Long march against land acquisition in Ruma

Long march against land acquisition in Ruma

May 3, 2011

THOUSANDS of Jumma people took part in a Long March to demand that the government scrape a plan to acquire 9,585 acres of land for the construction of military facilities in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban district.

The long-marchers traveled 37 kilometers on foot to reach Bandarban town. The Ruma Land Protection Committee organized the Long March, which began at 4am today from Ruma bazaar.

It reached Bandarban district headquarters at 4:30pm. 

The marchers then held a protest rally in front of Bandarban Press Club.

Chaired by Lupru Marma, convener of Ruma Land Protection Committee, the rally was also addressed, among others, by Mongcha Ching Marma, Nunglai Pru Mro and Jumlian Bawm.

The speakers alleged that the government is in the process of acquiring 9,560 acres of land in three Mouzas of Galenga, Pantola and Sengum and another 25 acres in Poli Mouza for the purpose of constructing military facilities.

They said if the acquisition process is completed, thousands of Jumma villagers will be thrown out of their lands, resulting in a catastrophe the proportion of which can only be compared with the consequences of the Kaptai dam in 1960s.

Later, the marchers submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Deputy Commissioner.