A minor indigenous Marma girl killed after rape in Kaukhali

A minor indigenous Marma girl killed after rape in Kaukhali


23 December 2012

On 21 December 2012 a 14 year indigenous Marma girl named Thomaching Marma daughter of late Suithui Prue Marma of village- Baradulu Para of Kalampati union under Kaokhali upazila (sub-district) of Rangamati hill district was brutally killed after rape by miscreants. The girl was a student of class eight of Kaukhali Girls High School.

It is learnt that on that day at about 3:30 pm the girl went to bring back their cows to nearby bush.  As she was getting late, her mother and siblings began to search around for her and and finally one relative (brother-in-law of girl’s mother) found Thomaching’s naked dead body in bush which is very adjacent to a Bengali settler village namely Nailachari. Primarily, it is assumed that the girl was killed after rape when rapist/s found her alone in the bush.

In the morning time on 22 December, the dead body was taken to Rangamati General Hospital for autopsy. A murder case (no. 03/2012 dated 22-12-2012) was filed against unknown persons with Kaukhali police station under Section 9(iii) of the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act 2000 by victim’s uncle named Chaithowai Prue Marma. Besides, a General Diary (no. 621) was also filed with Kaukhali police station. But the police are yet to arrest any body.

It is worth mentionable that Baradulu village and its adjacent areas were once populated by Marma people. The Bengali settlers occupied them in the 1980s after driving the Marma villagers from their lands. The Bengali settlers continue their attempts to occupy more land belonging to Marma community. Sources said that a few months ago, Marma villagers planted ginger on their lands but the Bengali settlers destroyed them. The Marma villagers immediately replanted again, and now a case is pending with the Union Council chairman of the area over the disputed land.

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Courtesy: Kapaeeng Foundation

ICIP-CHT asks PM's intervention to stop communal attacks on indigenous peoples of CHT

ICIP-CHT asks PM's intervention to stop communal attacks on indigenous peoples of CHT

Following is the letter from the president of International Council of the Indigenous Peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (ICIP-CHT), sent to PM of Bangladesh, asking her to intervene in stopping communal attacks on indigenous peoples of CHT:

ICIP Urgent Appeal to the PM

International protest against communal attack on indigenous Jumma peoples in Rangamati by Bengali settlers in presence of security forces

International protest against communal attack on indigenous Jumma peoples in Rangamati by Bengali settlers in presence of security forces

Memorandum of CHT-American Jumma Peoples Association:

On 24 September 2012 the CHT-American Jumma Peoples Association sent a memorandum signed by its President Maung Thowai Nu Ching and General Secretary Debashis Chakma to heads of diplomatic missions of United States, European Commission, Australia and United Kingdom urging their valuable and kindness help on humanitarian and justifiable ground to save and protect the Indigenous People of Chittagong Hill Tracts from illegible and detrimental sufferings in order to bring peace and happiness in the CHT. The memorandum was also copied to International CHT Commission and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The CHT-American Jumma Peoples Association mentioned that it was highly concerned and disheartened followed by infuriated because of atrocities on the Indigenous Peoples of Rangamati by the Bengali guilty parties that has started recently and still continuing. It further added that such incident is not only being happened in Rangamati Hill District, it is also occurring in Khagrachari and Bandarbon Districts where our Indigenous peoples are living for centuries together from the very beginning of people inhabitancy in this region initiated by these Indigenous peoples.

Protest of Centre for Human Rights Education of Curtin University in Australia:

On 25 September 2012 Centre for Human Rights Education (CHRE) of Curtin University in Australia sent a letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Australia expressing concern about violence against indigenous peoples in the CHT. The CHRE mentioned in its letter that these acts of violence are occurring in an atmosphere of impunity. The CHRE also added that such violence in the CHT is not an isolated incident. Indigenous peoples in the CHT have been subject to systematic human rights violations by Bengali settlers, the police and the Bangladesh Army. Even though the CHT Accord was signed between the indigenous peoples and Bangladesh government in 1997 in order to address these issues, the Accord has not been implemented by the Bangladesh government, the CHRE added. The letter was signed by Associate Professor Mary Anne Kenny, Dr. Caroline Fleary, Dr. Lynda Blanchard, Dr. Lisa Hartley and Fiona McGauchey.

