Six Jumma arrested in Sajek

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Six Jummas arrested in Sajek



chtnews.com
News No. 43/2009, May 27, 2009



At least six Jumma villagers have been arrested by army since 10 May over alleged involvement in the killing of two Bengali settlers in Sajek, sources said.



On the night of 10 May, a group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone arrested two Jummas from their houses. Dipayan Chakma age 25 s/o Anil Baran Chakma was arrested from Gattowatuli village while Priya Moy Chakma age 27 s/o Bijoy Karbari from his village Baibachara.



On the night of 21 May, Baghaihat army raided the village of Nakshasuri and arrested Subarna Chakma age 35 s/o Shubha Mohan Chakma.



On 22 May, Mao Satung Chakma s/o Phidikke Chakma was arrested from his village Nangal Mara.



On 25 May, the army arrested Bar Kana Chakma age 30 s/o Aarech Mohan Chakma from Samitry Chara village.



On 26 May, Arun Shanti Chakma age 14 s/o Hiran Chakma Sajek was arrested from his house in Sajek.



A villager from Sajek told chtnews.com that the army was carrying out raids and making arrests of innocent villagers almost daily. “We live in constant fear of arrest” he said requesting anonymity.



On 6 May two settlers were allegedly kidnapped from a tea shop at Gangaram Mukh in Sajek. Their dead bodies were said to have been recovered from the same area four days later on 9 May in mysterious condition.



The army blamed the Jummas for the incident but a Jumma teacher denied the allegation and said it was a deliberate plan of the army and the settlers to create communal tension and capture Jumma’s land of the area.



“The settlers have been trying to find pretexts to launch fresh communal attacks on our villages so that they can grab our lands.” he said requesting anonymity for security reasons.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Harassment of Buddhist Monk: army arm-twists protesters

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pls visit : Jummonet

Harassment of Buddhist monks: army arm-twists protesters

chtnews.com
News No. 44/2009, May 28, 2009

Jumma villagers in Naniachar have alleged that the army is threatening them after they staged a demonstration in protest against harassment of a group of Buddhist monks at Bogachari check post on 21 May.

The army called the prominent Jumma individuals who had taken part in the demonstration to the zone headquarters separately and forced each one of them to give a video statement saying that Captain Shamim was not involved in the harassment of the Buddhist monks.

Ramani Mohan Talukder, Chairman in charge of Naniachar Union, was called on 25 May, Sentru Chakma, a member of Naniachar Union Council, on 26 May and Anadi Ranjan Chakma, a member of Sabekyong Union Council and also the Karbari or village head of Morachengey village, on 27 May.

The army also called a group meeting on 31 May with 18 Jummas including these three.

Captain Shamim, who was involved in the harassment of Ven. Bishuddhananda Thero and other Buddhist monks, was also present at the meetings.

He and Riaz, another army personnel, took video of the meetings.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Harassment of Buddhist monks: protests continue

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Harassment of Buddhist monks: protests continue



chtnews.com
News No. 40/2009, May 24, 2009



Protests against harassment of Buddhist monks are continuing in and outside of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.



In Lakshmichari of Khagrachari district, more than 200 Buddhist followers staged demonstration today and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the UNO.



The memo was received by Md. Salimullah, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Lakshmichari.



Mr. Sunity Bikash Chakma, Chairman of Laxmichari UP, Mr. Rajendra Chakma and Mr. Karunamoy Chakma led the demonstration and submitted the memo on behalf of the participants.



They demanded punishment to Captain Shamim for being responsible for the harassment of Ven. Bishuddhananda Thero and other Buddhist monks on May 21, an end to harassment of Jummas including monks at check posts, and withdrawal of all military and paramilitary check posts in the CHT.



Rangamati

In Rangamati town, about 500 people participated in a protest rally today. Held at Shilpakala Academy, the rally was addressed by Saranga Dhanu Chakma alias Shankar, a retired member of Bangladesh Air Force and also President of Banduk Bhanga Bana Vihar; Subhash Chakma, member, Jurachari Bana Vihar; Biswajit Barua, member, Naniachar Bana Vihar; Rahul Chakma, member, Banduk Bhanga Union; Ramani Ranjan Chakma, Chairman in charge of Naniachar; and Sadananda Chakma, a lay follower.



