Ethnic minority people in Rajshahi on Sunday demanded immediate arrest of and punishment for the killers of their elderly leader Kartik Kisku.
They made the demand from an hour-long human chain participated by over a hundred indigenous people under the banner of Jatiya Adibashi Parishad from 11:00 am.
Their leaders also demanded CID investigation into Kisku’s murder in village Joyda Adarpara under Godagari upazila of the district last week.
Addressing the human chain, leaders of the ethnic people said hired goons of local influentials and land grabbers had killed Kartik Kisku, 65, who was a leader of the Jatiya Adibashi Parishad.
Kisku went missing Tuesday afternoon. Locals found his body in a canal on Wednesday.
Kapaeeng Foundation
The speakers also complained that incidents of such killings and attack on ethnic minority communities had increased in the northern region in the recent times.
They also called upon the administration to take steps to protect their lives and property from the land grabbers.
They expressed grave concern that organised gangs, backed by local influential people, were killing ethnic minority people and driving them out from their homesteads in a planned way.
They also alleged that the influential people of the area were trying to cover up the incident and criticised the police for their inaction.
--
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tripura school teacher sexual abused by Bengali settlers in Panchari
Kapaeeng Foundation
On 18 October 2009 at 11.00 am a pre-primary school teacher of UNICEF Para Kendra (16 years) of village Sindhu Karbari Para of Waduk Para of Panchari Mouza under Panchari upazila (sub-district) of Khagrachari district was abused by two unknown Bengali settler while taking bath near the stream.
It is learnt that while taking bath in stream suddenly two Bengali settlers came and made tighter her mouth and show knife and tried to rape her but due to shouting of victim culprit were fled away. Unfortunately she was not able to mention their name but confess that, those settler’s faces were known to her.
A FIR was lodged in Panchari police station and she was sent to Khagrachari sadar hospital for medical test. Local Tripura community leader Mr. Shushil Jibon Tripura, General Secretary of Bangladesh Tripura Kalyan (Welfare) Samsad (BTKS), Mr. Sukanta Tripura, Organizing Secretary of BTKS Headman Khetra Mohan Roaza, Chairperson of Durbar Network Shefalika Tripura, General Secretary of Khagrapura Mahila Kalyan Samity (KMKS) Shapla Tripura, Kuheli Chakma of Durbar Network, Advocate Anupam Chakma, Legal Adviser of Zabarang Kalyan Samity, Pramod Bikash Tripura, EX President of Tripura Student Forum, Bangladesh, Joytee Tripura, Office Secretary of BTKS has visited her in hospital.
After completing some formalities she was sent to Khagrachari Judicial Magistrate Court and it is learnt that a case was filled in Judicial Magistrate Court, Khagrachari.
Tripura woman raped by miscreants at Sonaichari in Chittagong
On 30 October 2009 an indigenous Tripura woman (19 years) was become a victim of gang raped in Sonaichari of Sitakunda under Chittagong district.
It is learnt that, in the hilly region of Keshabpur of Sonaichari Union under Sitakunda upazila (sub-district) a 19 years young girl from Rangamati (who was there to visit their relatives) was gang raped by local Union Parishad (Local government council councilor) member Jahur and his 7 associates. Forcefully she was taken by them in the hilly region at evening.
She was recovered by her relatives unconsciously at next morning and then taken to Sitakunda police station. After filling a case at Sitakunda police station she was examined by doctors.
Case was filled against Jahur Member (45), Suman (28), Hannan (32), Nuruzamman (42), Shamim(32), Selim (34) and Mona (45). All of them were inhabitant of Keshabpur village under Sonaichari Union of Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong district.
It is mentionable that Sitakunda area is exclusively indigenous Tripura inhabitant area especially in mountain region of Sitakunda and very unfortunately it has become a common feature of this area. They are very poor and depend on forest resources.
==============
On 18 October 2009 at 11.00 am a pre-primary school teacher of UNICEF Para Kendra (16 years) of village Sindhu Karbari Para of Waduk Para of Panchari Mouza under Panchari upazila (sub-district) of Khagrachari district was abused by two unknown Bengali settler while taking bath near the stream.
It is learnt that while taking bath in stream suddenly two Bengali settlers came and made tighter her mouth and show knife and tried to rape her but due to shouting of victim culprit were fled away. Unfortunately she was not able to mention their name but confess that, those settler’s faces were known to her.
A FIR was lodged in Panchari police station and she was sent to Khagrachari sadar hospital for medical test. Local Tripura community leader Mr. Shushil Jibon Tripura, General Secretary of Bangladesh Tripura Kalyan (Welfare) Samsad (BTKS), Mr. Sukanta Tripura, Organizing Secretary of BTKS Headman Khetra Mohan Roaza, Chairperson of Durbar Network Shefalika Tripura, General Secretary of Khagrapura Mahila Kalyan Samity (KMKS) Shapla Tripura, Kuheli Chakma of Durbar Network, Advocate Anupam Chakma, Legal Adviser of Zabarang Kalyan Samity, Pramod Bikash Tripura, EX President of Tripura Student Forum, Bangladesh, Joytee Tripura, Office Secretary of BTKS has visited her in hospital.
After completing some formalities she was sent to Khagrachari Judicial Magistrate Court and it is learnt that a case was filled in Judicial Magistrate Court, Khagrachari.
Tripura woman raped by miscreants at Sonaichari in Chittagong
On 30 October 2009 an indigenous Tripura woman (19 years) was become a victim of gang raped in Sonaichari of Sitakunda under Chittagong district.
It is learnt that, in the hilly region of Keshabpur of Sonaichari Union under Sitakunda upazila (sub-district) a 19 years young girl from Rangamati (who was there to visit their relatives) was gang raped by local Union Parishad (Local government council councilor) member Jahur and his 7 associates. Forcefully she was taken by them in the hilly region at evening.
She was recovered by her relatives unconsciously at next morning and then taken to Sitakunda police station. After filling a case at Sitakunda police station she was examined by doctors.
Case was filled against Jahur Member (45), Suman (28), Hannan (32), Nuruzamman (42), Shamim(32), Selim (34) and Mona (45). All of them were inhabitant of Keshabpur village under Sonaichari Union of Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong district.