Indigenous Jumma students protest at Parliament House, Perth. Photo: Janet Naco

Indigenous Jumma students protest at Australian Parliament House, Perth. Photo: Janet Naco

The CHRE said that the Australia government is budgeted to deliver $ 100 million in development assistance to Bangladesh in 2012-2013, the Australian government must raise these concerns with the Bangladesh government. In particular, the CHRE asked the Australian government to insist the Bnagladesh government:

• Stop this violence against indigenous peoples in the CHT.
• Commence an impartial and independent judicial inquiry and investigation into these violations.
• Cooperative with relevant United Nations human rights bodies, national and international human rights NGOs to investigate and report upon these abuses.
• Ensure exemplary punishment of the perpetrators and compensate the indigenous peoples whose rights have been violated and involve international and national ais agencies in this matter.
• Take steps to ensure that indigenous peoples are recognised in the Bangladesh Constitution.
• Take immediate measures to fully implement the CHT Accord of 1997.

Protest of Indian Confederation of Indigenous Tribal People:

On 27 September 2012 the Indian Confederation of Indigenous Tribal People (ICITP) vehemently condemned the systematic attack on the indigenous Jumma tribe in Bangladesh and urged upon the Bangladesh government to diffuse the tension immediately. Sharing the information with The Sentinel (in Assam), the President of the ICITP-North East Zone, Jebra Ram Mashahary said that the illegal settlers in tribal areas who attacked in the presence of law enforcers, is a clear indication of "communal" conflict. He demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment to the instigators of the attack and the attackers, punitive action be taken against the law enforcers who directly or indirectly provoked the violence, and immediate implementation of the CHT Accord of 1997.
Speaking to the reporter of The Sentinel, Mashahary said the attack on indigenous tribal people at CHT in Bangladesh in unfortunate. What is happening in Assam and Bodoland between the indigenous Bodo and tribal people and illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, the same thing is going to happen in tribal districts of Bangladesh, he said adding that the illegal settlers are casting their eyes on the tribal land to occupy it by creating terror. Terming the attack on tribal people as calculated policy of illegal settlers, Mashahary said the government of Bangladesh should stop all belligerences on tribal people.

The President of the ICITP said the domination of the indigenous tribal people whatever it may be in Bangladesh or India should be stopped. The government must protect their land rights as well as safeguard their rights and privileges. The forum said that they have all solidarity with the people of Jumma tribe in CHT and they appeal to the world community to raise voice against the domination and injustices done on the indigenous tribal people in Bangladesh.

Protest of American Jumma Council in New York:

On 27 September 2012 the American Jumma Council organised a procession in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA protesting against communal attack on indigenous Jumma peoples by Bengali settlers in presence of security forces in Rangamati. The American Jumma Council demanded to stop Islamisation, militarisation, ethnic cleansing and massacres against indigenous Jumma peoples in CHT by the government of Bangladesh and Bangladesh military forces.

Peaceful protest demonstration of indigenous Jummas infront of UN, New York. photo: Dhiman Chakma

Peaceful protest demonstration of indigenous Jummas infront of UN, New York. photo: Dhiman Chakma

Peaceful protest demonstration of indigenous Jummas infront of UN, New York. photo: Dhiman Chakma

JPNK Protest in South Korea:

On 2 October 2012 the Jumma Peoples Network–Korea (JPNK) staged a demonstration in front of Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul to protest against the 22–23 Rangamati attack. Conducted by Mr. Choto Chakma, General Secretary of JPNK, the programme was addressed by Zico Chakma, Samapti Chakma, Shanti Jibon Chakma and Kanon Chakma. A prominent Korean human rights activist Hotaeg Lee also addressed the gathering expressing solidarity with the just struggle of the Jumma people in CHT.

Press Conference and Peaceful demonstration infront of Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul, Korea. Photo courtesy: Kanan Chakma

Press Conference and Peaceful demonstration infront of Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul, Korea. Photo courtesy: Kanan Chakma

Handing over memorandum to High Commissioner of Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul, Korea. Photo courtesy: Kanan Chakma

Speakers severely condemned the human rights abuses and sexual violence committed against the indigenous Jumma women by the Bengali Muslim settlers, and demanded immediate exemplary punishment to the culprits. They called on the government of Bangladesh to stop human rights abuses against the Jumma people in the CHT. Hotaeg Lee urged the government of Bangladesh and the international community to act to protect the rights of the indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

At the end of the programme, the Jumma participants chanted slogans condemning the government of Bangladesh for its inability to protect the human rights of the indigenous people of CHT. Later a JPNK delegation handed to Bangladesh ambassador to South Korea a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.


To learn more about the recent Rangamati attack:  chtnewsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/bengali-settlers-attack-on-indigenous.html

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courtesy: Kapeeng Foundation.

