More 23 innocent Jumma villagers detained by the joint forces in Bandarban

April 17, 2024

Hill Voice, 17 April 2024, Special Correspondent: More 23 innocent villagers have been arrested and 12 harassed after detaining temporarily in the last seven days in the name of so-called joint forces operation against bank robberies and weapons looting by army-created KNF terrorist groups in Ruma and Thanchi under Bandarban district.

With this, the total number of victims with innocent indigenous men and women has risen to 77. Reportedly, none of the previously arrested 54 Bawm community men and women, most of them innocent, have been released yet.

From the beginning, in the name of joint forces operation against the KNF terrorists, there have been allegations of indiscriminate arrest and harassment of common and innocent women and men of the Bawm community. At the beginning, only Bawm community people were arrested but afterwards, most of those arrested are known to be innocent Tripura community.

A human rights activist from Bandarban, who did not wish to be named, said that so far, the joint forces have failed to arrest any active and armed members of the KNF and recover the looted weapons after the robbery incident. But to divert the situation of the CHT including Bandarban, to create an atmosphere of fear among the people and to obstruct the CHT Accord implementation process, the joint forces led by the Army and DGFI are conducting operations in the name of suppression of KNF and indiscriminately detaining and arresting the innocent people.

On April 16, the CHT Commission, in a press statement, strongly condemned the arbitrary arrest and punishment of the entire Bawm community due to the misdeeds of some KNF members and demanded immediate release and protection of innocent citizens.

It is to be noted that on 16th April 2024, during joint operation, it was reported that 8 innocent Tripura villagers were arrested from Bartholi Union of Bilaichari Upazila under Rangamati District bordering Bandarban District. It is known that in the morning, the villagers went to the neighbouring forest to look for their cattle. The joint forces got the news, and picked them up and arrested. The victims from Shepru Para village in Barthali Union were Birbadu Tripura (30), Gunijan Tripura (50), Birnojoy Tripura (20), Shimon Tripura (25), Karbari of Dhup Panichara Jati Roy Tripura (41), Patrick Tripura from Hatichara Para (26), Jacob Tripura (32) and Krishna Chandra Tripura.

A local elderly person, who did not wish to be named said that the villagers have no connection with the KNF. Yet, the joint forces label these villagers as KNF.

On the same day (April 16), the army arrested a woman named Alia Bawm (26), daughter of Vanmunsian Bawm, Village- Getsimani Para, from a place called Kalaghata Baruatek in Bandarban Sadar Upazila. She is the Superintendent of Christian Missionary Hostel.

Before that, on April 14, 2024, the joint forces arrested 6 Tripura people from Bethani Tripura Para of Ruma Upazila labelling them having involvement with KNF. They were Karbari Ratichandra Tripura (58), son of Gangamani Tripura; Karbari’s son Sukantha Tripura (21), a student studying in Notre Dame College; Rakha Chandra Tripura (21); Abraham Tripura (30); Pintu Tripura (30), son of Shaitoha Tripura and 1 person whose name could not be known. After the arrest, the joint force personnel interrogated the victims for a long time asking “Where is the KNF camp and for how long have the KNF members been stationed in Bethani Para?” etc. and released them at night.

It is reported that soon after the security forces started the anti-KNF operation, the common Bawm people of the Bawm dominated villages like Lairunpi Para, Munlai Para etc. were forced to leave their villages and took shelter elsewhere. As a result, KNF terrorists have been stationed at the Bethani Para near Munlai Para for quite some time.

On the same day (April 14), the police arrested 4 more Bawm community people suspected accused in the case filed in the recent Ruma and Thanchi bank robbery and weapons looting cases from Bandarban Sadar. The arrestees were- Lal Robat Bawm (27), son of Lal Min Saom Bawm, Village-Remakri Prangsa; Lal Lom Khar Bawm (31), son of Lian Juam Bawm, Village-Kuhalang; Mithusel Bawm (25), son of Rual Lai Bawm, Village-Paindu Union and Lal Ruat Lian Bawm (38), son of Ramkup Bawm, Village-Bandarban Sadar.

On April 13, at 9:30 p.m. the army detained 6 Bawm students studying in different educational institutions in Dhaka from a Dhaka bound Shyamoli bus from Reicha army check post in Bandarban. They were Dhaka International University student Sangsingmoy Bawm (21), son of Lal Tin Khum Bawm, Village-Laimi Para; a female student of Dhaka Prime College of Nursing Ram Jhow Kim Bawm (22), daughter of Lal Tin Khum Bawm, village-Laimi Para, Gazipur Panjura Girls High School student Sari Lalram Bawm (15), daughter of lal Kim Bawm, Village-Laimi Para; European University of Bangladesh student Lal Lian Nuam Bawm (25), son of Haolian Bawm, Village-Laimi Para; Dhaka Notre Dame College Student Roujalian Bawm (17), son of Bhanrau, Village-Laimi Para; Dhaka St. Gregory High school and college student Thomas Lalram Tang Bawm (17), son of Lal Rin Sang Bawm, Village- Balaghata. Later, around 9:40 PM, the head of ASU Bandarban unit, Lt. Col. Md Fahad Faisal, came to the Reicha check post and interrogated the victims extensively. After interrogation, the students were handed over to Bandarban Sadar Police Station. The next day (April 14), the arrestees were released except Lal Lian Nuam Bawm, a student of the European University of Bangladesh. Then on April 15, when Lal Lian Nuam Bawm’s father and Karbari Haolian Bawm of Laimi Para went to the Bandarban police station, the police arrested Karbari and released his son.

Before that, on April 12, joint forces arrested 2 people named Towar Lian Bawm and David Bawm on suspicion of KNF from Zaion Para of Ruma Upazila, and on the same day 2 others named Lamthar Bawm, Village-Chinlung Para and Robert Bawm, Village-Hebron Para on suspicion of KNF reportedly detained from Balaghata of Bandarban Sadar.

