Longing for lasting peace: CHT violence leaves around 2,000 still hiding in Baghaichhari forests

Source: The Daily Star News

An indigenous woman gathers burnt rice from the ground where her house used to be before Bangalee settlers set it on fire Tuesday last. The photo was taken yesterday at Satbaiyapara in Khagrachhari. Photo: StarEmran Hossain, back from Baghaichhari

Over two thousand adivasis were still hiding in deep forests in Baghaichhari yesterday, although a peace process had begun in the ethnic violence torn hill districts of Khagrachhari and Rangamati through formation of peace committees, and bringing out of peace marches.

"Let peace return, we will return home. I haven't heard yet that normalcy has returned, and we all are staying in the jungle. We don't feel that peace has returned," Kishore Chakma told The Daily Star over the phone last evening, whose house was set on fire by Bangalee settlers.

In Baghaichhari of Rangamati around 1,500 adivasis became homeless as their 357 houses situated in Rethkaba, Surunala, Jarulchhara, Hazachhara, Deepu Para, Dane Bhaibachhara, Bame Bhaibachhara, Gangaram Mukh, Naya Para, and Panbari villages were set on fire by Bangalee settlers. All of them fled to the forests in search of safety.

Many other adivasis fled as well, fearing similar attacks.

Around 100 houses of the settlers were also set on fire by adivasis in retaliation, in the same villages, making around 400 Bangalees homeless.

"We want to return home, but we are afraid. If the government ensures our safety we will return home right at this moment," said Bhanga Chakma on Wednesday, coming out of hiding to get government relief distributed by Rangamati district administration at Gangaram Mukh.

"We are living under trees in forests where we think it is safer. We don't have a single penny in our pockets, as we left our houses only with the clothes we were wearing. I had only 600 taka as my savings inside the house, but that was burnt in the fire," said Sujan Chakma of Gangaram Mukh over the phone yesterday.

Many adivasi families got separated as they fled to the forests. Many survivors do not know where there family members are. Some do not even know where their injured relatives had been admitted for treatment, whether they are still alive or not.

"We don't know how he is in the hospital. We can't go there, but heard at first he was admitted to Baghaichhari Hospital and then transferred to Khagrachhari Hospital," said Shantimoy Chakma over the phone yesterday, younger brother of Bharat Jyoti Chakma who had taken a bullet to the leg on February 19.

Not a single house is standing in the affected villages of Baghaichhari except some charred wooden pillars.

From hill tops, the villages look like ugly black spots in a lush green landscape. Banana orchards were also not spared, they now look like they were trampled by herds of wild elephants.

The River Kasalong also seemed lifeless on Wednesday, as bamboos cut down by the adivasi people for transporting to Karnaphuli Paper Mills, remained abandoned and floating on the river for miles, since the people who would transport those had gone into hiding.

"I wonder whether I should go back to Mizoram or somewhere else far away from this place, since I have been repeatedly made homeless here," said Hridoy Ranjan Chakma, a 68-year old resident of Gangaram Mukh, as he looked at his burnt down house on Wednesday.

Hridoy lost his first home at Mainee of Rangamati in 1979 in a similar riot and fled to Mizoram. He lived in Mizoram until 1997 when the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Treaty was signed.

After the signing of the treaty he returned to Gangaram Mukh where he had grown up, thinking finally peace would be established on the beautiful hills that he loves so much.

But his dream was shattered when he lost his house once again to ethnic violence in 2008. And this month he lost his home for the third time.

Hridoy is now hiding in a forest, and thinking hard whether another self exile instead of a dream to live in the homeland would be a wiser choice for him.

Video Report on Sajek Messacare 2010: Attack against Indigenous people of CHT, Bangladesh

Civil society rallies round ethnic people

Source: The Daily Star News

Civil society members yesterday gathered on the Central Shaheed Minar premises in the capital raising their voice against the recent aggression by Bangalee settlers towards the indigenous people of Rangamati and Khagrachhari hill districts.

Addressing a gathering organised by Nagorik Samaj (citizens' forum), they warned that the atrocity is a threat to democracy and the state.

Demanding punishment of the perpetrators, speakers also emphasised the need for settling land dispute terming it the main cause behind the hill district crises.

They also demanded immediate implementation of the CHT Accord, constitutional recognition to indigenous people, cancellation of land leases in the hills, protection and compensation for the affected families.

A series of clashes between indigenous people and Bangalee settlers started on February 19. The six-day violence claimed three lives and injured 70 while more than 500 houses were set on fire, over 400 of which belonged to indigenous families.

Even Buddhist temples, church, mosque and schools were not spared from the arson attack.

The brutality displaced 3,000 adivasis and 500 Bangalee settlers from their homes.

Justice Golam Rabbani in his speech said whenever the nation steps in to build a democratic society, it faces obstacles from fascist segments.

Lawmaker Rashed Khan Menon described the incident as a scheme planned to foil the peace process in hill land. He blasted the role of military and local administration for their failure to ensure security of indigenous people. He also stressed the need for activating the land commission and resolving land dispute.