Attack on Buddhist community in Ramu- report from CHT News Services

Arson attack on Buddhist community by extremist Muslims in Cox’s Bazaar and Chittagong leaving two dozens of temples and 50 houses burnt to ashes and at least 200 houses vandalised & looted

On 29-30 September 2012 Islamic extremists conducted a massive communal attack on Buddhist community in Ramu, Ukhiya, Teknaf and Cox’s Bazaar municipality area under Cox’s Bazaar district and Patia in Chittagong district, following a Facebook posting defaming the Quran allegedly by a Facebook user, Uttam Barua. In this attack, at least 25 temples including 2 Hindu temples and around 50 houses belonging to Barua community were completely burnt to ashes and more 200-250 houses were ransacked and looted. Hundreds of people became homeless and hundreds of families left their houses for safer places.

Bangladeshi Muslims participate in a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. (Photo: AP)

Buddhist temple in flame. (Photo: bdnews24)

It is learnt that on 29 September around 9.00 pm a militant procession was brought out Chowmuhini area of Ramu upazila sadar. Conducted by leader of Chatra League (student wing of Awami League) Md. Saddam, the procession was addressed, among others, by president of Ramu press club Nurul Islam Selim, leader of Sechhasehabak League (volunteers wing of Awami League) Apel Bhutta et al. Besides, Abul Kasem of Chatra Dal (student wing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party), Md. Didar of BNP, Md. Jahangir of Jamat-e-Islam et al were present in this meeting. Around 8 thousand militant Muslims attended the procession. At a subsequent rally, they claimed a youth by the name of Uttam Barua (24) had pasted the purportedly offensive photo in the social networking website and demanded his arrest. 

A statue of Buddha is left standing amidst the torched ruins of the Lal Ching Buddhist temple at Ramu, Bangladesh on September 30, 2012. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

It is also learnt that at around 11.30 pm another militant procession was taken out that marched down towards the Barua Para in Ramu upazila and some youths from the procession set some homes of the Barua Buddhists on fire. At that time, BNP lawmaker of Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency Lutfar Rahman Kajal and vice chairman of Ramu upazila Sohel Sarwar Kajal were also present there and they did not prevent the mob from attacking the Buddhist community. 

Statues are pictured at the burnt Buddhist temple of Shima Bihar on September 30, 2012. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Destroyed Buddha statues. (Photo: local source)

From then on, at least 30 houses, three temples including 'Saada Ching' and 'Laal Ching' were burned to the ground. A 100-foot high under-construction Buddha sculpture was also ravaged in Bimukti Bidarshan Bhabana Centre in Ramu. The monk of this temple was also wounded. Also, Ramu Maitree Bihara, Saada Chinglaal, Ramy Sina Bihara and Jadiparha Bouddha Bihara were torched, ransacked and looted. At least 10 Buddhist villages were attacked and Purbo Merongloa locality that had around 40 houses was burned. One of Buddhist temples was Ramu Bara Bouddha Bihara in which thousand-year old Buddha statues were destroyed. Mobs looted and damaged more than 200 houses until 3.00 am in this attack. It is reported that several people were injured in the midnight attack and the Buddhist villagers got panicked and left their houses for safer places. Local people alleged that Md. Didar of BNP led the mob during the arson attack.

Damaged Buddhist artefacts are lined up at a torched Buddhist temple in Ramu. (Photo: STR/ Getty Images)

The fire services managed to douse the blaze around 3.00 am but the temples and the houses were already gutted by then. Around 3.30 am, units of Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion, and police managed to quell the attack. Local administration imposed section 144 to control the situation. The home minister Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir and industry ministry Dilip Barua visited the spot on 30 September. 

People walk past the ransacked homes of Buddhists in Ramu. (Photo: STR/ Getty Images)

Photo: Picture taken by local source

Photo: Picture taken by local source

In Patia: on 30 September at noon Islamic militants brought out a militant procession at Patia which was followed by attack on Buddhist and Hindu temples at Patia in Chittagong.

It is reported that several hundred fanatic Muslims took out a procession and launched attacks on the Lakhara Abhoy Buddhist Bihara at around noon and set it on fire. They also attacked the Kolagaon Rotnangkur Buddhist Bihara, Kolagaon Nobarun Sangha Durga Mandir (temple) and the Matri Mandir at Jele Para in Patia upazila.