After the rally, the participants marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner in a procession and handed him a memorandum.



Protest in Chittagong

On Friday, 22 May, Buddhist followers organised a rally in front of press club in protest at the harassment of Ven. Bishuddhananda Thero.



The rally was addressed among others by Dr. Jina Bodhi Bhikkhu, professor of Chittagong University, Rinku Chakma, central committee member of Democratic Youth Forum, Dhiman Chakma, from Bandar area and Shyamol Chakma, a youth leader in Bandar.



Press club chairman Abu Sufian also addressed the rally expressing solidarity with the demands of the protestants.



The rally was followed by a procession which ended at Dosth Building Square, near New Market.



Khagrachari

In Khagrachari, an 11-member committee was formed yesterday to organise a rally in protest against the harassment of Buddhist monks.



Renowned educationist Ananta Bihari Khisha is heading the committee.



It will organise a protest rally tomorrow, one of the committee members told chtnews.com.



More protests are planned in and outside CHT, sources said.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Harassment of Buddhist monks: Naniachar zone commander threatens Jummas

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Harassment of Buddhist monks: Naniachar zone commander threatens Jummas



chtnews.com
News No. 41/2009, May 25, 2009



Naniachar zone commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mushfikur Rahman (Bir-1) has threatened the leaders of a protest rally with dire consequences if they continued their agitation against the harassment of a group of Buddhist monks.



The commander on Sunday, 24 May, called 18 persons to the zone headquarters and ordered them to refrain from organising further protests against the 21 May incident involving Captain Shamim of Bogachari army camp.



Lt. Col. Mushfikur Rahman categorically denied that Ven. Bishuddananda Bhante was subjected to harassment and said he had video footage of how the Ven. Bhante behaved at the check post.



He said he would call a press conference and make it known to all.



He warned that if the protests were not stopped within 24 hours he would go tough and do his job as he had always done in the past.



Among those present at the meeting with the army commander were Bishwajit Barua, assistant teacher, Nannyachar High School; Pranati Bikash Chakma, Chairman, Burighat UP; Mithu Chakma, Chairman, Ghilachari UP; Ramani ranjan Talukder, Chairman, Nanyachar UP; Onadi Ranjan Chakma, Chairman, Sabekkhang UP; Shasil Jiban Chakma, President, Ratnankur Bouddha Bihara, Naniachar; Sentru Chakma and Rupayan Chakma.



Commenting on Mushfikur Rahman’s threat, one of those present at the meeting with him said it was a desperate bid of the army to cover up the incident of harassment and save Captain Shamim, the army officer responsible for the harassment of Ven. Bishuddananda Bhante.



“And it is to be expected from an army officer like him who have been terrorising the whole of Naniachar.” he said requesting anonymity for fear of reprisal.



“But people cannot be intimidated any longer... such tactics have become obsolete. The harassment of the Bhante is an insult to our religion and we cannot let it go unprotested.” he added.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Harassment of Buddhist monks: Jummas stage demo in Khagrachari

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Harassment of Buddhist monks: Jummas stage demo in Khagrachari



chtnews.com
News No. 42/2009, May 25, 2009



A demonstration has been held in Khagrachari in protest against the May 21 harassment of a group of Buddhist monks at Bogachari army check post in Naniachar, Rangamati.



Hundreds of people irrespective of religious affiliation took part in a procession braving heavy downpour.



The procession, which started at 10am, marched from Sujo Shikha club at Mahajonpara to the office of the Deputy Commissioner to submit a memorandum.



The Additional Deputy Commissioner received the memo on behalf of the government.



Renowned Jumma businessman Chonchu Moni Chakma, Khagrachari Upazila Lady Vice President Banshari Marma, Khagrachari Municipality Councilor Milon Dewan alias Monang and PCJSS (reformist) leader Roktotpal Tripura were present at the submission of the memorandum at DC office.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Harassment of Buddhist monks: Jummas stage demo in Khagrachari

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Harassment of Buddhist monks: Jummas stage demo in Khagrachari



chtnews.com
News No. 42/2009, May 25, 2009



A demonstration has been held in Khagrachari in protest against the May 21 harassment of a group of Buddhist monks at Bogachari army check post in Naniachar, Rangamati.