Lawmaker Hasanul Haq Inu insisted on immediate parliamentary-level inquiry to find out how such atrocity took place in presence of army.

Raja Debashis Roy, chief of Chakma Circle, questioned the army presence in the hill districts and also pointed to their inactivity during the fight.

He also said the attack on indigenous people is a blow to democracy, religious forbearance and ultimately, the state sovereignty.

The protest meeting was followed by a procession that circled the Dhaka University campus.

Expressing solidarity with the cause, Pankaj Bhattacharya, presidium Member of Gono Forum, Rokeya Kabir, president of Bangladesh Nari Pragati Sangha, cultural activist Ali Zaker and Mamunur Rashid, Shirin Akter, chairperson of Karmojibi Nari, Prof Anwar Hossain, Prof Dalem Chandra Barman, Prof HKS Arefin, Prof Mesbah Kamal, Sanjeeb Drong, general secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Prof Robayet Ferdous, Dr Sourav Sikdar, Ajoy Roy of Sammilito Samajik Andolon, Sharif Jamil, joint general secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, Rekha Chowdhury of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad also addressed the meeting among others.

Protest Action against Bhagaihat and Khagrachari in JAPAN

Source: Midori Matsuda's Photo album from facebook

The Jumma Peoples Network in Japan, World Jumma Voice and Jumma Net did take action together on 25 Feb 2010 in Tokyo, Japan. About 30 people joined this action and 1 newspaper journalist also came together.

The silence protest procession started from Meguro station toward the BD Embassy in the Meguro town.

Representatives of 3 organizations had a meeting with the secretary in the Embassy. We talked about these violences and incidents in Bhagaihat and Khagrachari now. And hand over the appeal letter for PM Sheik Hasina. He received it and wrote receive sign on the letter.

After that, this secretary man went to the outside and met with all jummas who were waited during this meetng in front of the Embassy. they could talk and appealed directly for a few minutes .

Before that meeting , the participants had the gathering in the park where next to Embassy and made some speechs and stood in silence for a minute pray for all jumma victims.

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Ominous signs in the hills

Source: The Daily Star News

The recent clashes in Baghaichari in Rangamati and Khagrachari are not a law and order issue and would need more than investment of security forces to quell the situation. It has to do primarily with the way progress has been made in implementing the CHT Accord. It will be fair to say that in the 12 years of its signing till 2009, which includes more than four years of the AL rule, and the five years of the BNP's, except for some superficial actions, very little worth the mention has been done.

From time to time through this column we have been trying to underscore the dangers if the state did not, or could not, deliver completely and timely on its commitment to the people. And when there is inordinate delay or the main party resorts to subterfuge and excuses in fulfilling the provisos of an agreement disappointment is bound to manifest, and it does so in many forms. We Bengalis tend to forget the position we were in not long ago and what our reaction was to the Pakistan government not living up to its promises.

As for the current spate of violence in the area, there is very little doubt that whatever may be the immediate cause of the recent clashes, the Tribal-Bengali divide, as well as parochial positions on the Accord of different groups, has been exploited by the vested elements with ulterior motives. An unstable CHT perhaps serves their purpose.

What long years of lack of serious action in implementing a pledge does is that it gives time and means to those opposed to it to strengthen their position to derail the plans. And that is what the long 13 years interregnum, between signing of the agreement and now, has done. Those tribal groups opposed to the CHT Accord have got plenty of fodder to depict the non-fulfillment of the agreement, for whatever reasons, as lack of government's honesty in this regard. Likewise, the Bangalees opposed to the accord have been able to garner more support in the last 13 years for their cause.

What we see happening in the CHT is not only disturbing, it also portends sinister development in the area in the future, if not addressed immediately. Everything boils down to the question of why it has not been possible to execute all the points in the accord? What area the difficulties in implementing those and how can the impediments be removed. And in this regard I, for one, find it difficult to doubt the sincerity of a party that penned the accord, in implementing it.

The AL government since its assumption of office in January 2009 has taken substantive measures to start the process of implementation. However, it should be abundantly clear that all the provisions of the accord cannot be fulfilled overnight, like the work of the land commission, and some of the provisions may need a re-look at the constitution. And this is where the government has not been proactive enough, to identify the possible impediments and devise ways to overcome them.

We all have a stake in permanent peace in the hills. It must be admitted that both the parties in the accord have displayed great deal of flexibility in arriving at an understanding. The original demand of self-rule had been toned down by the PCJSS although not to the satisfaction of all the tribal groups; nor have all the clauses of the Accord been acceptable to all the plains people.

However, there are few things that influence positively on the Accord implementation. For one thing, no major political party is opposed to the idea of peace in the CHT, and given that the BNP, in spite of its call to scrap the Accord in 1997, having neither reviewed nor cancelled it during its term of office, has demonstrated its political obligation towards implementing the Accord.

