Jumma women in CHT suffering from insecurity, says Santu Larma

Jumma women in CHT suffering from insecurity due to non-implementation of CHT Accord, says Santu Larma

“We all expected an inspiring future by signing of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord in 1997. However, all irrespective of men and women of CHT are still suffering from insecurity due to non-implementation of CHT Accord” says Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma, president of PCJSS and chairman of CHT Regional Council (CHTRC).

Mr. Larma said it at the discussion meeting organised by Parbatya Chattagram Mahila Samity (PCMS) (CHT Women’s Association) and Hill Women’s Federation (HWF) on the occasion of international women day on 8 March 2012 in Rangamati with the slogan ‘connecting girls, inspiring futures’, ‘ensuring a violence-free life for indigenous women’ and ‘strengthen CHT Accord implementation movement with a aim to establish equal dignity of Jumma women’.

Earlier a colourful rally was brought out from Shilpakala Academy of Rajbari with banners and placards hoisting different demands of Jumma women. The rally ended at Shilpakala Academy moving round Banarupa bazaar. Hundreds of women and men participated in this rally.

The rally was followed by the discussion meeting at Shilpakala Academy. Presided over by vice president of PCMS Ms. Joyati Chakma Inu, Mr. Larma was present in this discussion as chief guest. Besides, former president of PCMS and member of CHTRC Ms. Madhabi Lata Chakma, convenor of M N Larma Memorial Foundation Mr. Bijoy Keton Chakma, assistant information and publicity secretary of PCJSS Mr. Sajib Chakma, women rights activist Advocate Susmita Chakma, assistant general secretary of Rangamati district branch of PCJSS Mr. Sharat Jyoti Chakma, general secretary of PCMS Mr. Suprava Chakma, president of Rangamati district branch of Parbatya Chattagram Juba Samity (CHT Youth Association) Mr. Sunirmal Dewan and finance secretary of Hill Students Council (PCP) Mr. Dhiresh Chakma spoke in the discussion. President of Rangamati district branch of HWF Ms. Ripi Chakma delivered welcome speech while organising secretary of PCMS Ms. Moni Chakma conducted the event.

In his speech as chief guest, Mr. Larma also said, “If we want to ensure violence-free life for indigenous peoples, implementation of the CHT Accord is a must”. Though the government is reiterating her sincere to implement the Accord and to establish rights of indigenous women, but the government is yet to take initiative in this regard, Mr. Larma alleged. He is not hopeful to implement the Accord by the government, he said.

Mr. Larma also opined that if women are not involved with all spares of life, a just and welfare society can not be ensured. Discrimination between men and women in social, economic and political aspects still exist, he added.

Member of CHTRC Ms. Madhabi Lata Chakma said that in establishing equal dignity and equal rights of women, there is no alternative to wage united movement by men and women.

Advocate Susmita Chakma said that implementation of CHT Accord is a must to ensure rights of indigenous Jumma women. Jumma women are still suffering from violence due to non-implementation of CHT Accord, she added.

General Secretary of PCMS Suprava Chakma expressed her grief saying that Jumma women are still passing days with insecurity and suffering from their just rights as the CHT Accord which was achieved by sacrificing bloods and prestige of women is yet to be implemented.

Speakers of the discussion also criticized present government for following delay-dallying tactics in implementing the CHT Accord. They also urged government to take immediate action to implement the Accord and to amend CHT Land Dispute Resolution Act 2001 as per joint recommendations of CHTRC and Ministry of CHT Affairs during on-going session of the parliament.

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Courtesy: PCJSS