It is mentionable that Sitakunda area is exclusively indigenous Tripura inhabitant area especially in mountain region of Sitakunda and very unfortunately it has become a common feature of this area. They are very poor and depend on forest resources.
==============
Meeting of the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee held
By PCJSS
On 26 October 2009 meeting of the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee was held at the office of Deputy Leader of the Parliament in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka. Presided over by Ms. Sayeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Convenor of the CHT Accord Implementation Committee and Deputy Leader of the Parliament, the meeting was attended by other two members of the Committee, namely, Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, President of PCJSS and Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, Chairman, Task Force on Rehabilitation of the Returnee Refugees and IDPs.
Besides, among others, State Minister for Ministry of the CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, MP; Chairman of the CHT Development Board Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP; Chairman of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Mr. Khademul Islam; Secretary of MoCHTA Mr. Masud Ahmed and Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong division were also invited in the meeting.
The main agenda of the meeting was to assess the progress of the implementation of the CHT Accord. Among others, amendment of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Act 2001 as per recommendation of CHT Regional Council, transfer of subjects to the three Hill District Councils (HDCs), approval of Rules of CHT Regional Council and three HDCs; setting up of separate offices for CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee, CHT Land Commission and Task Force and appointment of adequate staffs for proper functioning of these offices, withdrawal of all temporary camps and de facto military rule ‘Operation Uttoron’ etc were discussed in the meeting.
In particular, transfer of subject to the HDCs prioritizing law and order, police (local), land and land management, secondary education, environment, youth development, local tourism etc through office order instead of the agreement between the HDC and concerned ministry were discussed.
Finally, decisions were made to set up three separate offices for the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee, CHT Land Commission and Task Force and to take effective measures for appointment of adequate staffs and providing logistic support for proper functioning of these offices.
In the meeting the issues of Land disputes and land survey were emphatically discussed. The Chairman of Land Commission emphasized for the land survey at the moment. Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP and J B Larma, President of PCJSS in particular explained that unless land disputes were resolved through the Land Commission land survey could not be arranged in CHT.
Coordination Meeting of MoCHTA held
On 20 October 2009 a coordination meeting was held by the Ministry of the CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) at the conference hall of MoCHTA in Dhaka. Presided over by Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, State Minister of MoCHTA, the following persons were present in the meeting-
(1) Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, Chairman, CHT Regional Council
(2) Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP and Chairman, Task Force on Rehabilitation of the Returnee Refugees and IDPs
(3) Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP and Chairman of the CHT Development Board
(4) Mr. Kyashwehla Marma, Chairman, Bandarban Hill District Council
(5) Mr. Nikhil Kumar Chakma, Chairman, Rangamati Hill District Council
(6) Mr. Ruithi Marma, Chairman, Khagrachari Hill District Council
(7) Mr. Khademul Islam, Chairman, CHT Land Dispute Commission
(8) Mr. Masud Ahmed, Secretary and other Officials of MoCHTA
(9) Secretary of Land Ministry
(10) Dr. Aslam Alam, Director General of Directorate of Land Survey and Settlement
(11) Three Deputy Commissioners of three Hill Districts
(12) Superintendent of Police, Bandarban Hill district
(13) Mr. Jafar Ahmed, Additional Superintendent of Police, Khagrachari Hill district
(14) Additional Superintendent of Police, Rangamati Hill district
Discussion was held on the matters of law and order situation, land issues, brick field, development projects etc. of CHT in the meeting.
CHTRC Chairman Mr. J B Larma raised the issues of the implementation of the CHT Accord, transfer of subject to the HDCs prioritizing law and order, police (local), land and land management, secondary education, environment, youth development, local tourism etc; withdrawal of all temporary camps and de facto military rule ‘Operation Uttoron’; approval of Rules of CHT Regional Council and three HDCs; setting up of offices for the Task Force and Land Commission etc.
Jatindra Lal Tripura and Mr. Bir Bahadur said that Land survey should be, as per CHT Accord, conducted after resolution of the land disputes and rehabilitation of Jumma Refugees and internally Displaced Jumma Families.
In the meeting the Deputy Commissioners spoke about the law and order situation. Sourendranath Chakraborty, DC of Rangamati told that the law and order situation in the district was well. Incidents compared to Plain districts were less. But there were elements, who all the time made attempts to highlight the situation the worst just to create chaos. He explained how based on a rumour some elements (Bengalee muslims) got fullest preparation to set fire on the houses (of Jumma People) at Tribal Adam of Banarupa Area of Rangamati District Headquarter at deep night around 1.30 am on 01 September 2009. He personally went the spot and stopped the incident.
It is noted that there was instigation from the Settlers’ leaders in collaboration with some local army commanders. The Jumma people too were ready to resist the communal rioters.
DC of Bandarban reported that in the recent months 19 persons of Neighbouring Myanmar were killed and 11 arms were captured including three persons of so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Liberation Front), a small band of extortionists.
DC of Khagrachari reported the incident of arrest of Islamic terrorists on 3 October 2009 in Matiranga Thana Area.
Additional Superintendent Police (SP) of Khagrachari blamed UPDF (United Peoples Democratic Front) for extortion of money and creating chaos through holding rallies recently and he demanded banning of it.
In the meeting Mr. Khademul Islam, Chairman of the Land commission opined that he was a Justice and would function independently and would start land survey in CHT at the moment.
Mr. J B Larma told that Chairman of Land Commission is not independent rather a member of the Commission. CHT Accord says that land survey will be conducted after the completion of the rehabilitation programme and resolution of land disputes. He said that land problem in CHT should be resolved as per CHT Accord.
Dr. Aslam Alam, Director General of Land Records and Survey Department said that fund allocation should be made first and logistic supports should be provided for land survey in CHT. He added that if land survey were held that would take about 15 years and proper funding as well. So, that would not be possible at the moment.
Mr Dipankar Talukdar said that quoted the provision of the CHT Accord about the land survey and opined to have stern action against the Islamic fundamentalist terrorists in CHT. He reiterated to have implementation of the CHT Accord.
In fact, there was held discussion only and no specific decision was made in the meeting.
Meeting between CHTRC Delegation and Education Minister held
On 27 October 2009 a 3-member delegation of CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) led by Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma called on Education Minister Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid at his office of Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The other members of the CHTRC delegation were Mr. Raktotpal Tripura and Mr. K S Mong Marma.
