| AMIDA TRUST |
| DETAILED REPORTS: CHAKMAS IN BANGLADESH |
| From our correspondant |
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REPORT FROM CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS, October 2002
Increasing military atrocities on the Jumma People Recently torture by the security forces on the indigenous Jumma People in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is increased. They are engaged in operation in several places in the name of searching so-called terrorists. During the operation, the army tortures innocent public. The army is also torturing even the Buddhist monk, women and children. The military rule in the name of "Operation Uttaran" is still in force in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). Therefore, the army authority still enjoys power to interfere with the civil administration and to conduct military operation in the CHT. In the name of that Operation Uttaran, the army is engaged in activities like interfering with the general administration and law and order situation, extension of the Bengali cluster villages and construction and maintenance of roads. Until now, they exercise power to control admission process of the Jumma students in higher educational institutions. Like before, the security forces is engaged in checking the vehicles establishing check posts on the roadside and carrying out military operation in villages in the name of searching for terrorists. The army is still implementing the so-called pacification program, which is unrealistic after the Accord. Under this program, they provide rations to the Bengali settlers and financial help to expand the settlers’ cluster villages on Jummas’ land. On 30/09/2002 a group of army (East Bengal Regiment) of Baghmara army camp led by Subedar Mokhles attacked on the following innocent Jummas of villages of Baghmara Union in Roangchari Thana under Bandarban Hill district, in the name of arresting terrorist. The army hurt the victims by boot, rifle’s butt, dao (local made sharp knife), stick etc. Shraman Naingda Sa-Ra (18), Buddhist Monk, s/o Sa U Prue Marma of village Jam ChariMukh Para Among the arrested 14 the following persons were handed over to the police and sent to the jail. On 7/9/2002 at 1:00 am a group of army attacked on the village Sao Para, 324 Chemi mouza, Kuhalong union parishad under Bandarban thana in Bandarban Hill District. The following persons received severe injuries. During the operation, the army threatened the villagers in the name of catching some people blacklisted as terrorist. During their stay, they forced the villagers to provide firewood, chickens and goats with less price. Most of the male villagers fled the village to escape from their torture. It was learnt that the army has special link with Mr. Salauddin Kader Choudhury, MP form Chittagong and the local Bengali from Bridgeghat area of Rangunia thana, Chittagong. The army blacklisted the followings without any cases filed against them; On 12/06/2002 at 12.30 a.m. army of 43 Bengal of Dighalchari zone under Kaptai brigade in Rangamati district arrested one returnee PCJSS member named Mr. Chanu Ranjan Chakma s/o Chandra Mohan Chakma of village Naraichari under Bilaichari sub-district in Rangamati district. After the arrest, the army conducted operation along with Chanu Ranjan Chakma in various places in Bilaichari in the name of searching illegal trafficking of timbers. During the operation, the army tortured him continuously. As a result, Chanu Ranjan got injuries in his hand, leg and body. After brutally torturing, he was released at 6.00 p.m. Chanu Ranjan admitted at Bilaicahri Health Complex and after that he was referred to Rangamati general hospital. The PCJSS protested against the brutally torture of Chanu Ranjan Chakma. The PCJSS expressed in its press release that though there is provision in the CHT Accord that all sorts of security shall be provided for the return of the members of PCJSS as per list also of their family members to normal life but army is continuously harassing the PCJSS members. The PCJSS demanded to punish army who were involved in this incident and to give composition to victim Chanu Ranjan Chakma. With regard to this incident, the army authority of Kaptai region sent a letter to PCJSS that an inquiry court was formed by the Kaptai region and asked PCJSS to send Chanu Ranjan to give statement to the court. But the region authority did not inform to PCJSS with whom the inquiry court was constituted. Chanu Ranjan Chakma would be sent to give statement to the court later. On 09/06/2002 commander of Mainimukh zone Lt. Colonel Salauddin held a meeting the local Jumma leaders at Bame Longadu army camp under Longadu sub-district in Rangamati district. In this meeting, the commander delivered speech against the CHT Accord and the PCJSS. He ordered the local people not to support the PCJSS. In the meeting, the students of Bame Longadu Non-government Primary School were compelled to attend the meeting. Like before the signing the CHT Accord under counter-insurgency programme, the commander distributed white paper and pen to the students and cloths to the teachers. As demand by the schoolteachers, the commander also granted Taka 5000/- for jungle cutting of road. But he threatened that they would be punished if the jungle of the road would not cut properly. After the meeting, the army seized 30-40 mound of firewood without pay from the villagers of Bame Longadu village and ordered to Mr. Rabindra Karbari of Rangapanichara village to supply 50-60 mounds of firewood to the army zone. The commander also issued same order to Mr. Bira Ranjan Karbari of village Hema Chandra Karbari Para but he agreed to pay Taka 250/- in lieu of firewood. On the other, the commander ordered the villagers of Ranchara village to come 30 persons to the zone office for collecting/extracting firewood from jungle. Report of Sept 2002 We have just received first reports and photos relating to kidnappings and the burning of houses of Chakma people in CHT and are seeking further information. REPORT FROM Venerable ANNOMADHARSHI BHIKKHU, Aug 2002
