zone office on 15 June, Warrant Officer Harun told her "We are not responsible for their arrest because they have been arrested by the joint forces."
Sajek has been the scene of a joint army-settler attack that left 77 Jummas houses, a church and two unicef-run Village Centres burnt to the ground.
The incident, which took place on 20 April, evoked national and international outcry, but the government refused to bring back the settlers who are blamed for taking away Jumma's land with the support of the army. The attack was aimed at driving the Jummas from their villages to facilitate new Bengali settlement.
After the incident not a single culprit was arrested. Instead, the army launched a manhunt against the Jummas. They arrested four villagers on 28 April and 1 June.
Although three of them were released on bail, Sneha Kumar Chakma (38), arrested on 1 June after being called to the camp, is still being held in jail. The army implicated him in a criminal case filed previously against unnamed persons on 13 January 2008 under sections 143/144/149/224/332/34 of the Bangladesh Penal Code. (Case No. 3. dated 13/1/08. G.R. No. 14/08)
Sneha Kumar Chakma was arrested because he was vocal against land aggression and expansion of illegal Bengali settlement in Sajek.
After the 20 April attack, Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz, commander of Baghaihat zone, announced that he has a long list of "terrorists" who are active in Sajek. The Jummas have been living in constant fear of arrest since then.
A Jumma human rights activist said since there is little scope to organise protest inside Bangladesh due to a state of emergency, the international community especially the UN and EU should put pressure on the government to stop such flagrant violation of human rights. "The international community has a particular responsibility to pay attention to our plights. It should not sit idle by when we continue to suffer and have come close to extinction as a distinct people" he said. "The voice of the international community should be loud and clear."
News No. 109/2008, June 16, 2008
Army personnel from Baghaihat zone arrested four innocent Jumma villagers from their homes in an overnight raid on 14 June, sources said. This comes nearly two months after the 20 April settler-attack on a number of Jumma villages that left 77 houses, two Unicef-run village schools and one church burnt to the ground.
Sources said the Jummas were arrested from Gongaram Doar and Daney Baibachara villages at around 11 p.m. The arrested are Sunil Bikash Chakma (32) s/o Subhash Bashu Chakma of village Gongaram Doar, Phorakaji Chakma aged 28 s/o Rojonya Chakma and Sumon Chakma aged 30 from Daney Baihachara village, and Badichan Chakma aged 35 s/o Dhonnya Ram Chakma of village Kobakhali, Dighinala.
They were taken to Baghaihat zone and tortured inhumanly. The following day, the army released Phorakaji Chakma and Badichan Chakma, but handed the other two over to the police implicating them in false cases.
The reason for the arrest could not be known. However, the Jummas have been demanding the withdrawal of the settlers from Sajek. They are enforcing a boycott of Baghaihat bazaar to force the government to accept this demand.
When Sunil Bikash Chakma's wife contacted the zone office on 15 June, Warrant Officer Harun told her "We are not responsible for their arrest because they have been arrested by the joint forces."
Sajek has been the scene of a joint army-settler attack that left 77 Jummas houses, a church and two unicef-run Village Centres burnt to the ground.
The incident, which took place on 20 April, evoked national and international outcry, but the government refused to bring back the settlers who are blamed for taking away Jumma's land with the support of the army. The attack was aimed at driving the Jummas from their villages to facilitate new Bengali settlement.
After the incident not a single culprit was arrested. Instead, the army launched a manhunt against the Jummas. They arrested four villagers on 28 April and 1 June.
Although three of them were released on bail, Sneha Kumar Chakma (38), arrested on 1 June after being called to the camp, is still being held in jail. The army implicated him in a criminal case filed previously against unnamed persons on 13 January 2008 under sections 143/144/149/224/332/34 of the Bangladesh Penal Code. (Case No. 3. dated 13/1/08. G.R. No. 14/08)
Sneha Kumar Chakma was arrested because he was vocal against land aggression and expansion of illegal Bengali settlement in Sajek.
After the 20 April attack, Lt. Col. Sajid Md. Imtiaz, commander of Baghaihat zone, announced that he has a long list of "terrorists" who are active in Sajek. The Jummas have been living in constant fear of arrest since then.
A Jumma human rights activist said since there is little scope to organise protest inside Bangladesh due to a state of emergency, the international community especially the UN and EU should put pressure on the government to stop such flagrant violation of human rights. "The international community has a particular responsibility to pay attention to our plights. It should not sit idle by when we continue to suffer and have come close to extinction as a distinct people" he said. "The voice of the international community should be loud and clear."