CHTRC delegation proposed to transfer subjects of secondary education, primary education in mother tongue and vocational education through office order and to include recommendation of the CHTRC in the draft Education Policy.
The Education Minister assured that he would see the points and try to do so. He also said that he would go to Rangamati for opinion sharing with the mass people on setting up a Science and Technology University in Rangamati. In replaying the query about setting up said university, CHTRC delegation said that they had reservation on this issue considering backward socio-economic condition of indigenous Jumma peoples and other related realities and circumstances. However, the CHTRC delegation invited Education Minister to visit Rengamati for opinion-exchange with residents of CHT and concerned authorities for the same.
Meeting between CHTRC Delegation and Law Minister held
On 25 October 2009 a 4-member delegation of CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) led by Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma called on Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Mr. Shafique Ahmed at his office of Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The other members of the CHTRC delegation were Mr. Raktotpal Tripura, Mr. Mahbubur Rahman and Mr. K S Mong Marma. Secretary of the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry was also present in the meeting.
CHTRC delegation submitted following points for implementation before Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry-
(a) to enact or amend any law related to CHT in consultation with CHTRC as per CHT Accord and CHTRC Act 1998;
(b) to synchronise CHT Regulation of 1900 with the CHT Accord, CHTRC Act 1998, HDC Acts 1998 and Rules of Business of MoCHTA;
(c) to transfer all subjects to the HDCs through office order instead of agreement between concerned HDC and concerned ministry;
(d) to appoint permanent residents giving priority to indigenous Jumma peoples to all jobs in CHT;
(e) to include recommendation of the CHTRC in the Education Policy;
(f) to conduct land survey in CHT after the resolution of land disputes and completion of rehabilitation programme;
(g) to amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001 as per recommendations of CHTRC;
The Law Minister assured that he would go through the points. In replying to the amendment of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001, he told that he would do so in consultation with Land Ministry. He also suggested the CHTRC delegation to send detailed proposal on issues of (a) and (b) items mentioned above from CHTRC soon and then he would take necessary action as per recommendation. He agreed to hold next meeting on these issues formally.
On 26 October 2009 meeting of the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee was held at the office of Deputy Leader of the Parliament in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka. Presided over by Ms. Sayeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Convenor of the CHT Accord Implementation Committee and Deputy Leader of the Parliament, the meeting was attended by other two members of the Committee, namely, Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, President of PCJSS and Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, Chairman, Task Force on Rehabilitation of the Returnee Refugees and IDPs.
Besides, among others, State Minister for Ministry of the CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, MP; Chairman of the CHT Development Board Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP; Chairman of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Mr. Khademul Islam; Secretary of MoCHTA Mr. Masud Ahmed and Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong division were also invited in the meeting.
The main agenda of the meeting was to assess the progress of the implementation of the CHT Accord. Among others, amendment of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Act 2001 as per recommendation of CHT Regional Council, transfer of subjects to the three Hill District Councils (HDCs), approval of Rules of CHT Regional Council and three HDCs; setting up of separate offices for CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee, CHT Land Commission and Task Force and appointment of adequate staffs for proper functioning of these offices, withdrawal of all temporary camps and de facto military rule ‘Operation Uttoron’ etc were discussed in the meeting.
In particular, transfer of subject to the HDCs prioritizing law and order, police (local), land and land management, secondary education, environment, youth development, local tourism etc through office order instead of the agreement between the HDC and concerned ministry were discussed.
Finally, decisions were made to set up three separate offices for the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee, CHT Land Commission and Task Force and to take effective measures for appointment of adequate staffs and providing logistic support for proper functioning of these offices.
In the meeting the issues of Land disputes and land survey were emphatically discussed. The Chairman of Land Commission emphasized for the land survey at the moment. Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP and J B Larma, President of PCJSS in particular explained that unless land disputes were resolved through the Land Commission land survey could not be arranged in CHT.
Coordination Meeting of MoCHTA held
On 20 October 2009 a coordination meeting was held by the Ministry of the CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) at the conference hall of MoCHTA in Dhaka. Presided over by Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, State Minister of MoCHTA, the following persons were present in the meeting-
(1) Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, Chairman, CHT Regional Council
(2) Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP and Chairman, Task Force on Rehabilitation of the Returnee Refugees and IDPs
(3) Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP and Chairman of the CHT Development Board
(4) Mr. Kyashwehla Marma, Chairman, Bandarban Hill District Council
(5) Mr. Nikhil Kumar Chakma, Chairman, Rangamati Hill District Council
(6) Mr. Ruithi Marma, Chairman, Khagrachari Hill District Council
(7) Mr. Khademul Islam, Chairman, CHT Land Dispute Commission
(8) Mr. Masud Ahmed, Secretary and other Officials of MoCHTA
(9) Secretary of Land Ministry
(10) Dr. Aslam Alam, Director General of Directorate of Land Survey and Settlement
(11) Three Deputy Commissioners of three Hill Districts
(12) Superintendent of Police, Bandarban Hill district
(13) Mr. Jafar Ahmed, Additional Superintendent of Police, Khagrachari Hill district
(14) Additional Superintendent of Police, Rangamati Hill district
Discussion was held on the matters of law and order situation, land issues, brick field, development projects etc. of CHT in the meeting.
CHTRC Chairman Mr. J B Larma raised the issues of the implementation of the CHT Accord, transfer of subject to the HDCs prioritizing law and order, police (local), land and land management, secondary education, environment, youth development, local tourism etc; withdrawal of all temporary camps and de facto military rule ‘Operation Uttoron’; approval of Rules of CHT Regional Council and three HDCs; setting up of offices for the Task Force and Land Commission etc.
Jatindra Lal Tripura and Mr. Bir Bahadur said that Land survey should be, as per CHT Accord, conducted after resolution of the land disputes and rehabilitation of Jumma Refugees and internally Displaced Jumma Families.
In the meeting the Deputy Commissioners spoke about the law and order situation. Sourendranath Chakraborty, DC of Rangamati told that the law and order situation in the district was well. Incidents compared to Plain districts were less. But there were elements, who all the time made attempts to highlight the situation the worst just to create chaos. He explained how based on a rumour some elements (Bengalee muslims) got fullest preparation to set fire on the houses (of Jumma People) at Tribal Adam of Banarupa Area of Rangamati District Headquarter at deep night around 1.30 am on 01 September 2009. He personally went the spot and stopped the incident.