On April 11, the Joint Force arrested 3 persons namely Lalrin Toang Bawm (20), son of Lalcheo, Vanniam Thang Bawm (37), son of Ngundang Bawm and Bhanlal Thang Bawm (45), son of Lalmuan Bawm from Eden Para of Ruma Upazila. Besides, on the same day, a group of joint forces reportedly fired 3 grenades and 20-25 rounds of blank shots at the Nazirat village. It is learnt that they went there to detain the Karbari of Nazirat Para. But, on hearing the joint forces arrival, all the residents of the Para left it and took shelter elsewhere.

On April 10th, from 10:30 pm, a group of joint forces surrounded Lairunpi Para and Eden Para, and took all the Bawm villagers to the Marma Welfare Association office in Ruma. It is known that the adults and the youths of that village have gone into hiding a few days ago because of fear, now only women and children stay in these Bawm paras.

On the other hand, on the same day (April 10), local sources alleged that joint forces burnt some Bawm people’s shops at the entrance of Artha Para and Bastlang Para.

On April 9, joint forces arrested a man identified as Pastor Lian Siam Bawm (55), son of Thon Alha Bawm, on suspicion of KNF from Bethel Para in Ruma. Later, on April 10, the joint forces handed over the man to the Bandarban police station. On the same day, joint forces arrested another person named Bhanlalboy Bawm (33), son of Jingtoar Bawm, Village-Shahjahan Para from Thanchi. It is reported that a case has been filed against him as an accomplice in the Thanchi bank robbery incident.

It is to be noted that on April 2, at around 9 pm, a group of 13 KNF armed terrorists led by Jawrin Lusai (42) robbed around Tk 1.6 million from Sonali Bank’s Ruma Upazila branch, and looted 14 weapons and 415 rounds of ammunition from security personnel. The bank manager was also kidnapped. However, the next day various media claimed by the administration that the money was not lost. The next day, on April 3 around 12 noon, another armed group of KNF terrorists attacked two banks, Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank, in Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban district and looted Tk 19 lakhs. Many believe that there is a conspiracy by the Army and the DGFI in such a successful robbery of the banks located between the police and BGB camps by the KNF in public.

After the bank robbery incident, the joint forces announced a massive military operation against the KNF in the Bandarban area from April 7. Between April 7 and April 9, the joint forces were reported to have arrested a total of 49 people from Ruma and 5 people from Thanchi.

Most of those arrested are known to be ordinary and innocent. Among them, 18 were women, 2 were pregnant women, 8 were college-university students and others were public and private school teachers, public and private employees, farmers, labourers and people of various professions. Each of them has a specific profession. Some of the students are studying in Dhaka, who came home on vacation just a few days ago. The arrestees have not yet been released.

Noteworthy, the Kuki-Chin National Development Organization (KNDO) was formed in 2008 under the leadership of Nathan Bawm and Vanchunliam Bawm with the help of the Army and DGFI. Later in 2019, armed activities were launched against the implementation process of the CHT Accord and Accord signatory Jana Samhati Samiti fuelled by the Army and DGFI. The KNDO was renamed Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), known as the Bawm Party.

PCJSS representative delivers speech in the UN on Item-3: Enhancing IPs’ right to self- determination

Hill Voice

April 17, 2024

Hill Voice, 17 April 2024, International Desk: Representative of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), Priti B Chakma, delivered speech on Item 3: Discussion on the theme “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ right to self- determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: emphasizing the voices of Indigenous youth.”

Priti B Chakma said in his intervention made on Tuesday (16 April) that the historic Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord or CHT Accord was signed in 1997 between the Government of Bangladesh and the PCJSS or Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti for a political and peaceful solution to the CHT problem. This agreement provided for the introduction of a self-governance system comprising the CHT Regional Council and three Hill District Councils. For this purpose, in the CHT Accord, the general administration, law and order, police, land and land management, forest and environment, education, health, agriculture, development of communication system, and all kinds of development programs are entrusted to these Councils.

But it is a matter of great regret that although the Bangladesh government has implemented some aspects of the Accord, but the rights and jurisdiction related to the political, administrative and economic development related to the self-governance system have not yet been assigned to the Regional Council and Hill District Councils.

Although Regional Council and Hill District Councils have been constituted, but bypassing these councils, the army, district administration and police authority continue to exercise powers related to political, administrative and economic development, including general administration, law and order, police, land and land management, forest and environment, development of communication system.

Not only that, the withdrawal of all temporary army camps, restoration of dispossessed land of Jumma people by resolution of the land disputes, proper rehabilitation of internally displaced families and India-returnee Jumma refugees by returning their land, rehabilitation of Bengali settlers outside the CHT with dignity, etc. have not been implemented.

As human rights violations continue unabated in the CHT, Indigenous youths, men, women, all are in disturbed situation. The Indigenous Jumma youths want to have voices for their rights, but they can’t. The CHT is full of Bangladesh militaries and these militaries stitch their mouths to stop their voices. They are criminalized.

In such a situation, I call on the Permanent Forum to encourage the Bangladesh government to implement the CHT Accord properly and fully without further delay with the aim of establishing a genuine self-governance system in the CHT. I am sure once the peace prevails in the CHT, the Indigenous peoples including youths would be able to participate in various activities for the betterment of the community.

The 23rd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues began on Monday (April 15) at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This session will continue till April 26. Arjashree Chakma also gave a speech on agenda item 3 yesterday (Tuesday).