In Ukhia: On 30 September around 7.00 pm hundreds of extremist Muslims led by general secretary of Awami League of Ukhia upazila Hamidul Hoque Chowdhury and former chairman of Ukhia upazila Mahmudul Haque Chowdhury brought out militant procession at Court Bazar area in Ukhia upazila under Cox’s Bazaar district. The mob conducted attack on Barua-inhabited villages namely Wakhyong Barua Para, Kutupalong, Court Bazaar and Marijya area of Ukhia. They set fire on five Buddhist temples. The Buddhist temples include-

(1)   Paschimratna Sudarshon Buddhist Bihara situated at Court Bazar area,

(2)   Uttar Borobil Buddhist Bihara

(3)   Paschim Maricya Shraddhangkur Buddhist Bihara,

(4)   Rajapalong Zadimura Buddhist Bihara and

(5)   Rejur Kul Dhormashok Buddhist Bihara.

In Teknaf: On 30 September at 7.00 pm thousands of extremist Muslims took out a procession from Hoaikang Lombabil area in Teknaf. The procession was joined by many others when it reached Hoaikang station. They marched down to Laturikhola remote hill area and torched houses of one Buddhist and four Hindu families. In order to disperse the mob, the law enforcers fired some rounds from their guns and seven attackers were hit by bullets.

In Cox’s Bazaar municipality: On 30 September around 9.00 pm hundreds of Muslims from Rahmainia Madrasa of Pahartali running with the support of Rohingya Solidarity Organisation, Khajamandir Burmaiya Para and Boidyaghona and Maheshkhali Para under Cox’s Bazaar municipality brought out a procession. The police rushed there and the mob marched towards Rohingya-inhabited area namely Khajamandir Burmaiya Para and Boidyaghona and Maheshkhali Para. During the procession, the mob threw brick-bats on Rakhaine houses and Buddhist temple.

In Naikhyongchari: On 30 September around 4.00 pm army arrested a Muslim Facebook user while he was downloading a photo defaming the Quran at a computer shop at Chakdhala under Naikhyongchari upaziila in Banbarban district and seized computer. However, agitated Muslims again seized computer and arrested person from army. At a stage, army and Muslims came up into a understanding and situation became calm.

Arrest: Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir on 1 October 2012 said that a total of 166 people were detained over the attacks on Buddhist temples and houses of Buddhist community in Cox's Bazaar and Chittagong.

Comment: The attack on Buddhist community in Cox’s Bazaar and Chittagong was apparently planned attack. Source confirmed that Islamic fanatic groups including Jamat-e-Islam, BNP and Awami League are involved with this attack. However, Islamic militant groups active in Cox’s Bazaar and Naikhyongchari and Rahingyas were main instigators behind the communal violence. During the attacks on 29 and 30 September, the security forces including the Bangladesh Police and the Rapid Action Battalion did not take proper measure or remain mute witness to the systematic violence against helpless Buddhist community.

Bangladeshi Buddhist monks demonstrate in Chittagong, Bangladesh, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 after Muslims torched Buddhist temples in southern Bangladesh. (Photo: AP)

Rahingya militant groups tried to conduct communal attack on Rakhaine-inhabited areas in Cox’s Bazaar and Patuakhali district following communal riot between Rakhaine and Rohingyas at Maungdaw Township in Arakan province of Myanmar in June 2012. Rohingya extremist armed groups including Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) are active in Cox’s Bazaar, Chittagong and Bandarban district.

This was not the first attack on the religious minorities in plain land of Bangladesh this year. Islamic extremists made attack in February 2012 at Hathazari in Chittagong, in April in Satkhira and in August at Chirirbandar in Dinajpur which left several Hindu temples and houses were vandalised and torched.

South Asian head of Japanese Buddhist organization Rissho Kosei-kai, Aritomi Mitsuyuki (L) leads prayers at the burnt temple of Sima Bihar (Sima Temple) at Ramu. (Photo: STR/ Getty Images)

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Courtesy: CHT News Services (chtnews.group@gmail.com)

Bengali settlers attack on Jummas in Rangamati - Report from PCJSS

Communal attack in Rangamati leaving numerous Jumma men and women wounded, office and rest house of CHTRC vandalised and Jumma shops and houses damaged

Bengali settlers conducted communal attacks upon indigenous Jumma peoples in Rangamati on 22 September 2012. At least 40 Jumma students, 1 government physician, 12 Union Parishad chairmen, 2 college teachers and 5 Bengali students received wounds while severe damage was brought to the office and rest house of the CHT Regional Council, shops and houses of the Jumma people. Even though the army and police reached the spots much later, the security forces did not beef up proper measure. Despite the army took their positions at different locations along the main road (Rangamati-Chittagong road), the Bengali settlers conducted attacks upon the Jumma peoples and their localities either side causing wide damage upon Jumma-owned shops and houses.