It is noted that there was instigation from the Settlers’ leaders in collaboration with some local army commanders. The Jumma people too were ready to resist the communal rioters.
DC of Bandarban reported that in the recent months 19 persons of Neighbouring Myanmar were killed and 11 arms were captured including three persons of so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Liberation Front), a small band of extortionists.
DC of Khagrachari reported the incident of arrest of Islamic terrorists on 3 October 2009 in Matiranga Thana Area.
Additional Superintendent Police (SP) of Khagrachari blamed UPDF (United Peoples Democratic Front) for extortion of money and creating chaos through holding rallies recently and he demanded banning of it.
In the meeting Mr. Khademul Islam, Chairman of the Land commission opined that he was a Justice and would function independently and would start land survey in CHT at the moment.
Mr. J B Larma told that Chairman of Land Commission is not independent rather a member of the Commission. CHT Accord says that land survey will be conducted after the completion of the rehabilitation programme and resolution of land disputes. He said that land problem in CHT should be resolved as per CHT Accord.
Dr. Aslam Alam, Director General of Land Records and Survey Department said that fund allocation should be made first and logistic supports should be provided for land survey in CHT. He added that if land survey were held that would take about 15 years and proper funding as well. So, that would not be possible at the moment.
Mr Dipankar Talukdar said that quoted the provision of the CHT Accord about the land survey and opined to have stern action against the Islamic fundamentalist terrorists in CHT. He reiterated to have implementation of the CHT Accord.
In fact, there was held discussion only and no specific decision was made in the meeting.
Meeting between CHTRC Delegation and Education Minister held
On 27 October 2009 a 3-member delegation of CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) led by Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma called on Education Minister Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid at his office of Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The other members of the CHTRC delegation were Mr. Raktotpal Tripura and Mr. K S Mong Marma.
CHTRC delegation proposed to transfer subjects of secondary education, primary education in mother tongue and vocational education through office order and to include recommendation of the CHTRC in the draft Education Policy.
The Education Minister assured that he would see the points and try to do so. He also said that he would go to Rangamati for opinion sharing with the mass people on setting up a Science and Technology University in Rangamati. In replaying the query about setting up said university, CHTRC delegation said that they had reservation on this issue considering backward socio-economic condition of indigenous Jumma peoples and other related realities and circumstances. However, the CHTRC delegation invited Education Minister to visit Rengamati for opinion-exchange with residents of CHT and concerned authorities for the same.
Meeting between CHTRC Delegation and Law Minister held
On 25 October 2009 a 4-member delegation of CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) led by Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma called on Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Mr. Shafique Ahmed at his office of Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The other members of the CHTRC delegation were Mr. Raktotpal Tripura, Mr. Mahbubur Rahman and Mr. K S Mong Marma. Secretary of the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry was also present in the meeting.
CHTRC delegation submitted following points for implementation before Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry-
(a) to enact or amend any law related to CHT in consultation with CHTRC as per CHT Accord and CHTRC Act 1998;
(b) to synchronise CHT Regulation of 1900 with the CHT Accord, CHTRC Act 1998, HDC Acts 1998 and Rules of Business of MoCHTA;
(c) to transfer all subjects to the HDCs through office order instead of agreement between concerned HDC and concerned ministry;
(d) to appoint permanent residents giving priority to indigenous Jumma peoples to all jobs in CHT;
(e) to include recommendation of the CHTRC in the Education Policy;
(f) to conduct land survey in CHT after the resolution of land disputes and completion of rehabilitation programme;
(g) to amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001 as per recommendations of CHTRC;
The Law Minister assured that he would go through the points. In replying to the amendment of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001, he told that he would do so in consultation with Land Ministry. He also suggested the CHTRC delegation to send detailed proposal on issues of (a) and (b) items mentioned above from CHTRC soon and then he would take necessary action as per recommendation. He agreed to hold next meeting on these issues formally.
Indigenous people stage long march in 8 dists for rights
Kapaeeng Foundation
Thousands of indigenous people yesterday joined long marches in Natore, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Pabna, Bogra, Joypurhat, Thakurgaon and Dinajpur districts to press home their demand for forming a separate land commission to protect land rights of the indigenous people living in plain lands.
Jatiya Adivasi Parishad (JAP) organised the programmes.
Several hundred people marched about 30 kilometres from Kakonhat to reach Rajshahi deputy commissioner's office at around 2:00pm, reports our staff correspondent from Rajshahi.
They held a rally on the DC office premises and submitted a memorandum demanding formation of a separate land commission to resolve the land-related problems of the indigenous people of plain lands.
The indigenous people demanded stopping occupation of their lands in the name of land survey and using forged deeds.
Proper investigations should be carried out to resolve the land related problems in the plain lands, they said.
JAP President Anil Marandi led the demonstration in Rajshahi.
Thakurgaon unit of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad yesterday submitted memorandum to the prime minister through Thakurgaon deputy commissioner demanding their constitutional rights and formation of a separate land commission for the indigenous people of plan land, reports our Thakurgaon correspondent.
Indigenous people have suffered discriminations in different fields as the government did not pay proper attention to their cause, speakers said at the discussion organised by the indigenous people in front of the deputy commissioner's office.
Urging the government to save the indigenous people's land from grabbers, they said all fake documents prepared to occupy indigenous people's lands should be declared illegal.
They demanded withdrawal of all false cases against indigenous people.
After a procession that paraded different streets in the town, the participants started for Birol upazila under Dinajpur district where indigenous people from 16 districts of the northern region will attend a huge rally today.
Our Pabna correspondent adds: Jatiya Adivasi Parishad yesterday brought out a procession in Pabna town and submitted memorandum to the prime minister through the deputy commissioner's office demanding steps to establish rights of indigenous people living in plain lands.
Several hundred indigenous people joined a procession from the premises of Pabna Tarash Bhaban at noon.
After parading the main streets in the town, they held a protest meeting in front of Pabna Deputy Commissioner's Office.