I was very much impressed to see the CHT people way of life and also at the same time I felt very sorry to see their troubles. I visited many places including Rangamati, Khagrachari and Dighinala. There are three districts altogether. I visited Ven. Bana Bhante (Bana means forest) at Rangamati who is like Dalai lama for the CHT Buddhist. And I also visited other monasteries and met many monks and devotees and indiginous chakma leaders too. There are nearly a thousand monasteries in CHT and monks (population 500 to 600). Those who are young monks and novices are persuing studies in various schools, college and universities. The CHT peace agreement not yet fully implemented by the present Government. Day by day many Bengali Muslim people are settling down to CHT area and also making many Mosque on the Chakma lands. So, in my own experienced the CHT future is very much critical.The Chakmas are divided into two groups by Bangladesh policy. There are many human violations going on in CHT area. The Military camps are still not withdrawn from CHT. I also attended the “Bangladesh Indigenous Cultural Form” held in Dhaka. I presented Dharmavidya's books to the monks and leaders and also told them of Amida Trust activities in UK and abroad. They were very happy after knowing from me and also grateful to the Amida Trustees for their helping hands to the down trodden Chakmas. I am going to North East with Ven. Priyo Jyoti to attend religious ceremony in Arunachal pradesh and Assam on 5th Sept. I have already contacted Sakya by telephone and expect to visit The Friendly Society members in Guwahati. I will let you know about North East after visiting them. With warmest regards. AnomadharshiSituation in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
(As of 15 April 2002)The present BNP led coalition government has no definite guideline regarding the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) issue. Therefore, the government could not declare its position clearly on the CHT Peace Agreement. Though some ministers like minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Ministry expressed that the CHT Accord would not be cancelled but the government's intension is to take some steps for modification of some points of the Accord it thinks inconsistent to the constitution. Accordingly, the government has been remained reluctant. Some related points are as below: According to the CHT Accord the Government did not appoint a cabinet minister for CHT Affairs Ministry among from Jumma. However, it appointed a Deputy Minister for the ministry. But the Government intentionally kept the CHT ministry under Prime Minister's control. Violating the CHT Accord the government appointed Mr. Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, MP from Khagrachari constituency, as chairman of the CHT Development Board (CHTDB). There was provision in the Accord that a tribal candidate would be given priority in appointing the Chairman of CHTDB. Mr. Bhuiyan is not tribal and permanent resident of CHT. He is a settler who settled in Khagrachari district during Ershad regime under the Government-sponsored transmigration programme. The Government is going to amend the Bangladesh constitution for reservation of seats in the parliament for the women. In this initiative, the Government planned to reserve a seat for each 61 plain districts but only one seat for three hill districts of CHT region. The Jumma people and Bengali permanent resident including Parbatya Chattagram Mahila Samiti (Women wing of PCJSS), Hill Women's Federation, PCJSS, PCP protested the government's plan and submitted memorandum to the Prime Minister to reserve 3 seats for 3 hill districts like plain districts. On the other, the Government did not take even single step to implement the unimplemented issues of CHT Accord, such as, formulation of CHT Land Disputes Settlement Commission Acts, transfer of subjects to Hill District Councils (HDCs), withdrawal of temporary camps from CHT, empowerment of CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) as per its act, rehabilitation of returnee Jumma refugees and internally displaced Jumma families etc. Moreover, the HDC and the administration of hill districts are not cooperating to the CHTRC. For instances- On 10 March 2002 CHTRC Chairman Mr. Santu Larma called coordination meeting among three HDC Chairmen who were recently appointed by the BNP government. However, chairman of Khagrachari Mr. Nakkhra Lal Devbarman and Chairman of Bandarban Ms. Myamya Ching Marma did not attend the meeting. CHTRC issued formal invitation letter and made contact over phone for attending the meeting. But at last they remained absence intentionally. Even the BNP workers blockaded road at Khagrachari to oppose the said meeting. The military control in the name of 'Operation Uttaran' is