CHTC calls for action against alleged sponsored proxy conflicts in CHT

Hill Voice

April 16, 2024

Hill Voice, 16 April 2024, Special Correspondent: The International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) is deeply concerned about the escalating tensions in Bandarban and their potential impact on regional peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). The Commission emphatically calls for the protection of civilians and urges immediate action to tackle the challenges posed by alleged sponsored proxy conflicts. The Commission also calls for concerted efforts to uphold the CHT Accord and facilitate constructive dialogue for sustainable peace.

CHTC put these appeals in a press statement signed by three Co-chairs of the CHTC, Sultana Kamal, Elsa Stamatopoulu and Myrna Cunningham Kain on 16 April 2024.

The statement of the CHTC said that on April 2nd and 3rd, 2023, the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) carried out a series of bank robberies in Ruma and Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban. They also attacked police forces, bank security guards, and Ansar members, while looting firearms. The CHTC strongly condemns these criminal acts by the KNF, especially since they occurred less than a month after the 2nd round of peace talks held between KNF and the ‘Peace Committee’, led by Bandarban Hill District Council’s Chairman, Kya Shew Hla.

Responding to the KNF’s actions, Bangladesh Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed visited Bandarban on April 7th, 2024, and announced a military operation against the KNF. According to the media report, as of April 14, a total of 62 individuals have been arrested during raids against the KNF. However, reports have emerged that many of the arrestees are innocent civilians, including pregnant women, students, teachers, and government employees from the Bawm community. There are also reports of restrictions being imposed on Jumma residents of Ruma, Thanchi, Rwangchari, and Chimbuk, including limits on their rice purchases to a maximum of 5 kilos, aimed at disrupting KNF’s supplies. The CHTC strongly denounces the indiscriminate arrests and collective punishment of the entire Bawm community due to the actions of a few KNF members and demands the immediate release and protection of innocent civilians.

Additionally, the Bangladesh Student Union claimed in a press statement on April 10th that the KNF’s activities were staged to justify the increased presence of security forces in the CHT. There have been even allegations that the creation of KNF is part of a ‘divide and rule’ policy to maintain unrest in CHT by a vested interest group. Further, reports have surfaced regarding a newly formed armed group in CHT known as the Marma Nationalist Party (MNP), allegedly sponsored by the same vested group that backed the inception of KNF. The CHTC has repeatedly voiced concerns about the support provided to such armed groups by this vested group to hinder the implementation of the CHT Accord and to create unrest in CHT by destabilizing harmony among the indigenous groups.

The CHTC is deeply worried about these developments and believes they stem from the prolonged non-implementation of the CHT Accord, even 25 years after its signing. The longer the government delays implementation, the more complex the human rights and political situation in CHT will become. To tackle these issues, the Commission recommends urgent implementation of the following measures:

The government must identify and take action against vested groups that sponsor armed vigilante groups like KNF and MNP to undermine the implementation of the CHT Accord.

• The government should promptly start implementing the CHT Accord without further delay.

• Security forces must cease collective punishment against Bawm civilians, halt human

• rights violations, and release innocent civilians immediately.

• The Commission urges KNF to resume peace dialogue with the peace committee, cease criminal activities, and return to normalcy to preserve peace in the CHT.

54 men-women of Bawm villagers arrested in Ruma, most of them innocent

Hill Voice

April 10, 2024

Hill Voice, 10 April 2024, Special Report: It has been reported that 54 men and women of Bawm people have been arrested in the so-called operations of joint forces over the last three days following the bank robbery and weapons looting by the army-created KNF (Kuki-Chin National Front) terrorist group in Ruma and Thanchi in Bandarban district. It is reported that 52 people have been sent to Bandarban District Jail from those arrested yesterday (April 9).

However, it is known from several sources that in the name of operations against KNF terrorists, the joint forces are indiscriminately arresting and harassing women and men of the innocent Bawm community. Joint forces are preventing Jumma villagers from buying more than 5 kg of rice and slowing down the mobile network. Widespread panic has spread among the locals.

At least 49 men and women of Bawm community have been identified among those arrested from Ruma who are known to be innocent and guiltless. Among them, 18 are women, Two are pregnant woman, 8 are college-university students and others are public and private school teachers, government and non-government employees, planters, laborers and people of various professions. Each of them has a specific profession. Some of the students are studying in Dhaka, who came home for vacation just a few days ago.

It has been reported that the people of Bawm villages such as Munnoam Para, Bethel Para, Happyhill Para, Bachtlang Para, Artha Para etc. have already fled the village due to the fear of persecution and harassment during the army operation.

A rights activist from Bandarban, who did not want to be named, said that the army did not take any action against the KNF terrorists immediately after the bank robbery. 3/4 days after the incident, the joint forces started the operation. By now the real culprits might have moved to a safe place. But now common and innocent people are being arrested in mass, and atmosphere of fear is created in the area. It is nothing but intentional.

It is to be noted that on April 2, around 9 pm, an armed group of 13 KNF terrorists led by Jaorin Lusai (42) robbed Sonali Bank’s Ruma Upazila branch of about Tk 16.0 million and snatched 14 weapons and 415 rounds of ammunition of the security guards, and also kidnap the bank manager. However, the next day through various media, the administration claimed that the said money was not robbed.

The next day, on April 3, around 12 noon, another armed group of KNF terrorists attacked two banks, Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank, in Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban district and looted Tk 1.9 million. Many believe that there is a conspiracy by the Army and the DGFI (Directorate General of Field Intelligence) in such a successful robbery of the bank located between the police and BGB camps by the KNF in broad daylights.

Immediately after the incident of robbery, it was announced that the joint forces of the government had started a massive military operation in the Bandarban area from last April 7. The joint force reportedly includes personnel from the Army, Rapid Action Battalion-RAB, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, Ansar and various intelligence agencies.