President of district unit of JAP Ram Prashad Mahato chaired the protest meeting where indigenous leaders Jaleshar Mahato, Jagannath Mahato, Filip Samaddar Khakan, Suruti Mahato, Aloka Mahato spoke, among others.
The indigenous people contributed to making the land fertile but now they are neglected in their own country, speakers said at the meeting.
Indigenous people are becoming landless as criminals with the help of a section of officials are grabbing their lands, they said.
They demanded establishment of a separate land commission for the indigenous people living in plain lands so that they can live with dignity, maintaining own tradition and culture.
==============
Thousands of indigenous people yesterday joined long marches in Natore, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Pabna, Bogra, Joypurhat, Thakurgaon and Dinajpur districts to press home their demand for forming a separate land commission to protect land rights of the indigenous people living in plain lands.
Jatiya Adivasi Parishad (JAP) organised the programmes.
Several hundred people marched about 30 kilometres from Kakonhat to reach Rajshahi deputy commissioner's office at around 2:00pm, reports our staff correspondent from Rajshahi.
They held a rally on the DC office premises and submitted a memorandum demanding formation of a separate land commission to resolve the land-related problems of the indigenous people of plain lands.
The indigenous people demanded stopping occupation of their lands in the name of land survey and using forged deeds.
Proper investigations should be carried out to resolve the land related problems in the plain lands, they said.
JAP President Anil Marandi led the demonstration in Rajshahi.
Thakurgaon unit of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad yesterday submitted memorandum to the prime minister through Thakurgaon deputy commissioner demanding their constitutional rights and formation of a separate land commission for the indigenous people of plan land, reports our Thakurgaon correspondent.
Indigenous people have suffered discriminations in different fields as the government did not pay proper attention to their cause, speakers said at the discussion organised by the indigenous people in front of the deputy commissioner's office.
Urging the government to save the indigenous people's land from grabbers, they said all fake documents prepared to occupy indigenous people's lands should be declared illegal.
They demanded withdrawal of all false cases against indigenous people.
After a procession that paraded different streets in the town, the participants started for Birol upazila under Dinajpur district where indigenous people from 16 districts of the northern region will attend a huge rally today.
Our Pabna correspondent adds: Jatiya Adivasi Parishad yesterday brought out a procession in Pabna town and submitted memorandum to the prime minister through the deputy commissioner's office demanding steps to establish rights of indigenous people living in plain lands.
Several hundred indigenous people joined a procession from the premises of Pabna Tarash Bhaban at noon.
After parading the main streets in the town, they held a protest meeting in front of Pabna Deputy Commissioner's Office.
President of district unit of JAP Ram Prashad Mahato chaired the protest meeting where indigenous leaders Jaleshar Mahato, Jagannath Mahato, Filip Samaddar Khakan, Suruti Mahato, Aloka Mahato spoke, among others.
The indigenous people contributed to making the land fertile but now they are neglected in their own country, speakers said at the meeting.
Indigenous people are becoming landless as criminals with the help of a section of officials are grabbing their lands, they said.
They demanded establishment of a separate land commission for the indigenous people living in plain lands so that they can live with dignity, maintaining own tradition and culture.
==============
PCJSS (Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti)
Kapaeeng Foundation
On 15 October 2009 at 11.00 am, a school going girl named Jasho Bala Tripura (17), d/o Dugal Tripura of village Arbari of Bailyachari area under Guimara union of Matiranga upazila (sub-district) in Khagrachari was molested by a Bengali settler Md. Hossen s/o Jasmat Ali of village Rasulpur under Matiranga in Khagrachari district while she was going to school. She is a Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C) candidate from Matiranga Pilot High School. It is also learnt that, settlers leader whipped the culprit Md. Hossen and beg apology to Jumma leaders including Guimara Union Parishad councilor Renu Bala Tripura.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Guimara Thana, Sub-Inspector Mr. Badiuzzaman visited the spot afternoon but nobody has come to complain him.
Due to governments sponsored settler’s rehabilitation in CHT region Indigenous Jumma women were not secured in their own territory. Sociological and cultural disparity occurs; women were more vulnerable, molested, raped and killed everywhere nowadays even after signing the CHT Accord.
Reported by LARA.
On 15 October 2009 at 11.00 am, a school going girl named Jasho Bala Tripura (17), d/o Dugal Tripura of village Arbari of Bailyachari area under Guimara union of Matiranga upazila (sub-district) in Khagrachari was molested by a Bengali settler Md. Hossen s/o Jasmat Ali of village Rasulpur under Matiranga in Khagrachari district while she was going to school. She is a Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C) candidate from Matiranga Pilot High School. It is also learnt that, settlers leader whipped the culprit Md. Hossen and beg apology to Jumma leaders including Guimara Union Parishad councilor Renu Bala Tripura.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Guimara Thana, Sub-Inspector Mr. Badiuzzaman visited the spot afternoon but nobody has come to complain him.
Due to governments sponsored settler’s rehabilitation in CHT region Indigenous Jumma women were not secured in their own territory. Sociological and cultural disparity occurs; women were more vulnerable, molested, raped and killed everywhere nowadays even after signing the CHT Accord.
Reported by LARA.
Meeting of the Task Force held in Khagrachari
PCJSS
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti)
On 5 October 2009 meeting of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Jumma Refugees and Internally Displace Persons was held at Khagrachari circuit house.
Presided over by Chairman of Task Force Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP from Khagrachari constituency, the meeting was attended by following members of the Task Force-
1. Mr. Ruithy Karbari, Chairman of Khagrachari Hill District Council
2. Mr. Aung Prue Mro, Representative of the Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council
3. Mr. Brishaketu Chakma, Representative of the Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council
4. Mr. Santoshita Chakma Bakul, Representative of Jumma returnee refugees
5. Major Lokman, Representative of GOC of 24th Infantry Division, Chittagong Cantonment
6. Mr. N A N Siddique, Member-Secretary of Task Force and Commissioner of Chittagong division
7. Mr. S M Shafi, Member of Task Force and Representative of Bengali community.
Due to unavoidable reason, representative of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) was absent. No representative from CHT Affairs Ministry attended the meeting. Concerned government officials including Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari district and ADC of Rangamati and Bandarban district were also present in the meeting.