Hundreds of people irrespective of religious affiliation took part in a procession braving heavy downpour.



The procession, which started at 10am, marched from Sujo Shikha club at Mahajonpara to the office of the Deputy Commissioner to submit a memorandum.



The Additional Deputy Commissioner received the memo on behalf of the government.



Renowned Jumma businessman Chonchu Moni Chakma, Khagrachari Upazila Lady Vice President Banshari Marma, Khagrachari Municipality Councilor Milon Dewan alias Monang and PCJSS (reformist) leader Roktotpal Tripura were present at the submission of the memorandum at DC office.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Army harassment of Buddhist monks leads to public resentment: two arrested

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Army harassment of Buddhist monks leads to public resentment: two arrested



chtnews.com
News No. 38/2009, May 21, 2009



Two members of the Hill Women’s Federation have been arrested while they were returning from a rally held in protest against harassment of a group of Buddhist monks at Bogachari under Naniachar Upazila of Rangamati district.



Sources from Rangamati said Ven. Bishuddhananda Mahathero, chief priest of Ratnankur Bana Vihara, and his fellow monks and novices were returning to their temple in Naniachar after attending a religious event in the village of Tarachari in Hengelchari area this morning.



When they reached Bogachari army check post at around 10:30am, the jeep carrying them was halted, and they were ordered to get down to allow the soldiers to carry out searches.



“The army wanted to check our vehicle and asked us to get down. However, I refused to obey their order, although all others in the vehicle got down reluctantly.” Ven. Bishuddhananda told chtnews.com by phone from Naniachar.



“I told the army that the jeep belongs to a Buddhist temple, and so there is no need to check it” he added.



But the on-duty army officer, Captain Shamim, was not ready to see his order being disobeyed.



He flung abusive languages at Ven. Bishuddhananda Mahathero and tried to intimidate him. At his order, a group of army personnel came down to the scene with clubs and ropes in their hands. But the Bhante (monk) remained calm and peaceful, and refused to be daunted.



One and half hours later the Second-in-Command of Naniachar zone rushed there and asked for forgiveness from the Bhante for the mistake committed by overbearing Captain Shamim.



Protest and arrest

The news of the harassment of the Buddhist monks spread quickly, and people in Naniachar took out processions and held a protest rally instantly.



They condemned the harassment of Buddhist monks who have renounced their worldly life and been seeking Nibbana or supreme bliss.



However, the army arrested two of the participants – Ms Juthika Chakma, convenor of HWF’s Naniachar Unit, and Ms Mika Chakma, a member of HWF – while they were returning from the rally.



Latest: released

Latest reports said the army took the girls to the zone headquarters, forced them to put their signature on a blank sheet of paper, took their photographs and then set them free.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Youth rally held in Mahalchari

Youth rally held in Mahalchari



chtnews.com
News No. 33/2009, May 4, 2009



The Democratic Youth Forum organised a youth conference in Mahalchari on May 1, with the slogan: “Strengthen national unity and fraternity, join the movement to protect land and national property of the Jumma people”. (photo attached)



Held at Tholipara ground, the conference was presided over by Michael Chakma, Organising Secretary of the DYF and convenor of the preparatory committee of the conference.



While Remin Chakma conducted the conference, it was addressed, among others, by Mithun Chakma, General Secretary of DYF, Konica Dewan, General Secretary (in charge) of Hill Women’s Federation, Sumen Chakma of PCP and Sorbananda Chakma and Zamini Kumar Chakma of DYF.



The conference was followed by a rally that paraded the streets of Mahalchari.



In the conference the leaders said: “the Semutang gas field belongs to the CHT people. While it is heartening to know that the government is taking initiative to launch production of gas at this field, we want to make it clear that the CHT people must have share in the use of the gas.”



They added that the CHT people did not get electricity after the construction of the Kaptai dam. They have always been discriminated against. Even the right of entrance to the Kaptai Electricity House has been almost restricted for the Jumma people. Although the Karnaphuli Paper Mill is situated in CHT area, the Jumma people do not have partnership in it.