UPDF denies army recovered arms from its members
chtnews.com
News No. 108/2008, June 16, 2008
The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) has strongly denied the claim that the army personnel recovered arms from its members arrested on 11 June in Longudu, Rangamati.
Talking to the chtnews.com, Sachib Chakma, a central committee member of the UPDF, said "it's a part of a conspiracy to create occasions to launch smearing campaign against our Party" adding that an armed member of the JSS directly assisted the army in arresting them.
"Every year when we observe the anniversary of disappearance of Kalpana Chakma on a national level, the army makes desperate attempts to create its own news to drown out our call to bring Lt. Ferdous, the mastermind of her abduction, to justice. The arrested UPDF members are merely scapegoat of such vicious attempts." he alleged.
He categorically brushed aside the claim that arms had been recovered from the arrested UPDF members.
About the incident, Sachib Chakma said "on the night of 11 June a group of army personnel from Longudu zone surrounded the house of a villager in the village of Kattoli Boradam where the UPDF members were sleeping. Cheol Chakma, an active JSS member in the area, was along with the army during the raid."
He said the soldiers passed the whole night there and made the arrest after dawn.
According to Sachib Chakma, of the arrested, only Soanr Sathi Chakma (30) s/o Purno Chakra Chakma is a full member of the UPDF, while Tukala Chakma (18) s/o Ruidas Chakma and Mithun Dewan (22) s/o Kamini Dewan had come there to apply for party membership
News No. 108/2008, June 16, 2008
The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) has strongly denied the claim that the army personnel recovered arms from its members arrested on 11 June in Longudu, Rangamati.
Talking to the chtnews.com, Sachib Chakma, a central committee member of the UPDF, said "it's a part of a conspiracy to create occasions to launch smearing campaign against our Party" adding that an armed member of the JSS directly assisted the army in arresting them.
"Every year when we observe the anniversary of disappearance of Kalpana Chakma on a national level, the army makes desperate attempts to create its own news to drown out our call to bring Lt. Ferdous, the mastermind of her abduction, to justice. The arrested UPDF members are merely scapegoat of such vicious attempts." he alleged.
He categorically brushed aside the claim that arms had been recovered from the arrested UPDF members.
About the incident, Sachib Chakma said "on the night of 11 June a group of army personnel from Longudu zone surrounded the house of a villager in the village of Kattoli Boradam where the UPDF members were sleeping. Cheol Chakma, an active JSS member in the area, was along with the army during the raid."
He said the soldiers passed the whole night there and made the arrest after dawn.
According to Sachib Chakma, of the arrested, only Soanr Sathi Chakma (30) s/o Purno Chakra Chakma is a full member of the UPDF, while Tukala Chakma (18) s/o Ruidas Chakma and Mithun Dewan (22) s/o Kamini Dewan had come there to apply for party membership
Lt. Tanvir conducts house searches, tortures one in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 107/2008, June 16, 2008
There have been further reports of torture and house searches from Belaichari Upazilla of Rangmati district.
Sources said on 12 June at around 11 a.m. a group of army personnel led by Lt. Tanvir from Dhupchari camp raided the village of Down and conducted searches into seven houses of the Jummas.
The soldiers broke into the houses of two brothers - Bishwa Sagor Tonchongya (36) and Priti Moy Tonchongya (30) - before searching. Their father's name is Roma Kanta Headman. The doors of the houses were latched as all their family members were away to their jum fields.
The soldiers beat up Nanda Moy Tonchongya aged 45 s/o Badhu Chandra Tonchongya and searched his house. He ran away from army custody on way to the camp.
Other houses searched belonged to Indrajit Chakma aged 45 (he is head teacher of Dujuripara Government Primary School) and his brother Rupayon Chakma (25) s/o Jonmajoy Chakma, Jotonphu Tonchongya aged 35 s/o Rai Charan Tonchongya and Allyabo Tonchongya aged 50 s/o Rotia Tonchongya.
Lt. Tanvir has unleashed a reign of terror on the villagers. As reported in news No. 105, in the first week of this month he tortured as many as 10 innocent Jummas in the area. Some of them were stripped naked to the full view of the people.
Villagers allege that Lt. Tanvir is often seen prowling in the neighbourhood dressed in Lungi (tradition Bengali lower garment), defying army rule that soldiers must put on camouflage combat fatigues while on duty out of camps.
News No. 107/2008, June 16, 2008
There have been further reports of torture and house searches from Belaichari Upazilla of Rangmati district.
Sources said on 12 June at around 11 a.m. a group of army personnel led by Lt. Tanvir from Dhupchari camp raided the village of Down and conducted searches into seven houses of the Jummas.
