Hill Voice, 20 April 2020, Rangamati: Regular searching and patrolling of the army are underway at Jibtali and Magban Union of Sadar Upazila of Rangamati district. The Jumma villagers in these areas are in a state of panic for the coronavirus in one hand. On the other hand, they are in fear of military persecution.
It is learnt that on 18 April 2020 Chairman of Jibtali Union Sudatta Chakma (61), s/o late Jitendra Lal Karbari and Chairman of Mogban Union Bishwajit Chakma (58), s/o late Daya Mohan Chakma were asked to have appeared at the Ice Land army camp of 23 EB of Kaptai Jettighat in Rangamati district.
Accordingly, when they arrived at the camp, the army first inquired about the situation of the area. Then the army ordered them to appear following persons in the camp:
- President of Jibtali Union Committee of PCJSS, Sunil Chakma (55), s/o late Nalini Mohan Chakma, Dhulyachari;
- Umesh Chandra Chakma (48), Dhulyachari, Jibtali Union;
- General Secretary of Mogban Union Committee of PCJSS, Sunil Chakma (44), s/o Dayaram Chakma, Gada Para;
- Organising Secretary of Mogban Union Committee, Sambu Chakma (57), s/o Bandaram Chakma, Nabhangra;
- Vice President of Mogban Union Committee of PCJSS, Swapan Datta Chakma (62), s/o Sureshwar Chakma, Joutha Khamar.
The army has been repeatedly asking the enlisted persons to appear in the camp. It is reported that they are presently in hiding, due to fear of being subjected to torture and to entangle with false cases.
It is to be noted that the army surrounded the house of Sambhu Chakma at 9am this morning. However, at that time, he was not at home. Unable to finding him, after interrogating villagers, the army went back to the camp.
At present the situation of Jibtali Union and Mogban Union is very critical. Meanwhile, the locals are passing days in panic of the coronavirus, while fear of torture in the army operation. In general, the common people are living tremendous insecurity.
On the other hand, on 19 April 2020, at 3 pm, a group of army of Nanyachar army zone in Nanaichar upazila of Rangamati district surrounded the house of Anal Chakma, son of Shandia Chakma of Khulyangpara of Nanyachar upazila. It was reported that all the members of the family were tied up at that time. At one point, Anal Chakma tried to escape, but army could detain him.
In addition, in the horror of the coronavirus, on 20 April 2020, the army and army-backed Reformist Group jointly patrolled the village of Balukhali, Mogban, Jhagrabil, A Block and B Block in Baghaichhari Upazila of Rangamati district. At that time, with the help of army coverage and direct support, the Reformist Group have reportedly seized all mobile phones from the Jumma villagers in the area. At present, extreme fear is prevailing in the area.