“The CHT people have become alien to their own homeland. Thousands of acres of land have been forcibly taken away form them. The government and the army are direct participant in this orgy of land grabbing.” They said.



The leaders demanded that the government must withdraw army check posts, stop grabbing of land and put an end to military rule and repression in all its forms that is in place under code name Operation Uttoran.



Later a 19-member Mahalchari Thana committee of the DYf was formed with Sarbananda Chakma as President and Ushamoy Khisha as General Secretary.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Withdraw check posts on Rangamati – Khagrachari road, demands UPDF

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Withdraw check posts on Rangamati – Khagrachari road, demands UPDF



chtnews.com
News No.29/2009, April 14, 2009



United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) has called upon the government to stop harassing people in the name of checking, and withdraw all the so-called security check posts from Rangamati – Khagrachari road. (photograph of a soldier checking a bus attached)



Speaking to the chtnews.com, UPDF’s central committee member Ujjal Smriti Chakma said: “each and every vehicle plying on Khagrachari – Rangamati and Khagrachari – Chittagong road is halted and checked.”



“The security forces often harass passengers at these check posts” he added.



A government employee said: “Why there should be any check posts? I do not see any changes between pre and post accord situations in the area.”



All – Bengali and Jumma alike - are unanimous in their demand to withdraw all the check posts from Khagrachari – Rangamati road.



According to Democratic Youth Forum’s General Secretary Mithun Chakma, there are as many as eight check posts on Khagrachari – Rangamati road. These are at Mainikchari (Rangamati), Kuduksuri, Ghilachari, Bogachari, Betchari, Kerenganala, Bizitala and Zero Mile.



“They have become anachronistic even in the present-day Chittagong Hill Tracts although the area is still under military occupation and the army rules the roost.” he said.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Breaking News!: Settlers attacked a village in Bogachari

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Breaking News! Breaking News! Breaking News!
(chtnews.com April 14, 2009):
Settlers attacked a village in Bogachari under Naniachar Upazilala last night(on 13th april). Jumma villagers fled their homes.


One source said neighbouring villagers had seen the red skyline and plumes of black smoke over the village, suggesting the marauding settlers might have set fire to the houses.
UPDATE NEWS
( The following news updated by CHT news and Views analysis platform)
In the morning(14th april) we got message that Settlers attacked Nabin Chandra Karbari Para(Village) at night.Villagers fled from the village. Though the Settlers didn't set fire the house but it was being apprehended that the house of the Jumma people have been vandalised. It is to be noted that Within and between the Jumma and settlers' village there are Bagachari Army Camp situated. No one could do harm without the concern of the Army.


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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Army beats up Khg Municipality Councilor

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Army beats up Khg Municipality Councilor



chtnews.com
News No.28/2009, April 13, 2009



Army personnel have beaten up Monang Dewan, an elected Councilor of Khagracahri Municipality, at Zero Mile check post, sources from Khagrachari said.



Mr. Dewan went there to enquire into an allegation that the army at the check post was providing shelter to some miscreants who had kidnapped a Jumma woman.



After the beating, hundreds of Jummas converged on Zero Mile to lodge their protest.



An unconfirmed report said the army personnel involved in the beating have been closed.



UPDF President Prasit Khisha in a statement condemned the beating of Monang Dewan and demanded exemplary punishment to those involved in the incident.



He said there is no chance of peace in the CHT as long as the army remains there, and demanded that the authorities withdraw the army from Zero Mile check post permanently.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Army beats up Khg Municipality Councilor

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Army beats up Khg Municipality Councilor



chtnews.com
News No.28/2009, April 13, 2009



Army personnel have beaten up Monang Dewan, an elected Councilor of Khagracahri Municipality, at Zero Mile check post, sources from Khagrachari said.



Mr. Dewan went there to enquire into an allegation that the army at the check post was providing shelter to some miscreants who had kidnapped a Jumma woman.



After the beating, hundreds of Jummas converged on Zero Mile to lodge their protest.



An unconfirmed report said the army personnel involved in the beating have been closed.



UPDF President Prasit Khisha in a statement condemned the beating of Monang Dewan and demanded exemplary punishment to those involved in the incident.