This meeting was an initial meeting of the newly reconstituted Task Force. There was no specific agenda item of the meeting for discussion. However, the agenda items of next meeting of the Task Force were decided. The agenda items were (1) to determine the process of identification and inclusion of actual internal displaced families; (2) 20-points package facilities; (3) holding of Task Force monthly meeting; (4) field level visit and staffing and funding of the Task Force.
As per decision to hold meeting of Task Force monthly, the next meeting is scheduled to hold in the month of November 2009.
--
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti)
On 5 October 2009 meeting of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Jumma Refugees and Internally Displace Persons was held at Khagrachari circuit house.
Presided over by Chairman of Task Force Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP from Khagrachari constituency, the meeting was attended by following members of the Task Force-
1. Mr. Ruithy Karbari, Chairman of Khagrachari Hill District Council
2. Mr. Aung Prue Mro, Representative of the Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council
3. Mr. Brishaketu Chakma, Representative of the Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council
4. Mr. Santoshita Chakma Bakul, Representative of Jumma returnee refugees
5. Major Lokman, Representative of GOC of 24th Infantry Division, Chittagong Cantonment
6. Mr. N A N Siddique, Member-Secretary of Task Force and Commissioner of Chittagong division
7. Mr. S M Shafi, Member of Task Force and Representative of Bengali community.
Due to unavoidable reason, representative of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) was absent. No representative from CHT Affairs Ministry attended the meeting. Concerned government officials including Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari district and ADC of Rangamati and Bandarban district were also present in the meeting.
This meeting was an initial meeting of the newly reconstituted Task Force. There was no specific agenda item of the meeting for discussion. However, the agenda items of next meeting of the Task Force were decided. The agenda items were (1) to determine the process of identification and inclusion of actual internal displaced families; (2) 20-points package facilities; (3) holding of Task Force monthly meeting; (4) field level visit and staffing and funding of the Task Force.
As per decision to hold meeting of Task Force monthly, the next meeting is scheduled to hold in the month of November 2009.
--
Human rights groups urge Land Commission to cancel CHT land survey decision
Kapaeeng Foundation
(A human rights organisation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh)
On 7 October 2009 at a press conference held at Reporters’ Unity auditorium in Dhaka, human rights groups urged the Land Commission to scrap its decision to conduct a land survey in CHT before resolving the land disputes.
They made the demand following the announcement of the CHT Land Commission on September 8 to start a land survey from October 15 which will end on March 15 of next year.
The press conference titled 'Importance of resolving land dispute and land survey in CHT ' was organised jointly by the Association for Land Reform and Development Commission (ALRD), Ain O Salish Kendro, HDRC, Nijera Kori, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Kapaeeng Foundation and Khagrachari Headmen Association. The press statement was signed by Rtd justice Md. Golam Rabbani, Ms. Sultana Kamal of Ain O Salish Kendro, Ms. Khushi Kabir of Nijera Kori, Prof. Abul Barakat of Dhaka University, Mr. Samshul Huda of ALRD, Mr. Sanjeeb Drong of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Mr. Shakti Pada Tripura of Khagrachari Headmen Association, Mr. Sudatta Bikash Tanchangya of CHT Forest and Land Rights Movement and Mr. Dipayan Khisa of Kapaeeng Foundation.
Rights groups said in the written statement that the decision to conduct land survey in the CHT before resolving the disputes over the ownership of lands would only intensify the complexities. He added that the announcement of starting land survey before resolving the disputes over the ownership stands against the spirit of CHT Accord and the election manifesto of the government. He also raised question about the experience of the officials of the Directorate of Land Record and Survey to conduct land survey in CHT and said the decision to complete the land survey in CHT within five months is nothing but an imaginary plan.
They made following demands for total disputed land in CHT and strengthening the Land Commission-
(1) to stop any initiative of land survey in three hill districts of CHT;
(2) to amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Acr 2001 as per recommendation during the current session of the Jatiya Sangsad on urgent basis;
(3) to identify land disputes of different places of CHT and to initiate for formulation of databse on this regard;
(4) to start land dispute sesolution in consultation with CHT Regional Council, Circle Chiefs, CHT Affairs Ministry and other concerned leaders of indigenous peoples as per CHT Accord;
(5) to appoint necessary officers and employees including secretary of Land Commission immediately in order to setting up of its office as per CHT Accord;
(6) to strengthen Land Commission as independent commission in accordance with democratic norms to ensure that it could not be turned a rubber of any person;
(7) to allot adequate fund for strengthening and making office of the Land Commission effective.
The statement of the rights group was read out by Samshul Huda, Executive Dircetor of ALRD while former Justice Golam Rabbani and Bangladesh Adivasi Forum General Secretary Sanjib Drong were present at the press conference.
==============
(A human rights organisation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh)
On 7 October 2009 at a press conference held at Reporters’ Unity auditorium in Dhaka, human rights groups urged the Land Commission to scrap its decision to conduct a land survey in CHT before resolving the land disputes.
They made the demand following the announcement of the CHT Land Commission on September 8 to start a land survey from October 15 which will end on March 15 of next year.
The press conference titled 'Importance of resolving land dispute and land survey in CHT ' was organised jointly by the Association for Land Reform and Development Commission (ALRD), Ain O Salish Kendro, HDRC, Nijera Kori, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Kapaeeng Foundation and Khagrachari Headmen Association. The press statement was signed by Rtd justice Md. Golam Rabbani, Ms. Sultana Kamal of Ain O Salish Kendro, Ms. Khushi Kabir of Nijera Kori, Prof. Abul Barakat of Dhaka University, Mr. Samshul Huda of ALRD, Mr. Sanjeeb Drong of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Mr. Shakti Pada Tripura of Khagrachari Headmen Association, Mr. Sudatta Bikash Tanchangya of CHT Forest and Land Rights Movement and Mr. Dipayan Khisa of Kapaeeng Foundation.
Rights groups said in the written statement that the decision to conduct land survey in the CHT before resolving the disputes over the ownership of lands would only intensify the complexities. He added that the announcement of starting land survey before resolving the disputes over the ownership stands against the spirit of CHT Accord and the election manifesto of the government. He also raised question about the experience of the officials of the Directorate of Land Record and Survey to conduct land survey in CHT and said the decision to complete the land survey in CHT within five months is nothing but an imaginary plan.