The fact is that all the governments since 1985 had taken initiative for a political solution of the problem, and it just so happened that the regional and international security and geopolitical circumstances worked towards arriving at a compact in 1997. While nobody should claim exclusivity of the credit of the Peace Accord, on the contrary it would be to discredit of all if it were to fall through

One thing must be made abundantly clear to all which is that the solution does not lie in taking up arms, as some tribal student leaders were seen threatening to do recently, or by use of force. And if Mr. Shantu Larma has been threatening to take to the hills, from time to time since 2004, it is only to be expected because it his credibility as a leader that will be at stake if the compact falls through.

And it must be made clear too that is the there is no alternative but to implement the agreement. If there is need for a review, it should only be done with the participation of all the stakeholders. There is more than personal credibility that is at stake.

Brig Gen Shahedul Anam Khan ndc, psdc (Retd) The author is Editor, Defence and Strategic Affairs, The Daily Star.

Over 100 tribals arrested in Bangladesh: Visiting Home Minister urged to stop impending violence

Source: ACHR PRESS RELEASE

The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) accused the Bangladesh government of only arresting people from the tribal communities. About 100 indigenous tribal peoples including 40 from Khabhampujjya area under Khagrachari district were arrested on the eve of the visit of Home Minister Sahara Khatun in the district.

Yesterday, on 23 February 2010, around 75 persons, mainly tribal people, injured and 70 houses, mainly belonging to tribals, were reduced to ashes after the illegal plain settlers attacked a peaceful demonstration by the United Peoples Democratic Front. One plain settler Anwar Hossain was also killed.

“The arrest of only Jummas under Khagrachari district is not an isolated event. After the massacre of the Jummas on 19-20 February 2010 under Rangamati district, the only people arrested were the Jummas who had sustained bullet injuries in the firing of the Bangladesh Army and when they went to obtain medical treatment at Baghaichari hospital.” Stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.

The Asian Centre for Human Rights stated that there are serious biases of the law enforcement personnel and the government of Bangladesh has failed to uphold the rule of law and the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

The Asian Centre for Human Rights fears that more violence on the indigenous peoples will occur today as procession with the dead body of Anwar Hossain has been announced.

The non-implementation of the CHTs Accord of 1997 and continuing appropriation of the lands of tribal peoples are the root causes of the ongoing violence. The Asian Centre for Human Rights called for a judicial inquiry to be completed within 90 days into the killings and destruction of properties at Sajek and other districts; conducting an assessment of the properties lost and provide proper resettlement and rehabilitation to the victims; termination of “Operation Uttaran” that authorises the military presence; withdrawal of all the military personnel to the cantonments as provided in the CHTs Accord; stop all progranmmes relating to the implantation of illegal plain settlers on the lands of indigenous Jumma peoples in the CHTs; and fully implement the CHTs Accord of 1997 within specific time frame. [Ends]

Attacks on indigenous Jummas spread to mainland Bangladesh: ACHR PRESS RELEASE

Source: Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR)

PRESS RELEASE

The attacks on indigenous Jumma peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts has spread to mainland Bangladesh. At 7.00 pm Bangladesh Standard Time today i.e. 23 February 2010 indigenous Jumma peoples at Oxygen area, Chittagong were attacked by the plains peoples. While many Jummas live in the area, many were waiting to catch buses for Rangamati and Khagrachari district.

Earlier, a procession of the members of the Pahari Chhatra Parishad (PCP) was attacked at Narikul Bagan area, Khagrahcari district by the youths belonging to the illegal plain settlers who began pelting brickbats at the procession. The PCP activists tried to resist but had to retreat. About 50 indigenous Jumma students were hurt.

Thereafter, illegal plain settlers entered Mahajonpara and Milanpur villages under Khagrachari and burnt down many houses belonging to indigenous peoples.

Asian Centre for Human Rights has been informed that the houses of the following indigenous peoples were burnt down by the illegal plain settlers:

1. Jhikkya Chakma
2. Kandara Chakma
3. Kandara Chakma
4. Parimal Chakma
5. Bir Bikram Tripura
6. Babuya Chakma
7. Prabhangshu Chakma
8. Lucky Chakma
9. Pipa Chakma

Inside Khagrachari government school area, the settlers burnt down the quarters of Pika Talukder, Milan Chakma and Tapasi Chakma.

In Narikul Bagan area adjacent to Mahajonpara the settlers targeted Jumma shops and burnt down Sonny Rang's shop and looted the shop of Priya Kumar Chakma and vandalized and looted Ziran Hotel and Bain Textile owned by Jummas. The illegal plain settlers also damaged and looted the house of Mr Tatul Chakma.

The illegal plain settlers also burnt down a students’ hostel Shanti Niketan.

Although army has been deployed following the imposition of section 144, the Bengalee illegal settlers are still roaming the streets in groups holding sharp weapons and sticks.

An estimated 20 to 25 shops belonging to Jummas at Panchari station near Mahajonpara were set afire. Jummas also set fire to a few Bengali shops at Khezur Bagan area.

At 5:15pm Bangladesh Standard Time, the settlers burnt down more houses in Satbheiyapara. Incident of arson has also been reported from Datkuppya.