It is learnt that hot exchanges over the issue of sitting in the college bus took place in between the two college students belonging to Jumma and Bengali communities in the classroom approximately around 9:30 a.m. At certain point, as the Bengali student kicked the Jumma student, the skirmish between the students of two communities began. The Bengali students attacked on the Jumma students indiscriminately. The incident took a wide shape as the Jumma students took an effort to resist the attackers. Chasing and counter chasing between the students of two communities continued. At this hour, the Bengali settlers from the surrounding localities near the college, being equipped with sharp choppers, canes, stick etc. entered the college boundary and participated in attack on the Jumma students.

At this hour, the army and police took position at the main entrance of the college. They did not prevent the Bengali settlers and Bengali students while they were chasing after the Jumma students. On the contrary, it was learnt that while the Jumma students got reorganized and started chasing the attackers of Bengali settlers and Bengali students, the army personnel brought in pressure upon the Jumma students. At this point of time, near about 30 Jumma students, 5 Bengali students and 2 college teachers got wounded.

Afterwards, some groups of army and police forces arrived at Rangamati Government College, College gate area, TTC Road, Kalyanpur and Devasishnagar. Immediately after their arrival, the army and police forces drove the attacking settlers away and the Jummas also began to back to their own localities. But while chasing after the Jumma people, the army and police entered into Jumma-inhabited Kalyanpur and Devasishnagar localities. They continued to chase the Jumma peoples with canes and sticks. They began caning and pelting at the Jummas irrespective of women and children. Another group of army led by the Warrant Officer Md. Omar continued to chase the Jumma people along the Kalyanpur road while striking against the Jumma houses by roadsides with sticks. At certain point, the army continued to advance towards the residence of CHT Regional Council chairman. At this time, as the chairman of the Council came out of his residence, the army personnel conducted outrageous behavior with him also.

Immediately after the occurrence of college incident, the Bengal settlers from different areas began to gather at College gate, Banarupa, Kathaltali, Vedvedi, North Kalindipur, Amanatbag, Reserve Bazar, Old Bus Stand, Tabalchari and other places to attack the Jumma peoples. The Bengali settlers also attacked the Union Parishad (UP) Chairmen who were attending conference at the Rangamati Upazila Council Conference Hall. In this attack, around 12 UP chairmen received serious wounds while other 20 chairmen received wounds more or less. Later on, the army rescued the UP chairmen from the rampage and provided treatment to them at army hospital. The group of chairmen soon met with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) at the Circuit House and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits and examplary punishment to them.

After attack at Vedvedi area, the Bengali settlers broke the houses of Bishu Kumar Chakma and Sundar Kumar Chakma near the Vedvedi Primary School. Besides, the attackers set fire on a truck and an auto-rickshaw at Vedvedi. During attack at Banarupa area, many Jumma men and women including Dr. Sushobhan Dewan of Rangamati General Hospital were wounded. The settlers attacked Dr. Sushobhan Dewan with chopper and stick at the Kaushik Pharmacy. They also broke his motorbike. The Bengali settlers also broke the commercial institutions, shops and Chevron & Doctors Lab owned by the Jumma people. He sustained serious injuries in the head and got his hand fractured and might lose the sight in one eye. It is learnt that as the day was a Market Day, many Jumma men, women and children came to market became victims of the attack. The Bengali settlers also attack the Jumma people who went to see the wounded at the Rangamati hospital boundary. At this one Subhash Mitra Chakma received serious wounds. In Reserve Bazar, the settlers also attacked 5 Jumma people who came to the market. The Jummas at Tabalchari and Majhir Bosti also became under settler’s attack.

On the other, the attackers attacked the CHT Regional Council office; they broke the main entrance, window glasses and vehicle glasses and pelted at the office. They tried to set fire by throwing petrol-filled burning Coca-Cola bottles at the CHT Regional Council office. They also assaulted the CHT Regional Council rest house. The window glasses of the rest house and the glasses of one vehicle got shattered in this attack. The Bengali settlers also attacked on the building of retired government officer, Amuya Ranjan Chakma and broke the shops attached to it. As the attackers pelted stones, the windows of district office of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) got shattered. It is to be noted that the Bengali settlers attacked the CHT Regional Council office and rest house towards 3.00 pm that is 5 hours later since the beginning of the incident.