still in force in CHT. Therefore, the army authority still enjoys powers to interfere the civil administration and to conduct military operation through out the CHT. The army is still implementing the pacification programme, which is unrealistic after the Accord. Under the programme, the army provides ration to settlers and financial help to expand the settler's cluster villages on Jumma's land. In the name of afforestation, the forest department of three hill districts took initiative to acquire a vast are of USF (Unclassed State Forest). But according the HDC Acts, all the land and forest except Reserved Forest are under the jurisdiction of the HDCs and the government cannot acquire or transfer any lands, hills and forest under the jurisdictions of the HDCs without prior discussion and approval of the HDCs. On the other, the Jumma have been using lands (that were treated as USF by the forest department) for Jum cultivation. In some cases, the Jumma people have been living in the USF for year's together and planted trees. They have applied for settlement in a proper way to the concerned government authority. Demand for implementation of the CHT Accord
The Rangamati Nagarik Sangram Parishad (RNSP) (Rangamati Citizens' Action Council) demanded to the government to fully implement the CHT Accord without delay. In a press release, the president of the RNSP Md. Rehanuddin expressed that 70% of CHT problem would be solved if the land disputes were solved as per CHT Accord and rest of 30% problem would be solved through empowerment of the CHTRC as per its Act. Hence, he appealed to the BNP led coalition government to establish permanent peace in the CHT through settlement of land disputes. He asked the government to take necessary steps against the military backed terrorist group UPDF organization in order to smooth implementation process of the Accord. He opined that due to non-implementation of the Accord, the situation of the CHT is increasingly deteriorating day by day.Activities of the settlersAfter assuming in power the Government, the settlers become more active ever before against Jumma people in order to occupy Jumma people's land. For instances-On 20 February 2002 the settlers backed by Shramik League and BNP occupied the 38 acres of lands that were already owned 42 Marma families at Kyaching Karbari Para in Bandarban town. The settlers made houses on this land and hanged signboard of Krishak-Shramik Bhumihin Parishad (Farmer-Laborer Landless Council) and Shahil Zia Nagar. At first on 8 February the settlers of Shramik League (Laborer wing organization of Awami League) led by Abdul Majed, convenor of Shamik League and word commissioner of Bandarban Pourasava and Kazi Mujubur Rahman occupied the lands in the name of Krishak-Shramik Bhumihin Parishad. After that on 20 February BNP led settlers re-occupied the lands with and changed the name of the area as Shahid Zia Nagar. One settler named Ms. Sakhina Begum told to correspondent of national daily 'Protham Alo' that the word commissioner Abdul Majed gave them 1200 taka per family in the action to occupy and make house. The Marma people led by Mr. Kyaching Karbari protested against it. The Jumma people informed it to the Deputy Commissioner and Police Super Bandarban district to stop the construction of houses by the settlers and to return their land from forcible occupation of the settlers. On the other hand, a group army came there while the settlers were occupying the land. The army also took passive role at that time. The administration imposed 144 sections, which helped to occupy the land by the settlers. It was learnt that 42 Marma families including Kyaching Karbari possessed the aforesaid 38 acres of lands long before ago and applied for settlement to the concerned government authority. But the authority kept it hanging for long time with ill motive. In the meantime, the settlers initiated to occupy it. The dispute on this land is still continuing and hence, tension is still prevailing there for it. The Jumma people demanded to the government to settle the disputes and to give settlement to original Jumma owner very soon. On 2 March 2002 settlers took way 28 cows from Jumma villagers of Bagachari village under Naniarchar sub-district in Rangamati district. The Jumma villagers informed to the sub-district administration and local army camp. After that, the settlers returned back 8 cows to Jumma villagers but rest of the cows were not returned. It was notable that a settler named Md. Litton went to Shiyalya Para near Bagachari with curt to bring wood from the jungle and at that time the UPDF extortionists demanded 20,000 taka as toll from Md. Litton. Md. Litton disagreed to pay money and hence the UPDF extortionists seized his curt including cows. Md. Litton returned home and propagated that his curt and cows were seized by the Jumma villagers. As retaliation, the settlers took way cows of innocent Jumma villagers. During the retaliation action, the settlers tortured several villagers including women. On 5/03/02 settlers kidnapped a Jumma girl named Lita Marma (16) d/o Sushen Marma from Dhulu Para under Kaptai sub-district in Rangamati district. Lita Marma is a student of class ten of Chandraghona Paharika High School. Mr. Sishen Marma lodged a case with Chandraghona police station. Afetr 14 days she was recovered by the police but no body was arrested till to-date. The dwellers of this area believed that the police could not arrest the kidnappers