The soldiers broke into the houses of two brothers - Bishwa Sagor Tonchongya (36) and Priti Moy Tonchongya (30) - before searching. Their father's name is Roma Kanta Headman. The doors of the houses were latched as all their family members were away to their jum fields.
The soldiers beat up Nanda Moy Tonchongya aged 45 s/o Badhu Chandra Tonchongya and searched his house. He ran away from army custody on way to the camp.
Other houses searched belonged to Indrajit Chakma aged 45 (he is head teacher of Dujuripara Government Primary School) and his brother Rupayon Chakma (25) s/o Jonmajoy Chakma, Jotonphu Tonchongya aged 35 s/o Rai Charan Tonchongya and Allyabo Tonchongya aged 50 s/o Rotia Tonchongya.
Lt. Tanvir has unleashed a reign of terror on the villagers. As reported in news No. 105, in the first week of this month he tortured as many as 10 innocent Jummas in the area. Some of them were stripped naked to the full view of the people.
Villagers allege that Lt. Tanvir is often seen prowling in the neighbourhood dressed in Lungi (tradition Bengali lower garment), defying army rule that soldiers must put on camouflage combat fatigues while on duty out of camps.
Hill Literature Forum distributes relief to rodent-hit areas in Bandarban
chtnews.com
News No. 106/2008, June 15, 2008
The Hill Literature Forum and UPDF's Relief Collection Committee, Chittagong distributed relief among the rodent-hit Jum cultivators in Ruma of Bandarban district. (photo in pdf format)
The relief was distributed in two phases starting on 3 June at remote Passing Para village, situated near Keokradong, the highest mountain in the country. To this end, an eleven-member joint team of these two organisations trekked from Ruma Sadar to Passing Para village. A total of 352 families were listed as recipients of relief.
In order to distribute the relief in an orderly manner a 10-member committee was formed with Sen Pawng Murung, member of Remakree Prangsha Union Council, as its convenor. The other members included Khoichong Murung, Milton Marma, Lal Biat Bawm, Ishak Bawm, Mong Ting Oiyong Marma, Kya Ching Marma, Pruching Thoai Marma, Rengthi Murung and Thuikyo Ching Marma.
In addition, an advisory committee was formed to supervise the overall activities of the committee. The advisors were Gingsomliam Bawm, chairman of Remakree Prangsha Union No. 3 and Choton Kanti Tonchongya, a UPDF member, Chittagong Unit.
Mr. Sen Pawng Murung, member of Remakree Prangsha Union Council and convenor of Relief Distribution Management Committee, inaugurated the event while Choton Kanti Tongchongya gave a brief speech on the occasion.
Mr. Sen thanked the relief organisers for the help and urged the recipients to properly use the money.
Choton Kanti Tonchongya said the relief being distributed was like a drop in the ocean and regretted that UPDF could not do much to help the needy families.
Local Union Parishad chairman Gingsomliam Bawm could not attend the programme due to his preoccupation with Council activities, although it was he who had done most of the work to make the event a success.
Each of the affected families was given cash Taka 300 to buy roughly 10kgs of rice.
Over 250 families received the money on that day. The rest would collect the relief on a later date from Ruma bazaar.
The civil administration of Ruma, which was informed beforehand of the event, was very helpful and forthcoming.
News No. 106/2008, June 15, 2008
The Hill Literature Forum and UPDF's Relief Collection Committee, Chittagong distributed relief among the rodent-hit Jum cultivators in Ruma of Bandarban district. (photo in pdf format)
The relief was distributed in two phases starting on 3 June at remote Passing Para village, situated near Keokradong, the highest mountain in the country. To this end, an eleven-member joint team of these two organisations trekked from Ruma Sadar to Passing Para village. A total of 352 families were listed as recipients of relief.
In order to distribute the relief in an orderly manner a 10-member committee was formed with Sen Pawng Murung, member of Remakree Prangsha Union Council, as its convenor. The other members included Khoichong Murung, Milton Marma, Lal Biat Bawm, Ishak Bawm, Mong Ting Oiyong Marma, Kya Ching Marma, Pruching Thoai Marma, Rengthi Murung and Thuikyo Ching Marma.
In addition, an advisory committee was formed to supervise the overall activities of the committee. The advisors were Gingsomliam Bawm, chairman of Remakree Prangsha Union No. 3 and Choton Kanti Tonchongya, a UPDF member, Chittagong Unit.
Mr. Sen Pawng Murung, member of Remakree Prangsha Union Council and convenor of Relief Distribution Management Committee, inaugurated the event while Choton Kanti Tongchongya gave a brief speech on the occasion.
Mr. Sen thanked the relief organisers for the help and urged the recipients to properly use the money.