Centering the Rangamati incident, the Bengali settlers also attacked the Jumma people at Longadu upazila sadar. At least five Jummas including Chikko Muni Chakma were wounded during the attack. Around 30 wounded persons including Dr. Sushobhan Dewan were admitted at Rangamati General Hospital, among them, 5 Bengalis, Dr. Sushobhan Dewan, Mangal Kanti Chakma and Subhas Mitra Chakma were sent to Chittagong in serious condition.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 24^th Infantry Division of Chittagong cantonment visited Rangamati and organied a meeting with government officials, public representatives and teachers of Rangamati college at the Rangamati Circuit House. The meeting decided to form an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. Following the decision, section 144 was imposed in Rangamati town for indefinite period.

Following the Rangamati College students’ incident, the way the Bengali settlers organized the attacks in association so rapidly in almost all the areas of Rangamati and the way the administration and the security forces tackled the situation, it can be said that the whole attack has been a motivated and pre-planned design. In fact, a communal quarter of vested interest has been hatching conspiracy to destabilize the situation in CHT to further extent for a long time.

The PCJSS strongly condemns the communal attack upon the Jumma peoples and demands for immediate arrest of the convicted persons involved in the crimes and award with examplary punishment.

Update:

On 23 September 2012 fresh attacks on Jumma people was made near Rangamati general hospital area while section 144 prohibiting large gatherings is still in force. One Dinesh Tanchangya has been reportedly beaten by some Bengali youths at Rangamati general hospital road. He was admitted at Rangamati general hospital. It is also reported that the Bengalis also pelted Jummas with stones at Kalindipur at about 11.00 am.

At around 9.00 pm hundreds of Bengali settlers from Forest Colony near Rangamati Municipal office and new bus stand gathered at East Tribal Adam to attack Jumma houses. Jummas also organised themselves to resist attack of Bengali settlers. However, local administration including police and army rushed there. Army and police along with a magistrate of Rangamati district administration dispersed both mobs of Bengali settlers and Jummas. At that time, a Jumma youth named Juwel Chakma, 22 yr, was arrested from Tribal Adam by the army. At mid-night the situation of East Tribal Adam became under control.

On the other, around 10.00 pm tension mounted high as both Jummas and Bengali settlers were shouting from own area during patrolling their respective side/area. However, army and police rushed there and situation became calm. Army arrested two Jumma youths namely Papel Chakma (22), a student and Chandra Hongsa Chakma (35), a shopkeeper from Rajmoni Para area. Besides, two Bengali settlers were also arrested by army from this area.

During the arrest, guardians of the arrested Jummas were asked to contact to Kotwali police station at 9.00 am on 24 September. But when the guardians went to police station, OC refused to release them. Rather, OC told them to take bail from court. Police presented them before district court showing them arrest under section 54. All arrested three Jummas got release on bail from court on 24 September.

The Rangamati unit of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) declared abstention from work in protest at attack on physicians, including Rangamati health officer Dr. Sushovan Dewan. BMA informed that emergency units in hospitals would be out of the purview of the work abstention.

On 23 September two probe committees were formed to investigate incident. Additional Deputy Commissioner (revenue) of Rangamati district will lead a investigation formed by district administration committee. One of members of the committee was member of Rangamati Hill District Council Brishaketu Chakma. The committee has to submit its report in seven days. Another five-member enquiry committee led by Vice-Principal Mofiz Ahmed was formed by the Rangamati Government College authority. This committee will submit its report in 15 days.

Protests:

In Dhaka: Pahari Chatra Parishad (PCP) (Hill Students Council) organised a procession in Dhaka protesting against communal attack on Jumma people by Bengali settlers. At first PCP brought out procession from Aporajeo Bangla and it was ended at Raju Bhaskarja parading Dhaka University (DU) campus and Shahbag crossing.

Presided over by Juwel Chakma, president of Dhaka city branch of PCP, the procession was addressed by president of PCP Trijinad Chakma and general secretary Jyotisman Chakma Bulbul, president of DU branch of Bangladesh Chatra Federation Afzalur Rahman Himel, president of DU branch of Samajtantik Chatra Front Rashed Shahriar, ornaising secretary of Dhaka city branch of Hill Women’s Federation Chandra Tripura, president of DU branch of Bangladesh Marma Student Council Paichau Marma, president of DU branch of Tripura Student Federation Topu Tripura et al. Programme was conducted by Jemshon Amlai of PCP.

PCP demanded immediate arrest of culprits involved with communal attack on Jummas and exemplary punishment to them, to provide adequate compensation and treatment to the injured persons and security of life and property of Jumma peoples.