as they have connection with the miscreants. On 13/3/02 the settlers kidnapped a Jumma girl named Ms. Kalpana Chakma (16) from Alikadam sub-district headquarter in Bandarban district. She went to her sister's house at Alikadam to attend the SSC examination. The kidnappers raided the house and kidnapped Ms. Kalpana. The police rescued her later from East Firoz Shah Colony of Pahartali in Chittagong and arrested kidnappers named Md. Ruhul Amin and his brother Fajal Kader from same place. At present, Kalpana Chakma is abnormal due to the shock.Demonstration organized by returnee Jumma refugeesOn 4 March 2002 Jumma Refugee Welfare Association (JRWA) organized a demonstration demanding the implementation of 20-point package deal and 16-point package deal that signed between the government and Jumma refugee leaders in 1997 and 1992 respectively. They submitted 22-point memorandum to the Prime Minister through Deputy Commissioner of Kahgrachari district. In the demonstration, Mr. Prabhakar Chakma, president of JRWA, Mr. Bakul Chandra Chakma, General Secretary of JRWA and Ananda Mohan Chakma spoked. They accused the Government for non-implementing the package deals. As a result, 3,055 families of returnee refugees could go their land due to presence of settlers. On the other, Government authority, army and settlers have been harassing them in connection with land disputes. Activities of UPDF
The Jumma villagers are increasingly became active against the activities of UPDF like extortion, kidnapping, killing, raping etc. In the several areas where UPDF is active. The villagers of Shivmandir, Kukichara and Gacchban under Khagrachari sub-district, Matiranga, Guimara and Manikchari sub-districts under Khagrachari district, Ghilachari area under Naniarchar sub-district and Kaukhali sub-district in Rangamati are resisting their own. In some areas the villagers collected country-made gun and formed self-defense. They are retaliating against the brutal activities of the UPDF armed cadres. The dwellers of the areas increased communication with another areas where Resistant Forces already formed and are working and resisting the UPDF's cadres with spontaneous support and help of the villagers. For instances-Last week of March 2002 an armed group of UPDF attacked upon the pro-accord villagers and the resistant forces at Kattali under Langadu sub-district in Rangamati district. But the villagers with the help of resistant forces stopped the UPDF. As result, the armed group of UPDF compelled to flee from the spot. On 23/03/02 a clash between the armed group of UPDF and resistant forces including the villagers has been happened at Larma Para of Thoichakma under Naniarchar sub-district in Rangamati district. The villagers of Larma para helped the resistant forces with their country-made gun. The villagers witnessed that two armed members of UPDF were killed in this clash. The killed UPDF members are the notorious elements of the said village. On 05/04/02 an armed clash between UPDF and pro-accord resistant forces has been occurred at Purna Bijoy Karbari Para of Gacchban area in Kahgrachari district. It was learnt that several UPDF members were injured in this clash. During the clash the army from Kukichara camp rushed there and arrested 3 persons including one member of UPDF with arm from spot. The villagers opined that the army rushed there to rescue the UPDF members as they were having causalities during clash. On 05/04/02 the army of Ghilachari camp and UPDF accusing each other at Ghilachari area near Gunia Para (from where the UPDF adducted 3 foreign national last year) under Naniarchar sub-district in Rangamati district. An armed group of UPDF has been conducting terrorist activities in this area for long time. That day the villagers informed army authority when the armed group of UPDF was extorting money from passengers of buses and then the army rushed there. After reaching the army there, the UPDF members fired upon the army and fled later. The army recovered one 47-AK rifle long with ammunition from the spot. The internal crux has been increasingly developed in the UPDF. The lower level workers of the UPDF are losing their confidant upon their leaders for the several reasons. As a result, several workers and moderate leaders became inactive and surrendered to the pro-accord resistant forces. Very recently 23 workers from Kaukhali area, several workers from Manikchari and Matiranga areas became inactive. The main reasons for development internal crux in the UPDF are- The top most leaders became corrupted and involved with women scandal. Some leaders made building and purchased immovable assets like land, timber garden etc through corruption. The Institute of Conflict Management treated the UPDF as terrorist organization. As a result, it lost international support and faced interrogation by the public in the field. The UPDF are increasingly losing public support for impetuous activities like extortion of money indiscriminately even from innocent formers and villagers, killing, kidnapping, participation in the last parliamentary election etc. The impetuous activities of the UPDF were not accepted to the most of the lower level workers. The top most leaders are living luxury life in Dhaka City whereas the others are working with very hard situation in the front line. The Jumma people and international community criticized the UPDF due to abduction of 3 foreign nationals and participation in the last parliamentary