He said there is no chance of peace in the CHT as long as the army remains there, and demanded that the authorities withdraw the army from Zero Mile check post permanently.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

UPDF member arrested in Lakshmichari

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UPDF member arrested in Lakshmichari



chtnews.com
News No.24/2009, April 11, 2009



A member of the United People’s Democratic Front, popularly known by its acronym UPDF, was arrested by army in Lakshmichari under Khagrachari district on 7 April.



Party sources said UPDF member Rashik Chandra Chakma, 17, s/o Undujjya Chakma of Bardona village under Dullyatoli Union was arrested from the house of his relative at Jurgachari.



“Around 10pm a group of army from Lakshmichari zone raided the house of his relative and picked him up”, UPDF’s Niron Chakma in Khagrachari said and added that he was badly tortured in the camp before being handed over to the police the next day.



Quoting local sources he further said Rashik was booked under section 54 of the criminal procedure code and was sent to Khagrachari jail on 10 April, after 2 days confinement in the police station.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

PCP observes Logang Massacre Day

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PCP observes Logang Massacre Day



chtnews.com
News No.23/2009, April 10, 2009



The Hill Student’s Council has held a rally today in Panchari in Khagrachari district in commemoration of those killed in Logang Massacre in 1992.



At least at two points –Pujgang and Panchari army zone -- the army prevented hundreds of participants from coming to the meeting venue at College ground, one kilometer south of Panchari bazaar.



Despite that, the turn out has been satisfactory, PCP sources said, putting the figure at 1,200.



Presided over by PCP president Ricoh Chakma and conducted by its General Secretary Aungyo Marma, the meeting was addressed by Konica Dewan, Organising Secretary of Hill Women’s Federation and Sukiron Chakma, a member of the PCP, while Ratan Chakma read out the commemoration message.



Before the meeting, a team of the PCP and HWF met the TNO at his office and lodged a strong protest at the way the army was preventing the people from participating in the program.



However, the TNO brushed aside the complaint and instead ordered them not to use mike in the meeting. He also asked them not to bring out any procession, and to confine themselves to the rally.



In a bid to foil the commemoration meeting, the local military and civil administration in Panchari had imposed section 144 last night. However, they had to withdraw it subsequently after UPDF and its front organisations made a strong protest to the Khagrachari Deputy Commissioner.



Longang Massacre Day is a day which will never be forgotten by the Jumma people. It is often viewed as the My Lai of Chittagong Hill Tracts. On this day in 1992, a group of settlers in league with the paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles and Village Defense Party (VDP) personnel carried out an attack on unarmed Jumma civilians in Logang cluster village, killing at least 200 persons, including women and children, and burning down thousands of houses.



The incident evoked national and international condemnation, and acted as a catalyst to the formation of the National Committee for the Protection of Human Rights in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which played a crucial role in drawing media attention to the just cause of the Jumma people.



To eyewash the international community, the then Khaleda government formed a one-member inquiry committee headed by Justice Sultan Hossain Khan. In his inquiry report, which was made public -- an unusual phenomenon in Bangladesh where such inquiry reports usually never see the light of the day -- Mr. Khan absolved the perpetrators and laid down the army version of the incident verbatim.



Not only that, he went to the extent of making a recommendation that the government should arm the murderer settlers for “self-defense”. On the other hand, Mr. Khan maintained a complete silence about the need for safety and security of the Jumma villagers, who were the victims of the massacre.



The Jumma people, including the PCP, rejected the inquiry report of Sultan Hossain Khan and demanded exemplary punishment to the perpetrators.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Jumma – settler communal tension in Ghilachari

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Jumma – settler communal tension in Ghilachari



chtnews.com
News No. 19/2009, April 6, 2009



There have been reports of heightened tension between Jumma villagers and illegal settlers in Ghilachari under Rangmati district over ownership of land.



Democratic Youth Forum leader, Alakesh Chakma from Rantgamati told chtnews.com that tension had been brewing over the last few days as the settlers began planting pineapple saplings on lands Jumma villagers claim to be their own.



The Jummas lodged a strong protest about it, but the settlers paid no heed.