At 6.00 pm Bangladesh Standard Time, the settlers started burning down MSF para under Sajek Union under Rangamati district.

At 6.00 pm Bangladesh Standard Time, the settlers attacked the indigenous Jumma villages at Dighinala Sub-Division under Khagrachari district.

Three journalists have also been injured. They are Altaf Mahmood of ATN, Mong Sha Prue of Desh TV and Bhorer Kagoj and Dillip Chowdhury. [Ends]

Bangladesh imposes curfew after riots

Source: IANS
web: http://www.indiatalkies.com/2010/02/bangladesh-imposes-curfew-riots.html

Dhaka, Feb 25 – Authorities in Bangladesh imposed a fresh night-time curfew in its south-eastern Khagrachhari hill district following riots between rival ethnic groups, officials said.

‘Night-time curfew between 2200 hours (2130 IST) Wednesday and 0700 hours (0630 IST) Thursday will remain in force,’ chief administrator of the district Mohammad Abdullah, told DPA.

Troops had remained deployed to prevent any trouble, he added.

Soldiers and police earlier launched a crackdown in the Khagrachhari hill district following riots between ethnic minority people and Bengali settlers.

They arrested 55 people allegedly involved in Tuesday’s violence, which left at least 15 people injured and several homes torched, additional police chief of the district Amir Jafar said.

‘The drive against the criminals is underway, and the ban on all sorts of gatherings remains in force,’ he said.

A total of 94 families were affected by Tuesday’s arson attacks, officials said. Ninety-two homes were completely burnt down while two others were vandalised.

The victims were being forced to sleep in the open and had no food, Chaithoai Marma, a tribesman, said.

The streets were mostly deserted and businesses were shut, said one resident from the district centre, some 275 km south-east of Dhaka.

Khagrachhari is one of the three districts in Chittagong Hill Tracts, home to at least 12 ethnic minority groups. Long-standing animosity exists between indigenous communities and Bengali settlers in the area.

The region was battered by insurgency for over two decades until a peace deal was signed between the government and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti, a political party of the indigenous people, in late 1997.

State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Haq Tuku has toured the area and promised relief assistance to the victims, most of whom were said to be from ethnic minorities.

A Glimpse of Khagrachari incident

Note: The following pictures shared by Ratana Chakma at Facebook.
Please visit http://apps.facebook.com/causes/313616?m=7099fba7 and view more albums about Kagrachari incidents.

Late Update on Khagrachari incident

Source: PCJSS

24 February 2010, 9.25 pm

1. In the morning of 24 February 2010 a GoB Team including the State minister of Home Ministry, the State minister of Law ministry and the State minister of MoCHTA visited Bagaihut and gave assurances of proper rehabilitation and punishment of the culprits.

2. In the afternoon, they held meeting in Khagrachari Hill District sadar and along with them Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP and Chairman of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Refugee Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons spoke there. Particularly the State Minister of Home Ministry stated that the incidents of killing, arson and looting at Baghaihut and Khagrachari were not desirable in a democratic and independent country of Bangladesh. It was possible only by the Pak Raider Army. Those who were Anti-Accord and War Criminals they committed the said heinous act.

It is learnt that it created sharp reactions among the fundamentalist communal elements and held a secret meeting and took decision to oppose it through committing further communal riots.

3. The RAB and the local army rounded up Jumma villages since the morning of 24 February 2010 and arrested many Jumma boys and persons including innocent ones from Khagrachari sadar areas.

The matter was placed to the local MP J. L Tripura, raised the issue with the Region Commander of Khagrachari. The Commander denied it and falsely argued in favour of the action. as a result, they had exchanges of hot words.

During the last night, the Jumma people guarded their villages at Khagrachari sadar. Particularly the Tripura People protected their villages, named Khagrapur other surrounding villages for which the settlers could not enter to their villages at all.

4. In Dighinala of Khagrachari a meeting was held in the afternoon and decision was taken to improve the situation. Until now no report of untoward incidents received from there.

5. On the contrary, the Commanding Officer of the Harina army Camp in Barkal Upazila in Rangamati Hill District instructed today for not going to Harina Bazar, suspecting communal attack. It indicates that situation may deteriorate there also.

6. Most importantly, it is noted that Bangali Chhatra Parishad is to hold rally tomorrow. If it is held, the communal forces may have the chance to avail it through committing communal riots at Rangamati town also. Therefore, it is necessary to consider whether 144 would be imposed there for tomorrow (25 Feb).

7. To-day Bengali people searched buses plied from Rangamati to Chittagong –Dhaka at Ranirhut and Raozan of Chittagong Hill District to find out Jumma Persons.

8. Latest Development

1) Arrest of Jumma people by army at Khagrachari sadar

After the visit of the GoB Team the army troops rounded up Jumma villages including those of the Tripura ones and apprehended some youths falsely accusing culprits. As a result, the Jumma males had to flee away from their houses and villages leaving their family members unprotected.