election, which was contradictory to the interest of the Jumma people. Continuous pressure and attacks upon the UPDF by the pro-accord resistant forces.However, till now the UPDF is continuing terrorist activities in some places in CHT, particularly, at Ghilachari area in Naniarchar sub-district, Kattali area in Longadu sub-district, Brahmachari and Kachukha areas in Kaukhali sub-district and Manikchari and Matiranaga sub-districts in Kahgrachari district. For instances- On 11/03/02 the UPDF armed cadres led Tapan Jyoti Chakma kidnapped the following villager with gunpoint. That day at 4.00 a.m. the UPDF cadres rounded up the Digalchari village under Barkal sub-district in Rangamati district and searched for PCJSS members and supporters waking up the sleeping villagers. At the last, they kidnapped the following villagers: 1) Mr. Lilamoy Karbari (50), village head of Digalchari village 2) Mr. Suman Chakma (28), teacher of CODEC (a non-government organization) 3) Mr. Kala Chakma (25), brother of Subhalong UP chairman Mr. Bihari Ranjan Chakma 4) Mr. Sijit Chakma (24) On 03/04/02 the UPDF organized a meeting chaired by Mr. Druba Jyoti Chakma at Swanirbhar bazar in Kahgrachari town against exploration and extraction of gas and oil in CHT and export gas to India as well. UPDF leaders threatened in the meeting that long march would be organized if the government would not postpone the plan to export gas to India and would not stop the exploration and extraction of gas and oil in CHT. The same protest meeting has been held by UPDF at TSC of Dhaka University on 01/03/02. Situation in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
(As of 2 February 2002)Activities of armed forces
On 6/01/2002 two army groups from Baranachari camp under Barkal upazila (sub-district) and Longadu upazila in Rangamati district camped temporarily at Chhota Kattali under Longadu upazila. The army camped there to conduct operations throughout the nearby Chhota Kattali areas. The army, side by side, conducted operations through Bandukbhanga, Mogban and Balukhali under Rangamati upazila, Subhalong under Barkal upazila, Bilaichari upazila, Kaukhali upazila including Ghagra, Pajasthali upazila and Kaptai upazila under Rangamati district. The army mainly patrolled the said areas. On 22/01/2002 the army of Kukichara camp beat the following Jumma youths while collecting donation for observation of Swarasati puja at Kukichara area under Khagrachari sadar upazila in Kahgrachari district. The victims were admitted at Khagrachari hospital with serious condition. The victims were: Mr. Ripan Tripura (16) s/o Shubhadhan Tripura; Mr. Karnadas Tripura (18) s/o Rupsing Tripura; Mr. Herendra Tripura (17) s/o Ranjit Tripura. UPDF activities
On 13/01/2002 at around 3.00 p.m. a group of UPDF cadres led by Madhu Milan Chakma alias Hilari (40) s/o Ranjanya Chakma of village Pagalichara under Longadu upazila & Srijan Chakma alias Polen (25) s/o Suresh Mohan Karbari of village Ukchari under Barkal upazila and a group of Muslim settlers from Baranachari under Barkal upazila led by Sohrab Hossain, Shahjahan Hawladar alias Bara Mian, Alam Faraji and Abul Gazi jointly kidnapped 5 (five) settlers fishermen including boat and fishing net from Bilwachari area under Barkal upazila. The kidnapped fishermen were taken to the area near to Barbania Armed Police Battalion (APB) camp. The armies (15 East Bengal) of no. 10 check post under Baranachari camp remained passive while kidnapping the fishermen from nearby area of their check post. The culprits demanded heavy amount of money as ransom.Recently, an understanding has been developed between UPDF and Muslim settlers to fight against the PCJSS. The UPDF argued that the PCJSS was against the settlers. It has been demanding to withdraw the settlers from CHT. So, the settlers should support UPDF if the settlers interested to stay in CHT as UPDF was not against the settlers. That is why the settlers were helping UPDF in various areas specially Barkal and Longadu upazilas. The UPDF tried to create communal riots by kidnapping the settlers. Generally, the settlers create communal tension or riots if any settler was killed, kidnapped or looted by the Jumma people. The UPDF cadres intentionally kidnapped the settler fishermen in order to create communal riots so that they could show the situation of CHT is abnormal and could use settlers against the PCJSS. Other reason was behind the helping the settlers to the UPDF that they (settlers) could earn money through kidnapping. On the other, a tripartite understanding between UPDF, army authority of Baranachari camp and the settlers was made to collect illegal tolls from timber boats, fishermen, fish traders etc. They shared out the collected tolls between them. Even one subedar of said army camp ordered the timber traders, fishermen and fish traders to pay tolls regularly. The UPDF cadres led by Bimal Chakma and Madhu Milan Chakma and some settlers with direct help of APB and Ansar of Barbania camp collect illegal tolls from every traders including timber, fish etc. On 21/01/2002 armed cadres of UPDF abducted Mr. Biplab Chakma, son of a rubber planter of Balyachari village under Matiranga upazila in Khagrachari district. He is yet to be recovered. On 24/01/2002 an armed group of UPDF led by Kanangu Chakma made target shooting with 0.22 rifle at Segun Bagan very near to Gilachari army camp under Naniarchar upazila in Rangamati district. The army of Gilachari camp remained passive