The matter came to a head 3 days ago when the Jummas destroyed the planted saplings.



The settlers instantly made it an issue and tried to whip up communal sentiment against the Jummas.



Hundreds of settlers came out on the Rangamati – Khagrachari road yesterday, blocked vehicles and forced the passengers to witness “the destruction” of their pineapple gardens.



Alakesh Chakma farther informed that they were worrying for four Jumma villagers who had gone to Islampur bazaar, a settler dominated market place, yesterday. “They have not returned till now”, he said quoting villagers in the area. Two of them are from Nanakrum village and the other two from Guchagram (cluster village).



Another source said vehicular movement on Rangamti – Khagracahri road remained closed today.



“No vehicle is plying on the road, and some Bhantes (Buddhist monks) from Naniachar were supposed to attend a religious function in Ranamati town; but they could not go.” he said.



UPDF’s Rangamati district organiser Shanti Dev Chakma expressed concern over the incident and urged both the Jummas and settlers to stay calm.



He also urged the government to prevent the settlers from grabbing Jumma people’s lands.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

ADC, SP visit Ghilachari



chtnews.com
News No.20/2009, April 6, 2009



In a bid to quell the ongoing tension between the Jummas and Bengali settlers over land grabbing, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati, Bishwajit Bhattacharya Khokan and the Superintendent of Police visited Ghilachari today at noon.



The ADC is reported to have promised to provide compensation to the settlers and urged them to withdraw the road blockade.



The Jummas expressed surprise at what they consider to be ADC’s misplaced attempt to placate the settlers.



A Jumma UP member accused the ADC of being biased, and said “It is unbelievable that the ADC should reward those who grabbed Jumma people’s lands in the first place.”



In another incident, the army carried out a raid into a Jumma village at Ghilachari where large numbers of villagers gathered together to defend themselves in the event of a possible settler attack.



No arrest was made during the raid on “17 Mile” area but it forced the Jummas to disperse.

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chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Conspiracy to capture Sadhana Bana Vihara continues

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Conspiracy to capture Sadhana Bana Vihara continues

chtnews.com
News No. 16/2009, March 20, 2009

Conspiracy to capture 300 acres of land belonging to Sadhana Bana
Vihara in Babuchara is still continuing as the army refuses to allow
house building materials into areas north of Babuchara army check
post. The army suspects that the materials will be used to construct a
Buddhist temple there.

Forcible grabbing of Jumma people’s land had become rampant after the
declaration of a state of emergency in the country in January 2007.
Even lands belonging to religious institutions were not spared.

At that time, the army and settlers also made numerous attempts to
capture Sadhana Bana Vihara’s land by force. But when the Jumma people
of the area put up an organised resistance, they retreated but
continued their efforts by changing their strategy.

The settlers filed a number of false cases against the Jummas, but in
the end of the day the Jummas came out victorius.

On 18 February 2009, two Bengali settlers filed another law suit with
the Khagrachari district judge’s court, and the court issued an
injunction ordering parties to maintain status quo.

After obtaining the court order, the army imposed an embargo on house
building materials such as brick, cement, iron rod, corrugated iron
sheet and sand to be carried beyond Babuchara army check post in the
direction of Sadhana Baba Vihar area.

This resulted in immense suffering of the common people who are not
being able to build new houses or repair old ones before the onset of
the rainy season which is not far off.

One Juboraj Chakma, who resides near the office of Babuchara Union
Council office, sought to import in corrugated iron sheets for the
reparation of his house. But the army and Village Defense Party
members prevented him from doing so. Like him, many other Jummas have
faced similar experience.

Apart from the embargo, the army regularly checks vehicles carrying
Jummas and holds them back for hours on end, for reasons best known to
it.

On 12 March, an ambulance carrying the dead body of a Jumma was halted
at the check post for 4 hours. On the same day, a jeep of a wedding
party was also halted and held back for three hours.

“But the army never checks or halts the vehicles of the Bengali
people”, alleged a Jumma villager of the area.

“This is awfully discriminatory, and we are really sick of it”, he further said.

Apparently to check out if the court order was being complied with,
soldiers from Babuchara sub-zone regularly visit Sadhana Bana Vihara.