2) Attempts of Attack near CHTDB Rest House

Around 7.00 p.m. a group of settlers moved toward CHT Development Rest House Area situating on the eastern part of Khagrachari Town, where Jumma families including some PCJSS leaders including Sudha Sindhu Khisa (a member of CHTRC also) live. The RAB resisted them.

3) Attempts of Attack at Modhupur

Around 7.30 p.m. another group of settlers made attempts to raid the Madhupur Village. Owing to presence of Police they had to retreat from there at that moment. Suspecting further attack with more manpower the local leaders asked the Police authority to increase the strength.

4) Attack on Aparna Chowdhury Village of Golabari Mouza

Around 8.00 p.m. the settlers attacked Aparna Chowdhury Village of Golabari, Mouza, a Marma village situating on the south part of the Khagrachari sadar and till 10.00 p.m. it has been found flaming.

It is not known whether other villages have been exposed at the moment.

9. Conclusion:

It is apprehended that the settlers would fell upon many other villages at Khagrachari sadar this night and it may even encourage the settlers to commit riots at other areas.

In these circumstances, some immediate steps including strong order to Army Region to stop the rioters and to take up the step of transferring concerned commanders and civil Officers.

In order to stop taking advantage of falsely arresting Jumma persons only pass order to postpone any kind of arrest at the moment.

*****

Update of Khagrachari Incidents

Source: PCJSS

24 Feb 2010 Morning

1. Occurrence of the Incidents on 23 February 2010

UPDF, protesting the communal attack upon the Jumma People in Bagaihut on 19 and 20 February 2010, gave a call for strike in Rangamati and Khagrachari Hill Districts of CHT.

Astonishingly a group of 50-60 boys of UPDF around 9.00 a.m brought out a procession from Khabang Pariya area and proceeded toward Shapla Chattar at Khagrachari Sadar. The demonstrators had sticks and marble etc throwing device and shouted slogans excitingly. On the other, Bengali settlers from various cluster villages at Khagrachari Sadar and outside areas too came out in hundreds at that time with ulterior motives and got assembled at Khagrachari Shapla Chattar and other different points like Khagrachari Bazar, area and office areas. Clashes held between the two groups.

Considering the aggressive attitude of the settlers some Bengali leaders mainly belonging to Awami Leage had talks with UPDF leaders at Shapla Chattar about mitigating the tensed situation there. The UPDF leaders got agreed to stop their protests and close down the picketers from Shapla Chattar and other points to avoid clashes with the Bengali settlers. Gradually the UPDF activists got closed and the Bengali settlers being in larger numbers got control of the whole areas at Khagrachari Town.

2. Arson, looting and Killing

Around 11.00 a.m. Bengali settlers commenced their movement toward different directions and areas. Most of the Jumma people, suspecting communal riot of the settlers as well as intimidation from army troops vacated their homes, which created advantage for snatching and looting of goods.

One group commenced their movement from the Shapla Chattar to the Khagrachari Bazar. On the other, most of the Jumma villagers being frighten of communal riots and intimidation of the army as usual vacated their homes. While the Bengali Settlers group was passing the Mahajan Para rumour got spread that army troop was proceeding toward there. All Jumma boys and persons fled away for safety and security. A group of Bengalis of 7/8 persons suspected including army personnel in civil dress poured out petrol and set fire at the house of a Tripura person named Bir Bikram Roaza s/o Birendra Roaza (65) at Mahajan Para village. Then the fire gulped houses one after another. This group of settlers set fire on some shops of the Jumma persons at Khagrachari Bazar area.

Around 12.00 pm another group of the settlers numbering to 20/25 persons proceeded toward CHT Development Board Rest House looted houses and took snatched away ornaments from the Jumma women.

A big group of the setters followed by army patrol party proceeded toward Modhupur and Milanpur and set fire to one house of the Jumma people at first village and two houses of Jumma People at the second village.

Another group of the settlers attacked Satbheiya Para (Seven Brothers Village of the Marma People), which is situated at the outskirts of the Khagrachari Sadar and burnt down 37 houses. In one clash near that village a rioter named Anowar Hossain, gardener of Khagrachari Pourasabha office reported killed.

3. Steps of the GoB

The situation was suspected to be out of control and communal riots would get enhanced at night. The Jumma People from various corners urged the higher authorities in Dhaka including PM Sheikh Hasina to take proper and stern steps.

In the evening one AIG of Police was deputed in Khagrachari and section 144 was imposed.

At night around 10.00 p.m. RAB was reported deployed and curfew imposed in Khagrachari Town till 7.00 a.m. of 24 February 2010. Situation in Khagrachari Town came under control at it.

4. Tension at other places

On 23 February 2010 Bengali settlers under protection of the army troop of Baghaihut Army Zone Camp set fire on the Clinic of the MSF, an International NGO at Baghaihut in Kassalong Reserve Forest in Sajek Union under Bagaichari Upazila in Rangamati Hill District.

Tension loomed large at other different places like Panchari Upazilla and Dighinala Upazilla in Khagrachari Hill District and Langadu Upazilla and Kawkhali Upazilla in Rangamati Hill District.

In Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Sourendra Nath Chakraborty held a meeting in the evening of 23 February where representatives from CHT Regional Council and Rangamati Hill District Council, Rangamati Army region, BDR and Police got attended. Decision was adopted to resist any kind of untoward incident in the district.

At night police forces were deployed at important points. Some settlers made attempts to create chaos at a few points like Vedvedi and Tribal Adam of Rangamati Town. The Police resisted them properly.

24 February 2010

11.00 a.m.

1. Operation of RAB etc. at Khagrachari sadar Areas

In the morning around 7.30 a.m. of 24 February 2010 RAB (Rapid Action Battalion), local Police, BDR and Army reported rounded up Khabangpajya village and Swanirbar Area, a stronghold of the UPDF and apprehended some Jumma boys and persons. It created chaos and the local school reading boys and girls got trouble to get out from homes for their examination there today. Their guardians asked the District Administration and other concerned authorities for relaxation of the operation for their children. The matter was raised to the local MP Jatindra Lal Tripura also. Till 11.00 a.m. it is not known whether any one got failed to go to the Examination Hall in Khagrachari town due to the situation.

2. Dead Body of Anwar Hossain, a rioteer

On the other, it is reported that the dead body of Anwar Hossain, a rioter would be buried today at afternoon. There is apprehension whether, the Bengali settlers would bring out any rally carrying it, which may create serious tension and communal riots as well may come up once again there.

3. Conclusion

It is noted that normal situation is yet to resume for which most of the people particularly the Jumma ones are having confined themselves in their houses. So, it is difficult to have proper and full reports of the occurrences.

Call for protest on the communal attack against indigenous people of CHT: Invitation from various organizations

Appeal from Kapaeeng Foundation

Dear all,

The civil society groups of the country are going to organise protest meeting against beinous killing, land grabbing, arson and communal attack on indigenous peoples in Baghaihat in Rangamati and Khagrachari on 25 February 2010 at 10.00 am Thursday at central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.

On behalf of Civil Society Groups, Kapaeeng Foundation invites all of you to attend the meeting, if possible, with banner.

Kapaeeng Foundation

Bangladesh: Tribal people killed and villages burnt in army and settler attack

Source: Survival International Report
http://www.survivalinternational.org/news/5581

Reliable sources report that at least six Jumma tribal people were killed, and hundreds of houses burnt to the ground, in an attack by soldiers and settlers on tribal villages in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh on Saturday. The attacks took place in the Sajek region, where tensions have been rising since Bengali settlers, supported by the army, have been expanding their settlements on Jumma land.

Picture (courtesy: Survival International): The children of Ms Buddhapati Chakma, who was shot dead by soldiers, speak to local journalists.
© Satrong Chakma

Local reports state that soldiers shot indiscriminately at Jumma villagers after one soldier was injured during clashes. Many other Jummas were hurt. Settlers, aided by the security forces, set fire to, and destroyed, five villages, consisting of at least 200 houses. A Buddhist temple and a church have also been burnt down. Thousands of Jummas have fled to the jungle to escape from the soldiers and settlers.

The local administration has imposed an order known as section 144, which prohibits the assembly of five or more people and the holding of public meetings. This is hampering the Jumma’s efforts to establish the whereabouts of missing people and to confirm the numbers killed. Two bullet-ridden bodies have been recovered (those of Mr Lakkhi Bijoy Chakma (40) and Ms Buddhapati Chakma (36)), but tribal leaders report that the army has removed the bodies of several other Jummas who were killed during the incident.

Hundreds of thousands of settlers have been moved into the Hill Tracts over the last sixty years, in a policy supported by successive governments, displacing the eleven Jumma tribes and subjecting them to violent repression.

In 1997 the government and the Jummas signed a peace accord that committed the government to removing military camps from the region and to ending the theft of Jumma land by settlers and the army. The accord offered hope, but military camps remain in the Hill Tracts and violence and land grabbing continue.

Survival’s director, Stephen Corry said, ‘This horrific incident is just the latest in a long line of brutal attacks on the Jumma tribal people. They have been killed, tortured and raped, and their lands stolen, for far too long. We call on the government of Bangladesh to put an end to army violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and to withdraw the army camps, as promised in the peace accord. Those responsible for this atrocity must be brought to justice.’

Note to editors: Survival has pictures from the incident.
Contact Miriam Ross: mr@survivalinternational.org

Note to UK editors: Jumma people living in London will protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission on Wednesday 24th of February at 10 am.

Ethnic Violence Grips Bangladesh

Source: Asia Security Initiative blog, MacArthur Foundation
http://asiasecurity.macfound.org/blog/entry/111ethnic_violence_grips_bangladesh1/

On February 23, Dhaka authority deployed troops in the south-eastern Khagrachhari district (Chittagong Hill Tracts) after clashes between ethnic tribal people and Bengali settlers left at least 15 people injured and several houses torched. Earlier, similar violence took place in Rangamati district on February 19-20.