while the armed activists of UPDF were shooting. On 30/01/2002 an armed group of UPDF attacked Dewanchara village in Naniarchar upazila in Rangamati district. In this attack, the UPDF cadres abducted an innocent youth. His dead body was recovered next day near village detaching his head from body. On the other, the house of Shanti Ranjan Chakma alias Sudreshya of Dewan Para village was burnt to ashes. Mr. Shanti Ranjan Chakma was a returnee PCJSS member. He was not present at home during the attack. UPDF activists looked for him. On 2/2/2002 at 1.30 p.m. general secretary of Ghagra PCP branch Mr. Bhuban Muni Chakma alias Bakya (25) s/o Padma Mohan Chakma of village Chowdhury Para of Ghagra under Kaukhali upazila in Rangamati district was shot dead at Ghagra on Chittagong-Rangamati road by three armed activists of UPDF. He was shot on back and died while taking Rangamati hospital. Rangamati district branch of PCP held protest meeting in the chair of Mr. Sudirgha Chakma, president of Rangamati district branch of PCP at Patrol Pupm area in Rangamati town at 5.00 p.m. The speakers of the meeting demanded immediate arrest and punishment of killers. They urged government to ban and to take necessary action against the terrorism of UPDF. They declared half-day strike on 4/2/2002 if the government failed to arrest the UPDF culprits. After the protest meeting, a procession was brought out from Patrol Pump area to at Rajbari area. According to declaration, half-day strike on 4/2/02 was observed peacefully. Death anniversary of Kyahlau Marma observed
On 26/01/2002 first death anniversary of Mr. Kyalau Marma (Bhante) was observed at Gaindya under Rajasthali upazila in Rangamati district. At 9.00 a.m. flower wreaths were given to the portrait of Kyahlau Marma. Mr. Chandra Shekhar Chakma, general secretary of PCJSS and Mr. Satyabir Dewan, central member of PCJSS gave flower wreaths on behalf of central committee of PCJSS. Central members Mr. Mangal Kumar Chakma and Ms. Madhabi Lata Chakma were also present there. On the other, Mr. Mongcha Thowai Marma on behalf of Rajasthali branch of PCJSS, Ms. Minu Ching Marma on behalf of Hill Women's Federation, Mr. Mungthui Aung Marma on behalf of Rejasthali branch of PCP and Mr. Suiching Hla Marma on behalf of Green Sporting Club also gave flower wreaths to the portrait of Kyahlau Marma.At 3.00 p.m. a memorial meeting on Kyahlau Marma's life was held at Gaindya Government Primary School. Mr. Chandra Shekhar Chakma delivered speech as chief guest in the meeting. Mr. Chakma said that Mr. Marma was a dedicated revolutionary worker in Jumma society. He was a dedicated follower of Jumma nationalism. He fought against the communism and oppression of BD government in his life. Hundreds of Marma, Tanchangya and Chakma people participated in his first death anniversary. It was mentionable that Mr. Kyahlau Marma was a central member of PCJSS. He was also a Buddhist monk. He joined PCJSS led armed struggle in 70s. He died last year on 26 January at Gaindya. He suffered throat cancer for long time. Activities of Khagrachari DC
During the observation of the victory day, the chairman of Khagrachari Hill District Council was not given to take guard of honor. The Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari district took guard of honor on 16 December 2001. After the formation of Hill District Councils in CHT in 1989, the chairmen of three Hill District Councils in Rangamati, Kahgrachari and Bandarban districts have been taking guard of honor in every year. After the formation of CHR Regional Council in 1998, chairman of CHT Regional Council has been taking guard of honor in Rangamati district. But this year, the DC of Khagrachari took it violating this procedure. It was mentionable that the chairmen of three HDCs hold deputy minister status.On the other hand, the DC of Khagrachari has been performing his duties bypassing chairman of Khagrachari HDC since becoming power of BNP. With this regard, chairman of Khagrachari HDC Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura called a meeting on 29/01/2002 at his office. Leaders of political parties including PCJSS were present in the meeting. Mr. Sudhasindu Khisa and Mr. Shaktipada Tripura attended the meeting on behalf of PCJSS. Mr. Tripura informed the activities of DC and overall situation of the district to the participants. On 31/01/2002 the Pankho-Lushai Welfare Organization organized a cultural programme at Khagrachari with direct help of Deputy Commissioner. DC of Khagrachari district was present as chief guest in this cultural function. The DC also delivered speech to the Pakho and Lushai people. A very few Pankho and Lushai people attended the function. It was mentionable that there were no Pankho and Lushai people in Khagrachari district. The Pankho and Lushai who attended the function have come from Sajek area under Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. Around 300 Pankho and Lushai people have been living in Sajek area. The Pankho and Lushai people living in Sajek formed the Pankho-Lushai Welfare Organization with direct help of army authority. Mr. Chungsang Karbari, ex chairman of Sajek Union Council was the chairman of the organization. The army authority has been trying to create communal tension against each other among the Jumma ethnic groups. The leaders of Pankho-Lushai Welfare Organization planned to create a district council comprising Sajek area. They also planned to take help from the government of Mizoram Indian state. Situation in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