Earlier on April 7 at around 11 pm, the police arrested a young woman and two young men of Bawm community from Reicha army check post of Bandarban Sadar Upazila. Later it was reported that they were involved in a robbery case. They too are known to be innocent and returning from Dhaka to Bandarban.

It is to be noted that last on March 5, 2024, KNF held a meeting with the peace committee led by Bandarban Hill District Council Chairman Kyew Shwe Hla Marma in the presence of representatives of Army and DGFI at Bethel Para in Ruma. KNF promised not to carry out any terrorist activities in the meeting. The KNF’s successful and dramatic robbery of banks in front of members of the security forces, less than a month after the meeting, has raised many questions.

It should also be noted that the Kuki-Chin National Development Organization (KNDO) was formed in 2008 under the leadership of Nathan Bom and Vanchunliam Bom with the help of the Army and DGFI. Later in 2019 armed activities were started by changing the name of KNDO to Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) popularly known as Bawm Party with the help of the army and DGFI with an aim to engage them against the implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiiti (PCJSS), one of signatories of the Accord.

Later, when news of providing shelter and military training to an Islamic militant group in exchange for money spread, the army were forced to launch an operation against the KNF under international pressure. But despite this, the army and DGFI continued to support the KNF tactically. Many involved expressed the opinion that the incident of bank robbery of three branches close to the army and police camps on April 2-3 would never have been possible for the KNF without the help of the army and DGFI.

Many have expressed the opinion that without taking any action against the armed terrorists of KNF known as Bawm Party, the purpose of indiscriminate arrest of innocent and unarmed Bawm villagers in the name of joint operation is nothing but to protect KNF terrorists involved in bank robberies by misleading public opinion.

The identities of 49 (18 women and 31 men) victims of mass arrests by joint forces from Ruma area and three innocent men and women caught at the Reicha check post are as follows:

The arrested women villagers were-

1. Azing Bawm (20), w/o Arinh Bawm, d/o Jingrowat Bawm and Halcheo Bawm, Village-Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Planter by profession.
2. Lalsing Par Bawm (30), s/o Alim Bawm, d/o Lian Juam Bom and Par Eng Moy Bawm, Village Bethel Para, Ward No. 2, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Planter by profession.
3. Van Rin Kim Bawm (36), w/o Tolang Pui Bawm, d/o Joam Bil Bawm and Thon Liang Bawm, Village-Bethel Para, Ward No. 2, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban, Planter by Occupation.
4. Atang Bawm (30), w/o Palen Bawm, Village-Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban.
5. Almon Bawm (22), d/o Sian Khup Bawm, Mother- Rial Nem Bawm, Address- Bethel Para, Ward No. 2, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. She is a student of degree 2nd year, Bandarban Government College.
6. Lal Moon Eng Bawm (19), Father’s name- Tannai Bawm, Mother’s name- Laldon Kim Bawm, Village Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban.
7. Lal Nun Jir Bawm (34), father’s name- late Punsang Bawm, mother’s name- Tyan Kil Bawm, Village-Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Planter by profession.
8. Melri Bawm (26), Father’s name- Jingalh Bom, Mother’s name- Mrita Pakting Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban.
9. Lal Nun Bawm (24), Father’s name- Lom Jual Bawm, Mother’s name- Sangkim Bawm, Village Bethel Para, Ward No. 2, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. She is known to be pregnant.
10. Name Pen Bawm (38), w/o- Sanglian Bom, Father’s name- Toar Thon Bawm, Mother’s name- Lal Jin Moy Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Planter by profession.
11. Elizabeth Bawm (30), w/o Bhanlal Dik Bawm, Father’s name- Eliathan Bawm, Mother’s name- Nankim Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is assistant teacher by profession, Pendu Hedman Para Government Primary School. She is known to be 4 months pregnant.
12. Lal Tlahkim Bawm (30), Father’s name- Laltan Lian Bawm, Mother’s name- Cheutwar Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. She is working in Hill Child Development Program in Ruma.
13. Partha Joal Bawm (19), Father’s name- Laltan Lian Bawm, Mother’s name- Cheo Toar Bawm, Village-Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. She is a student of WCA college in Dhaka.
14. Jing Ron Eng Bawm (32), father’s name- late Chamnin Eng Bom, mother’s name- Tin Eng Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Planter and day laborer by profession.
15. Lal Noon Kim Bawm (25), Father’s name- Laltan Lian Bawm, Mother’s name- Cheo Toar Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. She is a student of BA 2nd year, Bandarban Government College.
16. Tina Bawm (18), Father’s name- Lal Ruai Bawm, Mother’s name- Jingnoon Moy Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. She is a student of grade XI, St. Joseph’s College, Savar, Dhaka.
17. Leri Bawm (23), Father’s name- Lallam Sang Bawm, Mother’s name- Lalpar Moy Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban.
18. Shiuli Bawm (21), Father’s name- Hlang Khum Bawm, Mother’s name- Dangjing Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban.