On 7 March, they entered the dining hall of the Vihar with their boots
on and showered insults on Ven. Buddha Bongsha Bhikkhu, the chief
priest of the temple. He and other monks were taking their pre-midday
meal at the time.

On another occasion, the army ordered the chief priest to remove the
bricks, iron rods and other house building materials from the Vihar
area. But the monk told the army point blank that “that is not
possible”.

While there is smoldering resentment against the unlawful embargo
imposed by the army, the Jummas are also showing resilience. “We will
no more take such injustices lying down. We will fight the legal
battle, and do whatever we can to save Sadhana Bana Vihar.” said a
villager echoing the general sentiment of his fellow Jummas in
Babuchara.
..............................
chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service
dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's
struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information
please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Conspiracy to capture Sadhana Bana Vihara continues

cerebral palsy

Conspiracy to capture Sadhana Bana Vihara continues

chtnews.com
News No. 16/2009, March 20, 2009

Conspiracy to capture 300 acres of land belonging to Sadhana Bana
Vihara in Babuchara is still continuing as the army refuses to allow
house building materials into areas north of Babuchara army check
post. The army suspects that the materials will be used to construct a
Buddhist temple there.

Forcible grabbing of Jumma people’s land had become rampant after the
declaration of a state of emergency in the country in January 2007.
Even lands belonging to religious institutions were not spared.

At that time, the army and settlers also made numerous attempts to
capture Sadhana Bana Vihara’s land by force. But when the Jumma people
of the area put up an organised resistance, they retreated but
continued their efforts by changing their strategy.

The settlers filed a number of false cases against the Jummas, but in
the end of the day the Jummas came out victorius.

On 18 February 2009, two Bengali settlers filed another law suit with
the Khagrachari district judge’s court, and the court issued an
injunction ordering parties to maintain status quo.

After obtaining the court order, the army imposed an embargo on house
building materials such as brick, cement, iron rod, corrugated iron
sheet and sand to be carried beyond Babuchara army check post in the
direction of Sadhana Baba Vihar area.

This resulted in immense suffering of the common people who are not
being able to build new houses or repair old ones before the onset of
the rainy season which is not far off.

One Juboraj Chakma, who resides near the office of Babuchara Union
Council office, sought to import in corrugated iron sheets for the
reparation of his house. But the army and Village Defense Party
members prevented him from doing so. Like him, many other Jummas have
faced similar experience.

Apart from the embargo, the army regularly checks vehicles carrying
Jummas and holds them back for hours on end, for reasons best known to
it.

On 12 March, an ambulance carrying the dead body of a Jumma was halted
at the check post for 4 hours. On the same day, a jeep of a wedding
party was also halted and held back for three hours.

“But the army never checks or halts the vehicles of the Bengali
people”, alleged a Jumma villager of the area.

“This is awfully discriminatory, and we are really sick of it”, he further said.

Apparently to check out if the court order was being complied with,
soldiers from Babuchara sub-zone regularly visit Sadhana Bana Vihara.

On 7 March, they entered the dining hall of the Vihar with their boots
on and showered insults on Ven. Buddha Bongsha Bhikkhu, the chief
priest of the temple. He and other monks were taking their pre-midday
meal at the time.

On another occasion, the army ordered the chief priest to remove the
bricks, iron rods and other house building materials from the Vihar
area. But the monk told the army point blank that “that is not
possible”.

While there is smoldering resentment against the unlawful embargo
imposed by the army, the Jummas are also showing resilience. “We will
no more take such injustices lying down. We will fight the legal
battle, and do whatever we can to save Sadhana Bana Vihar.” said a
villager echoing the general sentiment of his fellow Jummas in
Babuchara.
..............................
chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service
dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's
struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information
please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Two innocent villagers arrested in Kudukchari

cerebral palsy

Two innocent villagers arrested in Kudukchari
It has been confirmed that Later they were released


chtnews.com
News No. 15/2009, March 18, 2009

Two innocent villagers have been arrested by army in Kudukchari under
Rangamati district.

Sources said a group of army personnel led by a captain from
Kudukchari camp raided the village of Kabukchari today and arrested
Amal Chakma, 45 and Dharma Chan Chakma, 45.