Choton Kanti Tonchongya said the relief being distributed was like a drop in the ocean and regretted that UPDF could not do much to help the needy families.
Local Union Parishad chairman Gingsomliam Bawm could not attend the programme due to his preoccupation with Council activities, although it was he who had done most of the work to make the event a success.
Each of the affected families was given cash Taka 300 to buy roughly 10kgs of rice.
Over 250 families received the money on that day. The rest would collect the relief on a later date from Ruma bazaar.
The civil administration of Ruma, which was informed beforehand of the event, was very helpful and forthcoming.
Nine Jummas tortured in Belaichari
chtnews.com
News No. 105/2008, June 14, 2008
There have been reports of widespread military torture in Belaichari Upazila (sub-district) of Rangamati district.
According to sources, between 3 to 6 June, at least nine innocent Jumma villagers, including an orally challenged person, have been tortured by Lt. Tanvir, commander of Dhupchari camp (8 Bengal) in Belaichari.
On 3 June 2008, a group of about 15 army personnel led by Lt. Tanvir raided the village of Down and searched for Bimal Kanti Chakma, a staunch UPDF supporter. The soldiers stripped Riton Chakma (26) s/o Kandara Chakma naked and then beat him up severely. He is a resident of Dujuri Para village in Kaindya, Rangamati.
Thereafter, the army personnel took Bishwa Sagor Tonchongya (35) s/o Roma Kanti Headman to the camp along with his licensed gun, stripped him naked and tortured. He was set free the following day. The seized gun was also returned.
On 4 June 2008, Lt. Tanvir and his soldiers took 4 innocent Jummas of Down village to the camp and beat them up alleging that they provided support to the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF).
The victims have been identified as Anil Karbari (52) s/o Dhulon Chandra Chakma, his brother Ranjan Chakma (50), Kanchon Tonchongya and Shanti Kumar Chakma (60). The army released them after torture.
On 6 June 2008, Lt. Tanvir tortured another three Jummas. This happened at around 9 a.m. when he detained them Jummas at the camp gate. He took them inside the camp and beat up after stripping them naked.
The victims have been identified as Chandra Chakma (45), Jibon Chakma (25) and Subhash Chakma (30). They were on their way from Bogakhali to Belaichari to collect relief being provided to the rodent-hit Jum cultivators by Belaichari TNO and UP chairmen. The soldiers released them after torture.
Again on 6 June 2008, at about 12 noons, another Jumma named Shanti Muni Chakma (18) s/o Jonokdhan Chakma was subjected to physical torture. Mr. Chakma is orally challenged. He was on his way from his village Shalbagan to the village of Down when the incident took place.
News No. 105/2008, June 14, 2008
There have been reports of widespread military torture in Belaichari Upazila (sub-district) of Rangamati district.
According to sources, between 3 to 6 June, at least nine innocent Jumma villagers, including an orally challenged person, have been tortured by Lt. Tanvir, commander of Dhupchari camp (8 Bengal) in Belaichari.
On 3 June 2008, a group of about 15 army personnel led by Lt. Tanvir raided the village of Down and searched for Bimal Kanti Chakma, a staunch UPDF supporter. The soldiers stripped Riton Chakma (26) s/o Kandara Chakma naked and then beat him up severely. He is a resident of Dujuri Para village in Kaindya, Rangamati.
Thereafter, the army personnel took Bishwa Sagor Tonchongya (35) s/o Roma Kanti Headman to the camp along with his licensed gun, stripped him naked and tortured. He was set free the following day. The seized gun was also returned.
On 4 June 2008, Lt. Tanvir and his soldiers took 4 innocent Jummas of Down village to the camp and beat them up alleging that they provided support to the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF).
The victims have been identified as Anil Karbari (52) s/o Dhulon Chandra Chakma, his brother Ranjan Chakma (50), Kanchon Tonchongya and Shanti Kumar Chakma (60). The army released them after torture.
On 6 June 2008, Lt. Tanvir tortured another three Jummas. This happened at around 9 a.m. when he detained them Jummas at the camp gate. He took them inside the camp and beat up after stripping them naked.
The victims have been identified as Chandra Chakma (45), Jibon Chakma (25) and Subhash Chakma (30). They were on their way from Bogakhali to Belaichari to collect relief being provided to the rodent-hit Jum cultivators by Belaichari TNO and UP chairmen. The soldiers released them after torture.
Again on 6 June 2008, at about 12 noons, another Jumma named Shanti Muni Chakma (18) s/o Jonokdhan Chakma was subjected to physical torture. Mr. Chakma is orally challenged. He was on his way from his village Shalbagan to the village of Down when the incident took place.
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