The arrested male villagers were-

1. Saplion Thang Bawm (21), Father’s name- Lal Moon Sang Bawm, Mother’s name- Thwang Kim Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is an electrician by profession, Ruma Palli Bidyut.
2. Lal Rin Sang Bawm (25), Father’s name- Nalthan Bawm, Mother’s name- Dausim Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban.
3. Cyrus Bawm (25), Father’s name- Santhiang Bawm, Mother’s name- Lal Minnem Bawm, Village-Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar No. 2 UP, Ruma, Bandarban.
4. Moon Thang Lian Bawm (33), father’s name- late Cham Nin Bawm, mother’s name- Tin Eng Bawm, Village-Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is a tourist guide by profession, Ruma.
5. Pachung Bawm (44), Father’s name- San Thiang Bawm, Mother’s name- late Ronjing Bawm, Address- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Planter by profession.
6. Bhan Lal Dik Bawm (32), Father’s name- Lal Lung Thang Bawm, Mother’s name- Lal Noon Siam Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is a private teacher.
7. Jasua Bawm (42), Father’s name- Lal Moon Sang Bawm, Mother’s name- Thuang King Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is Shaw Mill worker by profession, Polly Shaw Mill, Ruma.
8. Bharau Sang Bawm (32), Father’s name- Rem Near Bawm, Mother’s name- Bil Thim Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is a village policeman by profession, Ruma.
9. Nalathon Bawm (55), Father’s name- Sangsing Bawm, Mother’s naem- Tuar Thuang Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is an electrician by profession.
10. Lal Sklang King Bawm (29), Father’s name- Lalmin Lian Bawm, Mother’s name- Pena Klear Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban.
11. Lian Luai Thang Bawm (24), Father’s name- late Sai Young Bawm, Mother’s name- Sem Jeer Bawm, Village- Bastang Para, Ward No. 7, Paindu UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is a student of Shanta Mariam University, Uttara, Dhaka.
12. Lal Ram Tiyam Bawm (44), Father’s name- Simthan Bom, Mother’s name- Rausum Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is Acting Head Teacher, Baktlai Para Government Primary School by profession.
13. Laldam Liam Bawm (36), Father’s name- Jalian Lal Bawm, Mother’s name- Rial Nem Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is Night Watchman by profession, Directorate of Family Planning, Ruma.
14. Lawm Jual Bawm (50), s/o late Sang Khan Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Gardener by profession.
15. Ram Thang Lian Bawm (17), Father’s name- Jing Sang Bawm, Mother’s name- Jir Bling Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is a student of grade XII, Notre Dame College, Dhaka.
16. Gilbert Bawm (17), Father’s name- Lal Ram Lian Bawm, Mother’s name- Lal Duh Sar Bawm, Village- Basatlang Para, Ward No. 7, Paindu UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is a student of grade XI, Kazi Azimuddin College, Gazipur, Dhaka.
17. Bhan Ruat Moy Bawm (23), Father’s name- Lal Tuar Bawm, Mothers’ name- Sim Ting Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is an employee, Directorate of Livestock, Ruma.
18. Lal Emmanuel Bawm (43), Father’s name- Jing Al Bawm, Mother’s name- Tham Flamir Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is an employee, Hill Child Development Programme, Ruma.
19. Lalmun Lian Bawm (28), Father’s name- Lal Than Kum Bawm, Mother’s name- Lal Jing Ngen Bawm, Address- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban.
20. Lal Thang Pui Bawm (19), father’s name- late Lal Moi Thang Bom, mother’s name- Lal Siam Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is student of HSC examinee, Ruma Sangu College.
21. James Milton Bawm (34), Father’s name- Kong Klear Bawm, Mother’s name- Pak Tlem Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is the office bearer, Bethel Para Government Primary School, Ruma.
22. Rosang Lian Bawm (30), Father’s name- Biak Thon Bawm, Mother’s name- Siam Kung Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is an employee, BRAC, Ruma.
23. Lal Rawat Lam Bawm (45), Father’s name- Ram Sim Bawm, Mother’s name- Juam Thilong Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is a Pastor, ECC Church, Ruma.
24 Lal Din Thar Bawm (40), Father’s name – Dong Nin Bawm, Mother’s name – Ngon Phen Bawm, Village – Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is the leader of the Sramik League, Ruma, an affiliate of the government party.
25. Jaunun Sang Bawm (45), Father’s name- Cheo Dir Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is an accountant by profession, Chittagong Hill Tracts Child Development Programme, Munnuam, Ruma.
26. Rem Thon Bawm (60), Father’s name- Ang Cheo Bawm, Mother’s name- Siam Jing Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Planter by profession.
27. Penal Bawm (60), Father’s name- late Chaytim Bawm, Mother’s name- Til Thong Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is a planter by profession, a day labourer.
28. Rual Kom Lian Bawm (55), Father’s name- Sapyang Bawm, Mother’s name- Mrit Ngoon Cheo Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Warn No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP. He is a Government Servant by Profession, Directorate of Family Planning, Ruma.
29. Lal Raokham Bawm (37), Father’s name- Lal Ja Lian Bawm, Mother’s name- Eli Jeboth Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. He is a planter and Jum farmer by profession.
30. Bhan Lal Sam Bawm (34), Father’s name- Rem Near Bawm, Mother’s name- Kil Sim Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Motorcycle driver for hire by profession.
31. Lal Ruai Bawm (52), Father’s name- San Thiang Bawm, Village- Bethel Para, Ward No. 4, Ruma Sadar UP, Ruma, Bandarban. Planter and day laborer by profession.

Those arrested at Reicha check post on the way back from Dhaka to Bandarban were-

1. Geminiu Bawm (22), Village- Simtlangpi Para, Thanchi Upazila,
2. Bhannun Nuam Bawm (23), Ronin Para, Rowangchari Upazila and
3. Ame Loncheo Bawm (22), Village- Simtlangpi Para, Thanchi Upazila.

Construction of barracks and increased activities of army-backed Mog Party in Rajasthali

Hill Voice

April 5, 2024

Hill Voice, 5 April 2024, Rangamati: Allegedly, the Mog Party, one of the terrorist organizations supported by the Bangladesh army, has increased its movement and is constructing 2 fresh barracks in Rajasthali Upazila under Rangamati district. It is even reported that locals and nearby villagers are being forced to work without pay there.

As per the latest news, it is also alleged that Mog Party terrorists had brutally beaten up an innocent Marma tea shopkeeper on April 5 in Raikhali Union in Kaptai upazila.

According to local sources, Mog Party terrorists have recently started construction of a new barracks in Powaitu Para (Gaindya Union of Rajasthali Upazila) and the other is in Kengrachari area of Bangalhalia Union of same upazila. For this, they have been forcing the neighboring Jumma villagers including Powaitu Para and Kengrachari area for constructing them in turn, since April 3.