In Chittagong: Citizen’s protest meeting and human chain was organised at in front of Chittagong press club. President over by Parimal Kanti Chowdhury, vice president of Bangladesh Hindi Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad (BHBCOP), the programme was conducted by Sharat Jyoti Chakma, leader of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum and PCJSS. Among others, chairman of Anthropology Department of Chittagong University Dr. Rehman Nasir Uddin, leader of Gono Oikya Committee Tapan Datta, principal of Noapara College and women leader Prof. Bijoy Laxmi, assistant general secretary of BASAD Chittagong unit Shahabuddin Kabir Abed, coordinator of Chittagong of Gono Sanghati Andolon Hasan Maruf Rumi, general secretary of Chittaging branch of BHBCOP Advocate Nitai Prasad Ghosh, assistant general secretary of Chittagong branch of PCP Tanay Dewan, general secretary of Bangladesh Marma Student Council Obathowai Marma, assistant general secretary of Bawm Students Association Jinmoonlian Bawm et al spoke in the programme.

Citizen’s protest meeting and human chain was followed by a procession. The procession paraded main streets of Chittagong. Citizen rights group demanded immediate arrest of culprits involved with communal attack on Jummas and exemplary punishment to them, to provide adequate compensation and treatment to the injured persons and security of life and property of Jumma peoples.

Injured persons

(a) Injured persons who admitted at Rangamati general hospital

1.      Dr. Shushovan Dewan (50), s/o Mihir Kanti Dewan, Address: Majher Bosti, Rangamati town;

2.      Mr. Shimul Kanti Tanchangya (18), s/o Annu Tanchangya, Address: College Gate area, Rangamati town;

3.      Mr. Daya Moy Dewan (15), s/o Joydip Dewan, Address: Durchari-Uparpara, Baghaichari;

4.      Ms. Ohi Chakma (18), d/o Mrinal Kanti Chakma, Address: Suvalong, Barkal upazila

5.      Mr. Gyana Bir Chakma (17), s/o Sadhan Chakma, Address: Mais Chari, Suvalong

6.      Mr. Niloy Chakma (17), s/o Amal Chakma, Address: Majher Bosti, Rangamati town

7.      Ms. Jaba Chakma (20), d/o Purnendu Chakma, Address: Tribal Adam, Rangamati town

8.      Mr. Babul Chakma (33), s/o Sushanti Chakma, Address: Kalyanpur, Rangamati town

9.      Mr. Shuva Chakma (18), s/o Pritimoy Chakma, Address: PTI area, Rangamati town

10.  Mr. Subhash Mitra Chakma (38), s/o Buddha Dhan Chakma, Address: Mais Chari-Suvalong, Barkal upazila, He has referred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital from Rangamati in serious condition.

11.  Mr. Bimaleswar Dewan (13), s/o Sonar Putul Dewan, Address: Biharpur, Rangamati town (attacked at Bana Vihara area)

12.  Mr. Bir Chakma

13.  Mr. Shyama Kanti Chakma (19), s/o Sandhyamoni Chakma, Address: College Gate area (Vedvedi Para), Rangamati town

14.  Mr. Bijoy Chakma (45), s/o Makka Chakma, Address: Chittagong town

15.  Mr. MongLau Marma (25), s/o Mongsinu Marma, Address: Hajachara, Mogban union, Rangamati Sadar upazila

16.  Mr. Gyana Dipta Chakma (40), s/o late Fulesh Chandra Chakma, Address: Sangaram Bihara area, Rangamati town, His motorbike was set on fire at in front of Rangamati Press Club. 