The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) stated that at least eight Chakmas (one of the indigenous tribes of CHTs) were shot dead by the Bangladesh army personnel while dozens were injured on Feb 19-20. However the government has denied the reports so far.

Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights issued a statement to media (the author of this blog also received the statement) saying,

It is established beyond any reasonable doubt that the Bangladesh army is denying access to the sites to prevent the truth from coming out. The arrest of six Chakmas who got admitted at Baghachari army camp with bullet injuries sustained in the firing of the Bangladesh Army for alleged rioting is a direct attempt to discourage the indigenous peoples from approaching the authorities and therefore, keep the massacre under the carpet.

It is quite evident that the non-implementation of the 1997 Accord and continuing appropriation of the lands of tribal peoples are the root causes of this ongoing violence. The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region in Bangladesh was plagued by decade long insurgency in the 1980s. In 1997 a peace accord inked between the government and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS), a political platform of the tribal people, now known as the United Peoples Democratic Front, brought some sort of respite to the indigenous tribal people.

Fear looms large on the horizon that Chittagong Hills of Bangladesh, home to at least 12 ethnic minority groups, is bracing for another round of severe and prolong ethnic conflict. The fear is not restricted to only violence between tribal hill people, predominantly Buddhist and Bengali migrant settlers in Chittagong Hill, but the imminent return of armed vigilante movements (remember the Shanti Bahini’s armed movement) which might resurface to safeguard tribal rights and identity of the region or to secure the Jumma nation (homeland for the tribal hill people) all over again.

Meanwhile, the ACHR accused the Bangladesh government of only arresting people from the tribal communities from in and around Khagrachhari district. ACHR also calls for a judicial inquiry to be completed within 90 days into the killings and destruction of properties till now, and fully implement the CHTs Accord of 1997 within specific time frame.

Fresh communal attack on Jumma localities in Khagrachari town

Source: PCJSS

Today (23 February 2010) fresh communal attack was made on Jumma-inhabited localities in Khagrchari municipality under Khagrachari district by Bengali settlers with the direct help of military forces. Around 40 Jumma houses were burnt down and several Jummas were injured in this attack. On the other, one Bengali employee was killed.

It is reported that the clash broke out around 12.00 noon after a group of Bengali settlers belonging to so-called Sama Odhikar Andolon and Parbatya Bangalee Chhatra Parishad (PBCP) chased a procession of the indigenous Jumma people at Shapla Sattwar area of Khagrachari bazaar. The Bengali settlers hit the Jumma protesters indiscriminately.

Then the Bengali settlers made arson attack on Jumma-inhabited Mahajan Para area. It is alleged that military forces dispersed the Jumma people while they tried to prevent Bengali settlers from setting fire on the houses belonging to Jumma people. Soon after the dispersion of the Jumma people, Bengali settlers set fire on Jumma houses. At least 7 houses were burnt to ashes in this arson attack.

Bengali settlers then set fire on Milanpur, Madhupur and Upali Para areas where at least 7 houses were set fire. One of the owners of the houses was identified as Ms Lucky Chakma at Madhupur area. This was followed by setting fire on Sat Bheiya Para area where at least 25 houses of Jumma people were completely burnt to ashes. Besides, a quarter of Khagrachari Government High School, where a teacher of this school Ms. Tapasi Chakma stays, was also burnt to ashes. PCJSS office at Larma Square of Khagrachari municipality was set fire. It is alleged that Bengali settlers set fire the houses after looting the valuables of the houses. It is reported that Bengali settlers also looted some Jumma houses of Basundhara area. Sources said that at least 7 injured persons were admitted to Khagrachari sadar hospital while 12 received first aid.

On the other, a Bengali was killed at Shalbagan area which is completely inhabited by Bengali settlers. He was identified as Anwar Hossain (22), a fourth class employee of Khagrachhari municipality. It is not confirmed how he was killed. However, sources said that a group of Bengali settlers attacked hostel of Vocational Institute situated at Shalbagan area where few Jumma students stay. He might be killed by this attack.

Jumma people alleged that Bengali settlers made this attack by protection of military forces from the back side. It is reported that some of Bengali settlers were brought from Matiranga upazila by 8 jeeps. During the attack, journalist of Channel i and Desh TV were also assaulted and their cameras were broken by the Bengali settlers when camera crew Dilip Chowdhury and Mongsapru Marma were filming the clashes. Talat Mamun, reporter of private television ntv and Saikat Dewan, correspondent of daily prothom alo, were hostage for few hours by Bengali settlers.

It is reported that Bengali settlers also gathered at Dighinala and Panchari in Khagrachari and Kaukhali upazila in Rangamati district.

The administration imposed a 10-hour curfew in Khagrachhari municipality from 9.00 pm in the wake of fresh communal attack by Bengali settlers. The administration with megaphones asked residents to remain indoors and that if anyone was found outside, they would be arrested and terrorists would be searched door to door.

Reaction to the fresh attack

Following the fresh communal attack on Jumma localities in Khagrachari municipality, at around 4.00 pm Indigenous Students demonstrated a protest rally in the banner of Pahari Chartra Parishad (PCP). Hundreds of students and youths belonging to indigenous community joined in this protest rally.