Apart from the said village, the Mog Party terrorists also ordered the villagers of Gobchara, Upper Narachara, Lower Narachara, Kachiri Para, Narengiri Bora Para of Raikhali Union of neighboring Kaptai Upazila to give one person from each family to work on the construction of the said barracks since 4 April.

It is informed that everyone will have to pay a fine of Tk 500 a day if they do not go to the work.

According to the relevant sources, hills cutting work is currently going on in the said barracks.

It is also known that on April 5, 2024, at around 10 am, two commanders of Mog Party terrorists Sabuj Marma and Pranta Ghosh Roni called an innocent Marma tea shopkeeper to their hideout in Majhipara, adjacent to Raikhali Bazar of Kaptai Upazila, and beat him mercilessly. The victim has been identified as Kaythowiching Marma (39), son of- late Hlachai Aung Marma, Village -Daluchari Aga Para, Ward No. 1, Raikhali Union.

Reportedly, the terrorists beat up Kaythowiching Marma on false allegations that he was passing various news to the JSS people.

It is to be noted that some days ago, there were reports of increased activity, open display of weapons and threats by the armed terrorists of Marma Nationalist Party (MNP) known as Mog Party through social media. During this time, Mog Party terrorists were seen publicly displaying weapons and issuing threats through videos circulated on multiple Facebook pages.

According to the locals, the Mog Party terrorists are openly carrying out these activities by staying near the army camp. The army is pretending not to see these.

It is known that currently Mog Party terrorists are staying in two base areas in Rajasthali upazila and are carrying out all terrorist activities from there. One of its hideouts is located in the half walled house of a Tanchangya villager on Naikyachara road behind Bangalhalia market in Bangalhalia union. The house they had previously taken by force from the owner of the house and evicted the house owner. This hideout of terrorists is located within 200 yards of Bangalhalia Bazar army camp.

Another hideout of the Mog Party is said to be located in Powaitu Para of Gaindya Union.

It is alleged that the army and the local leadership of the ruling Awami League have organized and patronized this Mog Party like other anti-Accord and anti-PCJSS terrorist organizations to obstruct the CHT Accord implementation process and divert the situation of Chittagong Hill Tracts in different ways. Since its inception, this Mog Party has been carrying out terrorist activities such as extortion, kidnapping, ransom, murder, etc. in the Rajasthali area of Rangamati, including some other areas of Bandarban district.

Dramatic bank robberies by army-created KNF terrorists in Ruma and Thanchi, many questions

Hill Voice

April 3, 2024

রুমায় সোনালি ব্যাংক লুট — Branch of Sonali Bank in Ruma after robbery by KNF terrorist

Hill Voice, April 3, 2024, Special Report: It has been reported that yesterday (April 2, 2024) around 9:00 p.m., Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) terrorists, known as the Bawm Party created by the Bangladesh Army, attacked Sonali Bank in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban district and looted about Tk 1 crore and 60 lakh and snatched away 14 weapons and 415 rounds of ammunition from the security guards. While leaving, the terrorists also kidnapped the bank’s Manager of Ruma branch Nizam Uddin.

Immediately after this incident, today (April 3) at around 12 noon, another armed group of KNF terrorists attacked more two banks, Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank of Thanchi upazila of Bandarban district, and looted all the money.

Jaorin Lusai who led the Sonali Bank robbery in Ruma

It is to be noted that just a month ago, KNF held a meeting with the peace committee led by Bandarban Hill District Council Chairman Kyaw Shwe Hla Marma along with representatives of the Army and DGFI. KNF promised not to commit any terrorist activities in the meeting. Less than a month after the meeting, the KNF’s successful and dramatic robbery of banks in front of members of the armed security forces has raised many questions.

The question of whether DGFI or the army are involved in this robbery of KNF is also being raised due to various reasons.

According to the sources, an armed group of only 13 people, led by Jaorin Lusai (42), self-style captain of KNF, conducted the robbery at the Ruma Upazila branch of Sonali Bank at around 9 pm. Next to this bank there are Ruma Upazila Parishad office, Ruma Upazila Executive Officer’s residence and Ruma Bazaar. Ruma Bazar army camp is just one kilometer away from the bank.

The source said that the money was brought to the Sonali Bank branch by vehicle from Bandarban Sadar shortly before the incident (approximately 9 pm). In the presence of the Branch Manager of bank Nizam Uddin and 14 armed police and Ansar members on security duty, the bank employees and officials started counting the money. Just then a woman KNF member entered the bank and almost immediately some armed KNF members surrounded the bank and the rest entered the bank and ransacked it.

Branch of Krishi Bank in Thanchi after robbery

It is reported that the KNF terrorists first snatched 14 weapons (2 SMGs, 4 shotguns and 8 Chinese rifles) and 415 rounds of ammunition from the police and Ansar members and then ransacked and looted about Tk 1 crore and 60 lakhs. According to another source, the amount is 2 crores.

After looting and vandalizing for about half an hour, the terrorists abducted the branch manager of the bank along with the money, weapons and bullets. As of writing this report, almost 16 hours have passed but no trace of the abducted bank manager has been found.

Various questions

After the incident, the question arose that how did the KNF terrorists know when the money was taken from Bandarban Sadar to Ruma branch? It is not possible for the KNF to know unless someone reliable informs them. This open robbery would not have been successful in such a populated place if it had not been pre-informed and pre-planned. Why did 14 armed police and Ansar members not try to resist only 13 terrorists? Even though the terrorists stayed at the spot for half an hour, why didn’t the army come forward immediately even from a distance of only one kilometer? As a result, the question is coming to many that whether the army or DGFI and any employees of the bank itself were involved in this incident?