They made following demands for total disputed land in CHT and strengthening the Land Commission-
(1) to stop any initiative of land survey in three hill districts of CHT;
(2) to amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Acr 2001 as per recommendation during the current session of the Jatiya Sangsad on urgent basis;
(3) to identify land disputes of different places of CHT and to initiate for formulation of databse on this regard;
(4) to start land dispute sesolution in consultation with CHT Regional Council, Circle Chiefs, CHT Affairs Ministry and other concerned leaders of indigenous peoples as per CHT Accord;
(5) to appoint necessary officers and employees including secretary of Land Commission immediately in order to setting up of its office as per CHT Accord;
(6) to strengthen Land Commission as independent commission in accordance with democratic norms to ensure that it could not be turned a rubber of any person;
(7) to allot adequate fund for strengthening and making office of the Land Commission effective.
The statement of the rights group was read out by Samshul Huda, Executive Dircetor of ALRD while former Justice Golam Rabbani and Bangladesh Adivasi Forum General Secretary Sanjib Drong were present at the press conference.
==============
Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban issued unlawful letter to Headmen
Kapaeeng Foundation
(A human rights organisation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh)
On 23 September 2009 Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Bandarban district Mr. Mizanur Rahman issued a letter to all Headmen of Bohmong circle ordering not to issue any land deed to any person without permission from him. Issuance of this letter is controdictory to the rights of indigenous Jumma peoples in CHT. He also threatened that Headman would be removed from his headmanship if any Headman handed over such deed.
It is mentionable that according to Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation of 1990, Headmen of CHT region have the rights to give settlement of 0.30 acre of land to any mouza resident and accordingly to issue land deed to him.
It is also worth mentioning that the land lands under the jurisdiction of mouza are regarded as common property of mouza residents. The common lands are those which belong to the indigenous community with shared rights of access. The indigenous people have right to these lands and its resources, by virtue of their common ownership of these areas, and traditional economic activities such as fishing, hunting and gathering are carried out in these areas. Jum lands fall within this category, as do the lands used for orchards, grazing and for growing sungrass (used to make thatched roofs). The forests are also included within this category of mouza commons, and are the common property pf the indigenous community with equal rights of access, use and extraction.
However, Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban issued this letter violating the rights of indigenous Jumma peoples and rights & responsibilities of Headmen. He one-sidedly claimed these lands as state-owned. He also indiscriminately alleged against the Headmen to have involved with corruption.
DC also issued a letter to Mr. Loyal Devid Bawm, a member of CHT Regional Council to stop construction of building for tribal museum at Shita Pahar (Chimbuk-Thanchi road) of Pantala mouza under Ruma upazila in Bandarban district. He claimed that construction of building on government land without permission is illegal. However, Mr. Bawm got permission/recommendation from Mr. Lumlai Mro, Headman of Pantala mouza & local Jumma villagers and accordingly applied for registration for this land.
Local residents believed that DC of Bandarban district starts these activities when the possibility of functioning of land commission for resolution of land disputes in CHT is seen.
(A human rights organisation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh)
On 23 September 2009 Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Bandarban district Mr. Mizanur Rahman issued a letter to all Headmen of Bohmong circle ordering not to issue any land deed to any person without permission from him. Issuance of this letter is controdictory to the rights of indigenous Jumma peoples in CHT. He also threatened that Headman would be removed from his headmanship if any Headman handed over such deed.
It is mentionable that according to Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation of 1990, Headmen of CHT region have the rights to give settlement of 0.30 acre of land to any mouza resident and accordingly to issue land deed to him.
It is also worth mentioning that the land lands under the jurisdiction of mouza are regarded as common property of mouza residents. The common lands are those which belong to the indigenous community with shared rights of access. The indigenous people have right to these lands and its resources, by virtue of their common ownership of these areas, and traditional economic activities such as fishing, hunting and gathering are carried out in these areas. Jum lands fall within this category, as do the lands used for orchards, grazing and for growing sungrass (used to make thatched roofs). The forests are also included within this category of mouza commons, and are the common property pf the indigenous community with equal rights of access, use and extraction.
However, Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban issued this letter violating the rights of indigenous Jumma peoples and rights & responsibilities of Headmen. He one-sidedly claimed these lands as state-owned. He also indiscriminately alleged against the Headmen to have involved with corruption.
DC also issued a letter to Mr. Loyal Devid Bawm, a member of CHT Regional Council to stop construction of building for tribal museum at Shita Pahar (Chimbuk-Thanchi road) of Pantala mouza under Ruma upazila in Bandarban district. He claimed that construction of building on government land without permission is illegal. However, Mr. Bawm got permission/recommendation from Mr. Lumlai Mro, Headman of Pantala mouza & local Jumma villagers and accordingly applied for registration for this land.
Local residents believed that DC of Bandarban district starts these activities when the possibility of functioning of land commission for resolution of land disputes in CHT is seen.
Marma girl raped and then kidnapped by Bengali settler in Sindukchari
On 4 September 2009 an orphan Marma girl (13 years) of Nakbai Para of Sindukchari area under Mahalchari upazila in Khagrachari district was raped and then kidnapped by Bengali settler named Md. Ripan (35) s/o Shahjahan Patowari of Zianagar village under Manikchari upazila in Khagrachari district.
It is learnt that Md. Ripan, a construction labour who has two wives was brought as labourer by Mr. Babul contractor Tintahari village of Manikchari upazila to work for construction of culvert of Drung stream at Nakbai village under Sindukchari union. The victim along her family lives near the Drung stream. Md. Ripan frequently visits victim’s house in the name of drinking of water.
On 4 September 2009 victim’s mother Ms. Myama Marma went to the Pathachara Buddhist temple to attend the funeral ceremony of the monk leaving victim alone at the house. By taking advance of this opportunity, Md. Ripan entered the house of victim and offered victim to go with him for searching job at garment factory. At a stage, Md. Ripan raped the victim and then kidnapped forcefully.