(As of December 15, 2001)Activities of the Government:
The four-party Alliance headed by Prime Minister (PM) Begum Khaleda Zia assumed power on 15 October 2001. Mr. Moni Swapan Dewan who was elected as MP in the parliament election from Rangamati constituency as a BNP candidate has been made Deputy Minister of the CHT Affairs Ministry and the PM kept this Ministry under her.On 26 October 2001 Mr. Moni Swapan Dewan met PCJSS president J. B. Larma where Mr. Larma briefed Mr. Dewan about the positions of the CHT Agreement, the CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) and the 3 Hill District Councils (HDCs). PCJSS president handed over him 56-point notes to discuss with the PM Begum Khaleda Zia. Mr. J. B. Larma sent Mr. Rupayan Dewan a senior leader of PCJSS to Dhaka in October 2001 to make contact with some leaders of the BNP. Mr. Rupayan Dewan had a talk with Alamgir Kabir, state minister of Public Works and Housing. With an aim to have discussion with Mr. Larma, Mr. Kabir paid a visit to Rangamati on 8 November. In the meeting Mr. Kabir agreed not to take any decisions on CHT related issues without having consultation and consent from the PCJSS and the CHTRC. Mr. Kabir requested Mr. Larma to send delegate to Dhaka for having discussion with the government. Activities of the anti-accord UPDF
Soon after the national election, the anti accord UPDF activists has intensified their terrorist activities in some areas of the CHT especially in the areas where the UPDF candidate was defeated. As the victims of their terrorist activities, some villagers of Kamalchari in Khagrachari district including Mr. Kaladhan Chakma, a Primary School Teacher of Kamalchari were beaten and Mr. Birabahu Chakma was stabbed.They set up a toll collection center on Khagrachari-Dighinala road near Agriculture Research Center in Khagrachari district, which is one kilometer away from the Khagrachari Police Head Quarter. They forcibly collect toll from the poor people of Tripura ethnic people and other passengers. Even they charge taka 5 against each bunch of banana and firewood. On 15/10/2001 at 5.30 a.m. the villagers of Harinath Para in Khagrachari district were forcibly gathered and beaten at gunpoint by an armed group of UPDF. It was informed to Deputy Commissioner and Police Super of Khagrachari. But the administration did not take any action against the UPDF terrorists. The UPDF cadres ordered to Harinatha Para villagers to meet with them at Giriphul area where the UPDF set up their UPDF headquarter. On 16/10/2001 the UPDF armed cadres kidnapped an innocent youth named Mr. Khula Chakma from West Narankhiya under Khagrachari sadar. He was released later due to tremendous pressure of the local people. As the Hindu community of Mohalchari bazar under Mohalchari P.S. in the district of Khagrachari did not cast their votes for the UPDF candidate, the UPDF terrorists demanded taka 2 hundred thousand from the fund raised for the Durga Puja festival. The Puja committee was compelled to pay taka one hundred thousand and boycotted the festival protesting against the terrorist activities of the UPDF. The military and the local administration are assisting the UPDF activists in carrying out their under ground terrorist activities. On the other, the local administration in Khagrachari district involves the UPDF activists in the meetings on Law and Order restoration and various other government programmes with the aim to use the UPDF against the JSS by giving them space in the over ground politics. The UPDF, with the direct and indirect help of the army authorities are making attempts to gain grounds in CHT. During the recent parliamentary elections, the UPDF established its office openly at the house of Ananta Bihari Khisa (father of Prasit B. Khisa) Khagrachari with direct help of army and civil administration. Their workers carried arms and rucksacks to that office and placed armed sentry post there almost openly. It was notable that there were BDR camp and army cantonments near to it. The UPDF cadres were patrolling openly with arms at Swanirbhar area in Khagrachari sadar in front of BDR camp. During patrolling, they were searching the houses of PCP members and supporters and their relatives. The police for his travel provided Prasit Bikash Khisa, with the request from the Khagrachari Region Commander armed escort, after the parliamentary elections from Khagrachari to Chittagong on 6 October 2001. After the elections, the local officers of the army and the NSI expressed in Khagrachari that they were successful in establishing the UPDF during the parliamentary elections. The UPDF has accelerated its armed attacks upon PCJSS workers and supporters in the recent days. For instances:
Activities of Army
Activities of Bengali settlers
It has been observed that the Islamic Foundation, an Islamic fundamentalist organization has geared up its activities in CHT. This Foundation is going to establish a bank in CHT funded by the Islamic Bank of Bangladesh. The settlers and other non- tribal persons are to get financial facilities from it. The settlers in CHT have become morally up and have again started occupying lands illegally at some areas in CHT. The Jamat e Islami also has come up actively and recently held meetings and processions in Rangamati and few other places to highlight their demands for equal rights with the Jumma people.
