72-hour blockade of roads and waterways of Chittagong Hill Tracts
September 21, 20243 Mins Read

Jumma Bangla Desk: The Jumma people living in Dhaka have called for a 72-hour blockade of the roads and waterways of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in protest against the attack on the Jummas in Khagrachari.

On Friday (September 20) at 10 a.m., Jumma Janata living in Dhaka announced this program from a protest march and rally at Dhaka University's TSC.

The protest was held against the recent arson and indiscriminate firing by the army in Khagrachari. The aggrieved also demanded justice for the murder.

In the protest, tribal students and citizens condemned the September 19 arson incident at Dighinala as well as alleged military violence in the region. Protesters called for the punishment of those responsible and expressed concern over rising communal tensions.

On September 18, a local youth died after running into an electric pole while fleeing from a mob lynching in Khagrachari. In this incident, when the Bengalis of Setela chased Jummad in Pankhaipara area, unrest was created. The next day, a group of Bengali settlers marched in Dighinala with slogans against the Jumma community, leading to clashes and burning of Jumma-owned businesses and houses.

At least 30 homes and businesses were set on fire, organizers said in a news release.

That same night, military forces fired indiscriminately in several areas of Khagrachari and killed two Jummas, Junan Chakma of Jamtali and Rubel Chakma of Paltanjoy Para. At least 40 people were injured in the violence, with many still in hospital, they said.

During the protest, the protestors condemned more attacks by the Bengalis who had settled on the tribals in different parts of Rangamati. They are said to have vandalized and looted houses and religious buildings including Banrupa Maitri Math. A tribal named Anik Kumar Chakma was also claimed to have been killed.

Nabanshu Chakma, a student of the law department of Dhaka University, addressed the gathering and chaired the event, and Satej Chakma, a history student of the university, acted as moderator. Other speakers included leaders of indigenous student organizations, labor organizations and human rights groups.

Nabangshu Chakma announced the blockade of roads and waterways in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to demand justice for those involved in the violence and blockade of roads and waterways for 72 hours.

The protesters put forward the following demands-

1. Ensuring the safety of life and property of Jumma residents of three hill districts including those affected by communal violence in Dighinala.

2. The culprits should be punished by starting an investigation under the supervision of the United Nations regarding the incidents of Khagrachari and Dighinala.

3. Compensating the families of those killed in military firing and ensuring treatment of the injured.

4. Reconstruction of damaged Buddhist monasteries and adequate compensation to owners of destroyed shops and houses.

5. Dismissal and disciplinary action against military and civilian officials involved in violence.

6. Withdrawal of military and settled Bengalis from Chittagong Hill Tracts to establish peace and stability.

7. Implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Agreement and granting autonomy as a political solution to the ongoing conflict.

The agitators hope that the indigenous Jumma people will join the larger movement for a democratic Bangladesh. But protesters say they have instead been subjected to violence and persecution, forcing many to flee their homes in the jungle for safety.-UNB