Victim was taken to Noakhali district. On 14 September 2009 two constables named Md. Rafiq and Tajul Islam arrested Md. Ripan along with the victim in Noakhali while Md. Ripan along the Marma girl was suspiciously moving there. Md. Ripan and victim were handed over to the Guimara police station on 15 September 2009. On that day, victim’s mother Ms. Myama Marma filed a raping and kidnapping case under section 10 of Women and Children Repression (Amendment) Act of 2003 against Mr. Ripan on 15 September 2009. On 16 September statement of the culprit Md. Ripan and the victim was taken by the judicial magistrate court of Khagrachari district.
On 15 September the victim was taken to Khagrachari district hospital for medical check-up. But the medical report is yet to be received.
Tripura girl tried to rape by Bengali settler in Sindukchari
On 13 September 2009 a Tripura girl (18 years) of Manjoy Karbari Para of Sindukchari area under Mahalchari upazila in Khagrachari district was tried to rape by a Bengali settler named Md. Alamgir (27) s/o Altaf Munsi of Muslim Para of Sindukchari area.
It is learnt that on that day around 11.00 am victim was taking lunch for her father at Jum field of Choto Mura Para under Sindukchari, at that time Md. Alamgir blocked her and tried to be closed by talking with the victim. But failing to be closed, Alamgir first hit victim from the back that cause to falling lunch basket from hand of victim. At this stage, victim tried to run for escaping, but Alamgir caught her from the back. At a stage of scuffle, victim became naked and was pulled to the bottom of hill of Paisongchara. Then Alamgir tried to rape and kill by holding victim’s throat tight. Hearing the shouts, victim’s father Shaheed Kumar Tripura proceeded toward the spot. Sensing the present of victim’s father, Alamgir rapidly left the spot. Victim sustained several injuries including nose and mouth.
After rescuing his daughter, victim’s father Mr. Matindra Kumar Tripura went to the office of the Sindukchari union and put objection before the chairman and members of the union. At that time, Mr. Rashedul Islam Bhuiyan, Sub-Inspector (SI) of Guimara police station was also present at Sindukchari union office. But he did not take any action against the culprit. Victim filed a case under section 10 of Women and Children Repression (Amendment) Act of 2003 against Md. Alamgir on 13 September 2009. But police did not arrest the culprit so far.
Durbar Network and several women organisation organised press conference protesting violence against Jumma women including following three incidents, such as-
(1) rape of Chakma woman (20 yrs) with disabilities by Grameen Bank named Nazrul Islam in Dighinala on 31 July 2009,
(2) killing of Ponemala Tripura by Bengali settlers on 3 September 2009 at Sindukchari and
(3) rape and kidnapping of Tripura girl (18 yrs) by Md. Alamgir on 13 September 2009.
The rights groups demanded arrest and trial of Bengali settlers involved with these incidents.
==============
Kapaeeng Foundation
(A human rights organisation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh)
It is learnt that Md. Ripan, a construction labour who has two wives was brought as labourer by Mr. Babul contractor Tintahari village of Manikchari upazila to work for construction of culvert of Drung stream at Nakbai village under Sindukchari union. The victim along her family lives near the Drung stream. Md. Ripan frequently visits victim’s house in the name of drinking of water.
On 4 September 2009 victim’s mother Ms. Myama Marma went to the Pathachara Buddhist temple to attend the funeral ceremony of the monk leaving victim alone at the house. By taking advance of this opportunity, Md. Ripan entered the house of victim and offered victim to go with him for searching job at garment factory. At a stage, Md. Ripan raped the victim and then kidnapped forcefully.
Victim was taken to Noakhali district. On 14 September 2009 two constables named Md. Rafiq and Tajul Islam arrested Md. Ripan along with the victim in Noakhali while Md. Ripan along the Marma girl was suspiciously moving there. Md. Ripan and victim were handed over to the Guimara police station on 15 September 2009. On that day, victim’s mother Ms. Myama Marma filed a raping and kidnapping case under section 10 of Women and Children Repression (Amendment) Act of 2003 against Mr. Ripan on 15 September 2009. On 16 September statement of the culprit Md. Ripan and the victim was taken by the judicial magistrate court of Khagrachari district.
On 15 September the victim was taken to Khagrachari district hospital for medical check-up. But the medical report is yet to be received.
Tripura girl tried to rape by Bengali settler in Sindukchari
On 13 September 2009 a Tripura girl (18 years) of Manjoy Karbari Para of Sindukchari area under Mahalchari upazila in Khagrachari district was tried to rape by a Bengali settler named Md. Alamgir (27) s/o Altaf Munsi of Muslim Para of Sindukchari area.
It is learnt that on that day around 11.00 am victim was taking lunch for her father at Jum field of Choto Mura Para under Sindukchari, at that time Md. Alamgir blocked her and tried to be closed by talking with the victim. But failing to be closed, Alamgir first hit victim from the back that cause to falling lunch basket from hand of victim. At this stage, victim tried to run for escaping, but Alamgir caught her from the back. At a stage of scuffle, victim became naked and was pulled to the bottom of hill of Paisongchara. Then Alamgir tried to rape and kill by holding victim’s throat tight. Hearing the shouts, victim’s father Shaheed Kumar Tripura proceeded toward the spot. Sensing the present of victim’s father, Alamgir rapidly left the spot. Victim sustained several injuries including nose and mouth.
After rescuing his daughter, victim’s father Mr. Matindra Kumar Tripura went to the office of the Sindukchari union and put objection before the chairman and members of the union. At that time, Mr. Rashedul Islam Bhuiyan, Sub-Inspector (SI) of Guimara police station was also present at Sindukchari union office. But he did not take any action against the culprit. Victim filed a case under section 10 of Women and Children Repression (Amendment) Act of 2003 against Md. Alamgir on 13 September 2009. But police did not arrest the culprit so far.
Durbar Network and several women organisation organised press conference protesting violence against Jumma women including following three incidents, such as-
(1) rape of Chakma woman (20 yrs) with disabilities by Grameen Bank named Nazrul Islam in Dighinala on 31 July 2009,
(2) killing of Ponemala Tripura by Bengali settlers on 3 September 2009 at Sindukchari and
(3) rape and kidnapping of Tripura girl (18 yrs) by Md. Alamgir on 13 September 2009.
The rights groups demanded arrest and trial of Bengali settlers involved with these incidents.
==============
Kapaeeng Foundation
(A human rights organisation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh)
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