It should also be noted that the question is being raised by many people that whether the army and DGFI have a plan of support and conspiracy behind such terrorist activities of KNF terrorists in recent times?

It is to be noted that on November 5, 2023, the KNF held its first meeting with the peace committee headed by Bandarban Hill District Council Chairman Kyaw Shwe Hla Marma through the mediation of the Army and DGFI. One of the points of consensus at that meeting was that the KNF and the army would not attack each other during the dialogue. The latest 3rd time meeting with peace committee was held at Bethel Para in Ruma in presence of representatives of Army and DGFI on 5th March 2024.

It has been observed that immediately after the meeting, the KNF terrorists intensified their terrorist activities including extortion, beating people, threats and kidnapping. But the army, the administration did not take any action against them. Locals allege that the KNF terrorists have now become more reckless due to the connivance of the Army and DGFI.

Army search, Bawm people leaving villages in fear

Meanwhile, it has been reported that after the robbery of Ruma Branch Sonali Bank, the army has started search operation and interrogation and harassment of people in different areas of Ruma. According to initial reports, the people of Munnoam Para, Bethel Para, Happyhill Para, Bachtlong Para, Artha Para etc. have fled to other places due to fear of army oppression and harassment.

The latest robbery in Thanchi

Last of all today (April 3, 2024) at 12.08 pm, Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank of Thanchi Upazila were attacked by KNF. In this incident, KNF terrorists were able to loot around Tk 19 lakhs from two banks. Out of these Tk 15 lakhs from Sonali Bank and 4 lakhs from Krishi Bank.

It is reported that 2-3 KNF members in plain clothes were earlier roaming around the bank. Just 10 minutes before the bank robbery, 1 army jeep entered the market and shortly after that, an armed group of KNF numbering 40 entered Thanchi market via Baktalai road. After reaching the market, they, aiming at the security guards, entered into Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank and took away the mobile phones of the customers and employees of the bank. Later, a total of Tk 19 lakh was looted from the bank’s cash box. While leaving they fired 4-5 rounds of blank bullets.

It is reported that the banks are located between Thanchi Police Camp and BGB Camp.

It should be noted that the Kuki-Chin National Development Organization (KNDO) was formed in 2008 under the leadership of Nathan Bawm and Vanchunliam Bawm with the help of the Army and DGFI. Later in 2019, with the patronization of the army and DGFI, the name of KNDO was changed to KNF and it started armed operations. Later, when news of an Islamic militant group being given shelter and military training in exchange for money spread, the army was forced to launch an operation against the KNF under international pressure. But despite this, the army and DGFI continued to support the KNF tactically. The incident of bank robbery of three branches near the army and police camp on April 2-3 would have not been possible for the KNF without the help of the army and DGFI, many concerned expressed their opinion.

Construction of border road by army: Conspiracy to evict Jumma villages for tourism

Hill Voice

March 26, 2024

Hill Voice, 26 December 2024, Special Report: By evicting the indigenous Jumma villages, destroying houses and plantations of Jumma people, obstructing Jum cultivation and construction of houses at adjacent area of roads, the Bangladesh army are constructing border road and connecting roads in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). One of the latest examples of that is the conspiracy of eviction of 23 families and obstructing Jum cultivation of two Gachbagan Para and Thum Para on the boundary of Jurachari and Bilaichari in Rangamati district by the 26 Engineer Construction Battalion under the 34 Engineer Construction Brigade of the Army.

On March 9, 2024, a group of army led by the Commander of Chaichal Project Camp Captain Kabir and Subedar Priya Ranjan Chakma informed the Jumma villagers that they will set up a tourist center at Pilar Chug and Langel Tila between Thum Para and Gachbagan Para. Therefore, The villagers of these two villages will have to leave the village and go elsewhere and Jum farming cannot be done there and in the surrounding areas and Jums that are preliminarily prepared cannot be set on fire for final preparation. The Army threatened to face dire consequences otherwise.

Then, on March 11, 2024, the army started cutting the hills in Pilar Chug and Langel Tila with excavators and razed the Jum-farm of Buddhalila Chakma. Earlier, on March 6, the army destroyed the Jum-farm of Birasen Tanchangya with the excavator. On March 12, 2024 Chaichal army camp commander Captain Kabir and Subedar Priya Ranjan Chakma asked Karbari (village head) Thudo Chakma of Gachbagan Para village to provide list of Jums. Captain Kabir Karbari also told Thudo Chakma, “You have to leave the village whether you provide the list of Jums or not. No one has ever benefited from going against the government’s decision. So, instead of going against the government, you leave the village and go elsewhere.” These villagers who have been ordered to leave the village are now in deep anxiety and panic.

On March 19, 2024, a human chain was organized by the villagers of two villages at the south gate of the Rangamati Deputy Commissioner’s office and a memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister through the Deputy Commission of Rangamati district demanding that the 26 Engineering Construction Brigade of the Army should stop the eviction of villagers of Gachbagan Para and Thum Para on the border of Jurachhari-Bilaichhari.

The villagers mentioned in the memorandum that their main livelihood is Jum cultivation. In the last 24/25 years, many of them have developed banana plantations, mango-jackfruit plantations, tiger grass plantations. Along with paddy cultivation, many people also cultivated ginger, turmeric, sesame, pepper etc. It is also said that if the tourist center is established and the said two villages are evicted, along with it, the Jumma villages of Shukkarchari, Changrachari, Dulubagan, Mandirachara of Bilaichari and Mandirachara of Jurachhari will also be forced to be evicted.

