General Imbrahim takes flak over comment on CHT land survey

General Imbrahim takes flak over comment on CHT land survey

The chief organiser of the Rangamati district unit of the United
Peoples Democratic Front, Shanti Dev Chakma took Major General Sayed
Ibrahim (Rd) to task for advocating a cadastral land survey prior to
the settlement of land disputes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Speaking as chief guest at a discussion meeting organised by Parbatyo
Bangali Chattra Parishad, a military-backed outfit of the Bengali
settlers, in Rangmati yesterday, the former army commander and
chairman of Kalyan Party said land problems in the CHT could not be
resolved without a land survey.

In a statement issued to the media today, Shanti Dev Chakma refuted
Ibrabim, saying “the demand for land survey was raised with a view to
providing legal sanctions to the illegal land grabs by Bengali
settlers, who were brought in the CHT during the era of General Ziaur
Rhaman and General Hussain Md. Ershad”.

He said land surveys must not be carried out prior to the settlement
of land disputes.

He further said settlement of land disputes was not possible if
illegal land settlements given to the settlers were not revoked and
the grabbed lands were not returned to the actual owners.

“The government or the Land Commission can revoke such settlements by
invoking section 6 (c) of the CHT Land Commission Act” he added.

The UPDF leader demanded trial of General Ibrahim for crimes against
humanity, and said: “It was during his reign in the CHT that
repression of the Jumma people reached its highest pitch, with
thousands of them being ejected from their hearts and homes and forced
to seek refuge in India.”

Branding Ibrahim as an accomplice of military dictator General Ershad,
Shanti said it was because of these people that Bangladesh slid back
into chaos and the CHT saw its peace, stability and development
stalled.

“Exemplary punishment should be meted out to them so that no one can
dare to usurp power in the country and to impose repressive policies
in the CHT in future.” he added.
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courtesy: chtnews.com