The rally started from Aporajea Bangla at Dhaka University. Dhaka Indigenous students from different educational institutions participated in this agitation. The rally moved to Muktangan at Paltan through DU campus and High Court. Among others, students’ leaders from different indigenous students’ organization, Dhaka University teacher Professor Robaet Ferdous and Jobaida Nasreen Kona, Central leader of Communist Party of Bangladesh Rohin Hossain Prince were also spoke at this protest rally. They all condemned the barbaric and brutal arson attack in Khagrachari town today. Speakers demanded justice of this attack and exemplary punishment of the culprits.

UNDP closes Khagrachari office

It is learnt that on 23 February 2010 UNDP closed its Khagrachari office for indefinite period. On the others, the staffs of Rangamati and Bandarban offices of UNDP have been given leave for two days.

Update of Baghaihat attack

Today (on 23 February 2010) a MSF primary school was set fire by Bengali settlers. A group of army from Baghaihat zone were in patrolling during this attack.

Indigenous students of Jahangirnagar University also staged protest rally against killing and arson attack at Baghaihat area under Baghaichari upazila.

On the other, at around 10.00 am members of the civil society in Rangamati formed a human chain demanding a fair investigation into Baghaihat communal attack. Around 1,000 people took part in the human chain in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office of Rangamati district. They also demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the people responsible for the incident, withdrawal of army camps and removal of Bengali settlers from the Baghaihat area.

More army to be deployed in CHT, says Home Minister

Today (on 23 February 2010) in a meeting, Home Minister Ms. Sahara Khatum said that government would consider, if needed, to deploy more army in CHT. She said that government has enough preparation to combat any evil forces whether they were Shanti Bahini, religious extremist group or any group.

Curfew slapped on Khagrachhari municipality

Source: The Daily Star News

Pickets burn firewood at Mohazonpara in Khagrachhari sadar upazila Tuesday morning to enforce a daylong road and waterway blockade. Photo: StarStar Online Report

The authorities have imposed a curfew on Khagrachhari municipality and its neighbouring areas for 10 hours from 9:00pm Tuesday in the wake of fresh violence in the area that killed at least one person.

At least 50 people were injured and 66 houses burnt in clashes between indigenous people and Bangalee settlers on Tuesday that forced the authorities to roll out army Tuesday afternoon.

Muhammad Abdullah, deputy commissioner of Khagrachhari, told The Daily Star he imposed curfew to avoid any untoward incident at night.

The dead was identified as Anwar Hossain, 22, a fourth class employee of Khagrachhari municipality.

Bangalee settlers set fire to at least 37 houses of indigenous people --20 were in Mahajanpara, 10 in Narankhiya, four in Habongpuriya and three in Narikelbagan area.

Indigenous people also torched at least 29 houses of Bangalee settlers --10 in Mohammadpur, seven in Shalbagan, five in College Gate, five in Senakalyan Area and two in Masterpara area.

Body of Anwar, son of Rawshan Ali, was recovered from Shalbagan area shortly after the houses were torched in the area.

Shahidur Khan, officer-in-charge of Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station, confirmed the news saying Anwar was shot in the head.

Twenty vehicles were also vandalised during the clashes in the district headquarters.

Witnesses said the clash broke out around 11:30am after a group of settlers belonging to Parbatya Bangalee Chhatra Parishad (PBCP) chased a procession of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), a platform of the indigenous people.

UPDF brought out the procession as part of its daylong protests against the violence in Baghaichhari Upazila in Rangamati district that cost two lives and left many others injured.

The indigenous people had blockaded roads and waterways in Khagrachhari and Rangamati districts to press their six-point demand.

The authorities imposed section 144 in the town to stave off the spread of the violence, reports our Khagrachhari correspondent.

Volatile situation in Khagrachhari later started to calm down around 4:00pm after joint forces of army, armed police battalions and police started patrolling the streets.

They announced by handheld mikes warning the residents to remain indoors that if anyone found outside their houses would be arrested.

Talat Mamun, reporter of private television ntv, was among the injured.

The indigenous demonstrators set up pickets at more than 15 points in Khagrachhari town. They torched a truck in front of the Collegiate High School at about 7:30am.

The pickets at Khabalpuria barred ambulance and fire brigade vehicles heading for Mahajanpara.

Their demands include launching a judicial enquiry into the killings and arson attacks on villages in Baghaichhari in Rangamati on Friday and Saturday, punishing the persons responsible for the attack, compensating the victims and providing the injured people with treatment, reconstructing the prayer houses, stopping land grabbing and pulling out army from Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Our Rangamati correspondent adds: Members of the civil society in Rangamati formed a human chain where they demanded a fair investigation into Baghaichhari violence.

Around 1,000 people took part in the human chain in front of the Rangamati deputy commissioner’s office at about 10:00am.

They also demanded immediate arrest and punishment to the people responsible for the incident, withdrawal of army camp and removal of Bangalee settlers from the area.