17.  Mr. Ronel Chakma (22), s/o Mrs. Surabala Chakma, Address: Marishya, Baghaichari upazila

18.  Mr. Nantu Bikash Chakma (18), s/o Gandhi Lal Chakma, Address: Kandya, Balukhali union, Rangamati Sadar upazila

19.  Mr. Tethui Mong Marma, s/o Hla Aung Marma, Address: Rangunia-Barkhola Para

20.  Mr. Ananda Sagar Chakma (30), s/o Ranjan Moni Chakma, Address: Kathal Tali, Naniarchar upazila

21.  Ms. Ajanta Chakma (16), d/o Samiran Chakma, Address: Debashish Nagar, Rangamati town

22.  Mr. Liton Barua (35), s/o Nirmal Barua, Address: Vedvedi area, Rangamati town

23.  Mr. Rana (Bengali person) c/o Robi Fashion

24.  Mr. Jony Das, s/o Swapan Das, Address: Tribal Adam, Rangamati town

25.  Mr. Ismail Hossain (23), s/o Abdul Malek, Address: Molla Para, Rangamati town

26.  Mr. Nur Alam, s/o Md. Ishak, Address: Molla Para, Rangamati town

27.  Md. Golam (25), s/o Md. Hukum Ali, Address: Fatik Chari, Rangamati

28.  Mr. Md. Sohag (18), s/o Abdus Salam, Address: South Kalindipur, Rangamati town

29.  Mr. Naser Mia (25), s/o Nur Islam, Address: Chanmpak Nagar, Rangamati town

30.  Mr. Robin (18), s/o Abdul Mannan, Address: Mohasin Colony, Reserve Bazaar, Rangamati town

(b) Injured persons who did not admitted at hospital

31.  Gyana Chakma

32.  Ankhihito Chakma

33.  Subrata Chakma

34.  Palash Tanchangya

35.  Entu Chakma

36.  Khmetra Mohan Chakma

37.  Emon Chakma

38.  Shakyamoni Chakma

39.  Rubel Tanchangya

40.  Mitali Chakma

41.  Pavel Chakma

42.  Fadang Tang Randal

43.  Gyana Jyoti Chakma

44.  Amit Chakma

45.  Jiten Chakma

46.  Pranoy Dewan

47.  Pinku Chakma

48.  Chandan Chakma

49.  Kyathui Mong Marma

50.  Shyamal Chakma

51.  Chikka Moni Chakma (attack in Longadu)

52.  Binoy Chakma

53.  Tarit Kanti Chakma (attack in Reserve Bazaar)\

54.  Tapan Chakma (attack in Reserve Bazaar)

55.  Dikam Chakma (attack in Reserve Bazaar)

56.  Jagadish Chakma (attack in Reserve Bazaar)

57.  Babul Chakma (attack in Reserve Bazaar)

58.  Tapas Chakma

59.  Bijoyasish Dewan

60.  Evan Chakma

61.  Mr. Nipan Chakma (25), s/o Brikka Moni Chakma, Address: Purba Tribal Adam, Rangamati town

62.  Mr. Fani Bhushan Chakma (15), s/o Shobharam Chakma, Address: Purba Tribal Adam, Rangamati Town

63.  Mr. Shanta Chakma (22), s/o Bhagya Kumar Chakma, Address: Champak Nagar area, Rangamati town

64.  Mr. Rupam Tanchangya (22), s/o Amulyo Ranjan Tanchangya, Address: South Tribal Adam, Rangamati town

65.  Mr. Chayan Chakma (18) s/o Marattou Chakma

66.  Mr. Ranjit Tanchangya (45), Ranyachari, Mogban union (attack at Tabalchari)

67.  Mr. Kalachokhya Tanchangya (50), Ranyachari, Mogban union (attack at Tabalchari)

68.  Mr. Kalan Tanchangya (40), Ranyachari, Mogban union (attack at Tabalchari)

69.  Mr. Ananda Mohan Chakma (55) s/o Bigunya Chakma, Bilaichari Para (attack at Tabalchari)

70.  Mr. Arpan Chakma (18)

71.  Mr. Dinesh Tanchangya (22) (attack on 23 September)

Seriously wounded UP chairmen:

72.  Mr. Shanbu Kumar Tanchangya (38), Chairman of Noapatang union under Rowangchari upazila of Bandarban district

73.  Mr. Paritosh Chakma, chairman of Babuchara union under Dighinala upazila of Khagrachari district

74.  Mr. Mangal Kanti Chakma (35), Chairman of Atarak Chara union under Longadu upazila

75.  Mr. Arun Chakma, Chairman of Magban union under Rangamati Sadar upazila.

76.  Mr. Sanu Prue Marma (61), Chairman of Kuhalong union under Bandarban Sadar upazila

77.  Mr. Kya Ching Sui (42), Chairman of Rajvila union under Bandarban Sadar upazila

78.  Mr. Biswanath Tanchangya (40), Chairman of Alekhyong union under Rowangchari upazila, Bandarban district.

79.  Mr. Ajut Bikash Chakma, chairman of Panchari union of Panchari upazila of Khagrachari district

80.  Achi Prue Marma, chairman of Hafchari union of Ramgarh upazila of Kahgrachari district

81.  Mr. Suinu Prue Marma, chairman of Sindukchari union of Mahalchari upazila of Kahgrachari district

82.  Mr. Chandra Ranjan Chakma, chairman of Dighinala union of Kahgrachari district

83.  Mr. Bishwa Kalyan Chakma, chairman of Kabakhali union of Dighinala upazila

84.  Mr. Thowaiching Marma, chairman of Chitmaram union of Kaptai upazila

85.  Mr. Chaihla Prue Marma, chairman of Kaukhali union of Kaukhali upazila