Bengali settlers try to attack Jumma village in Longadu

On 14 August 2009 a group of Bengali settlers tried to attack Jumma villages at Bagachadar union under Longadu upazila (sub-district) in Rangamati district. At least four Jumma villagers were allegedly beaten and looted in this assault.

It is learnt that as per recent government declaration of withdrawal of 35 temporary camps, Kathaltali camp was declared to withdraw and accordingly, out of 30 personnel of the camp, 15 were closed to Longadu zone on 13 August 2009 and rest of forces were supposed to withdraw on 14 August 2009.

It is also reported that early in the morning on 14 August Bengali settlers from Thega Para under Bagachadar union very closed to Kathaltali camp gathered at the place near to the camp and blockaded the camp to prevent withdrawal of the forces.

At a stage around 11.30 am, a group of Bengali settlers from Thega Para equipped with lather sharp weapon and stick tried to attack on indigenous Jumma villages namely Ranjit Para and Bagachadar village. However, Jumma villagers opposed the Bengali settlers’ attack.

At that time, following Jumma villgers were attacked at Thega Para village by Bengali settlers while they were returning home from Boiragi Dokan bazaar (market). This attack was made when the victims reached at Thega Para, a village of Bengali settlers situated middle of Ranjit Para and Boiragi Doka Bazzar. They were severely beaten and looted. The victims were:

1. Mr. Vim Chakma (22), s/o Banshi Mohan Chakma of Ranjit Para (cell phone & Tk 200 looted);

2. Mr. Surja Chakma (38) s/o late Rangachan Headman of Chibarega (cell phone & Tk 1000 looted);

3. Mr. Amalendu Chakma (35) s/o Bara Bandhu Chakma of Ranjit Para (Tk 1,200 looted);

4. Mr. Chandra Mohan Headman alias Bandukya (68) s/o late Jarmajoy Chakma of Rangi Para.

They were also compelled to sign in a paper stating that they were not beaten and looted by the Bengali settlers.

It is learnt that sensing the incident, Vice Chairman of Upazila Parishad Mr. Jane Alam, Officer-in-Charge of Longadu police station Mr. Dajjala and one Subedar (lower level commander) of Kathaltali camp rushed the spot. However, they seized all the sticks from Jumma villgers except Bengali settlers. They also held a meeting with representative of Bangali settlers and Jumma villegrs at Kathalitali camp where a committee was formed with following representatives:

Bengali settlers: Makbul, Shamsul Sarder, Jamshed leader, Kasem member, Borhan member, Gaffar (an army) and Wasim Ali Akand chairman (Bagachadar UP).

Jumma villegrs: Binoy Prasad Chakma, Tarit Kanti Chakma, Profulla master, Bina Chakma (UP member), Rupen Chakma, Sunil Kanti headman, Runu Chakma (UP member) and Subhash Chakma.

The members of the committee were asked to pacify the own community. However, the Jumma representatives alleged that Jumma villagers did not attack the Bengali settlers, rather Bengali settlers tried to do so. Hence, action should be taken against the Bengali settlers.