After the general election held on 1 October 2001, the Bengali settlers' activities against the CHT Accord have been found more. Soon after the present government (led by BNP) was formed, the Bengali settlers submitted memorandum to the Prime Minister (PM) demanding the followings:
Later in April 2001, CHT Regional Council Chairman ordered the DC and Brigade Commander to take initiatives in removing those Bengali settlers. Further, on 1-7-2001, in the meeting of the Advisory Committee of the CHT Affairs Ministry, it was decided that the Bengali settlers would be removed. But, till today, the Bengali settlers are yet to be taken away. Moreover, on 23-11-2001, the Bengali settlers started constructing houses on the lands of Jummas at Chongrachari under Lemuchari Mouza. The Jummas came under attack of the settlers as the Jummas tried to prevent them from occupying their lands. In this attacks 20 Jummas including Chairman of Mohalchari Sadar Union Mr. Arcemadis Chakma and Rev. Ratnapriya Shraman, a Buddhist monk were severely injured. The owners of land lodged a case against 21 settlers. But no body was arrested. A 4-member inquiry committee headed Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mr. Mosharaf Hossain was formed. The other member of the committee was representative of Police Super, representative of Zone Commander of army and Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Mohalchari. However, the Jumma was not happy with this committee, as the civil and military administration has been always favoring to the settlers.
Besides, 147 Bengali settler families of Kobakhali under Dighinala upazila of Khagrachari District started cutting jungle for constructing new houses on the lands of Jummas and applied to the Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari Hill District for land entitlement. With regard to that Headman of No. 53 Kobakhali Mouza Mr. Dipankar Dewan, Mr. Shanti Bikash Karbari, Mr. Bimal Chandra Karbari, Mr. Pramode Bikash Karbari and Mr. Anil Bikash Karbari submitted an application to the DC praying to cancel the cases of land settlement and to prevent them from constructing houses. In the same way, the Bengali settlers of Baghaichari and Longudu in Rangamati District are processing to occupy the lands of the Jummas. Wadood Bhuiyan, MP from Khagrachari and other settler leaders presently belong to the BNP and Jamat-e-Islami in CHT are making attempts to influence the government particularly the PM Khaleda Zia to fulfil some demands of the settlers. Most important was that they demanded appointment of Wadood Bhuiyan either as state minister on the CHT Affairs or as chairman of the CHT Development Board.
CHT Land Commission
On 12-7 2001, just one day before the Awami League government handed over its power to the Caretaker Government, passed the "CHT Land Dispute settlement Commission Act-2001" in the parliament. This Act was passed without having consultation with the CHT Regional Council. Consequently, the passed Act contains some provisions that contradict to the CHT Accord. The contradictory provisions in the Act are:
It was defined that Returnee Refugees were those who were enlisted under the Agreement made in 1997 in Agartala of India between Bangladesh government and the refugee leaders. Although it was written in the CHT Accord, there were other refugees who returned earlier based on the agreement made in 1992 between Bangladesh government and refugee leaders, there are internal displaced persons and other who has dispute over lands has been excluded from the present Act. Even disputes over fringe lands have been excluded from the Act. It was passed in the Act that unanimous decisions on land disputes will be taken by the chairman of the commission in consultations with other members of the commission, failing of which the decision of the chairman would be considered as the final decision. This act permits the chairman to hold unitary and autocratic power. Regarding the appointment of the secretary, other officers and employees of the commission, although it was stated in the provision of the CHT Accord that the tribal and the permanent non-tribal residents of CHT would be preferred to get employed in all governmental, semi-government, councils and autonomous institutions, but this provision was not included in the land commission act. On 29/10/2001 the Land Commission chairman Rtd. Justice Kazi Ebadul Hoque who was appointed through discussion with the PCJSS president in August 2001 was replaced one-sidedly by Rtd. Justice Mahmudur Rahman. The Law minister Barrister Maudud Ahmed took up the initiative. They did not take any opinion even from Mr. Moni Swapan Dewan. Demonstration demanding to rehabilitate IDP
On 19/11/2001 Tribal Internally Displaced Persons' Association organized a demonstration rally in Khagrachari town demanding immediate rehabilitation of the internally tribal displaced persons. They submitted a memorandum to the PM through the DC of Khagrachari demanding-
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