The name of the commander could not be known; he came to the camp only
two days ago.

The Jummas were picked up in the afternoon, and the army has taken
them to the camp, the sources said without giving further details.

Kabukchari lies about one and a half km west of the camp. Today’s raid
follows another two such recent raids into the village in as many
days.
..............................
chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service
dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's
struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information
please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Two innocent villagers arrested in Kudukchari

cerebral palsy

Two innocent villagers arrested in Kudukchari


chtnews.com
News No. 15/2009, March 18, 2009

Two innocent villagers have been arrested by army in Kudukchari under
Rangamati district.

Sources said a group of army personnel led by a captain from
Kudukchari camp raided the village of Kabukchari today and arrested
Amal Chakma, 45 and Dharma Chan Chakma, 45.

The name of the commander could not be known; he came to the camp only
two days ago.

The Jummas were picked up in the afternoon, and the army has taken
them to the camp, the sources said without giving further details.

Kabukchari lies about one and a half km west of the camp. Today’s raid
follows another two such recent raids into the village in as many
days.
..............................
chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service
dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's
struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information
please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com

Three innocent villagers arrested in Karallyachari

cerebral palsy

Three innocent villagers arrested in Karallyachari
After mind fearing interogation later they were released

chtnews.com
News No. 13/2009, March 16, 2009

Three innocent Jumma villagers were arrested by army yesterday from
Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir area in Karallyachari under Mahalchari Upazila
in Khagrachari district.

Warrant Officer, Md. Wahid of 13 Bir, stationed at Sarnath Arannyo
Kuthir, made the arrests at 9am while they were sawing logs in the
Kuthir (Buddhist temple) area.

The arrested have been identified as Shanti Ranjan Chakma, 45, s/o
late Ram Charan Chakma, Amar Singh Chakma, 40, s/o Biro Sen Chakma and
America Chakma, 45, s/o Kalabiza Chakma. They are from the village of
Karallyachari.

The army handed them over to the police station in Mahalchari.
However, no case has yet been filed against them, said Sunil Jibon
Chakma, ex-chairman of Kyang-ghat Union Council.

He further said newly-elected Mahalchari Upazila Chairman, Mr. Sona
Ratan Chakma contacted the Mahalchari zone headquarters of the army
yesterday and pleaded for their release; but his request went
unheeded.

“I have heard that there will be a meeting this morning at 10am at
Karallyachari where the issue will be discussed. Sona Ratan Chakma and
army officers are expected to attend this meeting.” Mr. Sunil said.

During the state of emergency in 2007 and 2008, the army and settlers
made repeated attempts to capture the Kuthir’s 8 acres of land and its
adjacent areas. The local administration imposed section 145 in the
area prohibiting the gathering of people and banning uplift work in
the Kuthir.

Army personnel have been deployed to the area since January.
..............................
chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service
dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's
struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information
please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com


UPDF leader’s house searched in Kudukchari, one arrested

chtnews.com
News No. 14/2009, March 16, 2009

The army has searched the house of a central committee member of the
United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) at Kudukchari and arrested a
neighbor, sources in Rangamati said.

A group of army personnel from Kudukchari camp raided the house of
Ananda Prakash Chakma, a member of the central committee of the UPDF,
in the village of Pora Adam today at 5:45pm.

The house lies within 250 yards of the camp, near Kudukchari bazaar.

The soldiers turned the house upside down, searching for firearms or
incriminating materials, but found none.

Mr. Ananda Prakash Chakma was not at home during the search, and the
army personnel interrogated his wife Monica Chakma about his
whereabouts.

Eyewitnesses said the soldiers were accompanied by a person with a
bandanna covering his face.

“The masked man stood at a corner of the house and talked something
into the ears of a soldier.” said an eyewitness who refused to be
named for security reasons.

He said after the search the army picked up Tindukkya Chakma, 32, from
his house.

Tindukkya Chakma, an innocent villager, has a false case against him
and is on bail.

The army left the scene at 6:10pm.
..............................
chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service
dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's
struggle for the right to self-determination. For further information
please contact at: chtnewsonline@gmail.com