The villagers put four-point demand including to withdraw the order to evict the villagers of Gachbagan Para and Thum Para, to stop the establishment of tourist centers nearby indigenous villages, to stop any type of obstruction during Jum cultivation and to provide compensation to the affected indigenous families. It is hopeful that after the protest, the army allowed villagers to cultivate Jum and set fire to preliminary prepared Jum. However, the army have not yet withdrawn the order to leave the village.

On March 8, 2024 at approximately 3 pm, a high-ranking officer of the army visited the Chaichal army camp. The very next day (March 9) army personnel from Chaichal camp went to the village and informed the Jumma villagers of Gachbagan Para and Thum Para that the army chief ordered to stop Jum farming and 12 families of Gachbagan Para had to leave the village, the memorandum says.

It is to be noted that the construction project of 317 km long border road (Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban hill districts) is being implemented by the Bangladesh Army on the border with India and Myanmar. Besides, there are many connecting roads with it. Among them, the connecting roads are- Alikadam-Kurukpata-Poamuhuri link road; Rajasthali-Bilaichari-Jurachari-Barkal-Thegamukh link road; Sijakchara to Sajek-Shilda-Betling link road; and Link road from Ugalchari village to Majhipara under Baghaichari upazila.

The indigenous Jumma people living in three hill districts of CHT have been and continue to suffer massive deprivation, eviction from their ancestral land and massive loss of fruit plantations, forests and land-property due to the border road construction project constructing under the leadership of the Bangladesh Army. Prior to the adoption and implementation of the said project, the opinions of the local leadership and people, including the CHT Regional Council and the three Hill District Councils, were ignored, and the human rights and compensation of the local residents who suffered losses were trampled upon.

It is reported that at least 776 Jumma families in three hill districts (Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban) have suffered severe damage and at least 78 families have been evicted from their homesteads and villages due to this border road and link road project. Even, the number of affected families could be more. The latest one of such evictions is conspiracy of eviction of 23 Jumma families from Gachbagan Para and Thum Para in Jurachari and Bilaichari Upazila. Out of 776 affected families, only 56 families of Baghaichari area have received partial compensation as a result of massive protests. The rest received no compensation. When the affected families approach the military for compensation, they say with their mighty power, “Country is ours, land is ours, why should we give compensation?”

At present, one of the tools of land dispossession in the CHT is the establishment of camps and tourist centers. Just as army and BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) camps are set up everywhere in the name of security, while they also occupy land and hills and set up luxurious tourist centers in the name of development taking the advantage of the border road construction project. For examples, a BGB camp was constructed by expropriating the land of 6 families in Kamalak area of Sajek Union of Baghaichari. An army camp was set up at a place called Sijakachara Mukha and another army camp in the Udaipur area after confiscating the land of Jumma villagers.

Besides, there are plans to set up 5 army camps from Sijakchara to Udaipur under Baghaichari upazila. A BGB camp has been set up in Ghilatuli village of Logang union of Panchari upazila in Khagrachari district by occupying the fruit plantations of Jumma villagers. Chaichal army camp of Dumdumya Union of Jurachari was also established during the construction of the border road.

Warrant Officer of Chaichal army camp Saiful is forcibly trying to collect signatures from the headman of the local Gandachara Mouza Sangur Pangkhua and the headman of Rengkhyong Chongrachari Mouza Balabhadra Chakma for the purpose of expropriation of the land adjacent to border road and surrounding areas, stating that these lands and hills are Khas land (Government land). However, according to the traditional land management in CHT, there is no Khas land in CHT. The lands and hills identified by the army as Khas lands are regarded as community-owned Mouza land and Jum land of indigenous Jumma people.

Besides, during the construction of the border road and the link road, the army and BGB authorities selected many attractive places adjacent to the road and occupied them putting signboard as ‘protected areas’ for the purpose of setting up tourist centers. The border road and link roads not only evicted the Jumma villagers, destroyed their houses and plantations, and obstructing of building houses at adjacent areas of roads, but also destroyed the forests, environment and biodiversity in the area. Water sources are being destroyed due to indiscriminate quarrying of stones from streams for road construction. As a result, there is a crisis of drinking water in many areas.

There are also allegations that the army have put up signboards with Muslim names at various places along the border road and link roads against the indigenous names of Jumma people. Some examples are – ‘Shaheen Tila’ in place of Bhije Hijing in Sarbowatli union of Baghaichari, ‘Mahmud Tila’ in place of Kingar Para area in Sajek union, ‘Enamul Tila’ in place of Durbachara area in Sajek union, ‘Sajib Tila’ in place of Battala in Sajek union, ‘Shamim Tila’ at Kingkar Para, ‘Saidur Tila’ at Bhuyochara in Sajek union, ‘Ismail Tila (BOP Post)’ at Kingkar Para in Sajek union, ‘Al-Amin Tila’ at Bhuyochara in Sajek union etc.

This can be considered as a part of extreme Islamic expansionist aggression on the Jumma people and a deeper conspiracy to wipe out the tradition and indigenous name of Jumma people. It can also be considered that despite the commitment and provisions of the CHT Accord to preserve the characteristics of Jumma (tribal) inhabited areas in CHT region, the government and the army are completely disregarding it and undermining the characteristics of the Jumma inhabited region, through the indiscriminate implementation of this border road and link road project.

Local Jumma people fear that the border road construction project will cause far-reaching damage to the indigenous Jumma people in addition to the current crisis due to non-implementation of the CHT Accord that includes unresolved land disputes and non-implementation of the special governance system to be introduced in light of the CHT Accord. Above all, due to the anti-Accord and anti-interest of Jumma people role of the army and government, it will increase the process of outsider infiltration, cultural invasion, dominance of outsider capital, land dispossession and alienation of the natives, making it very difficult for Jumma people to survive with their culture, tradition and self-governance.

Immediate intervention sought to PM saving scared pilgrimage site Kantaji Temple of Hindus

Hill Voice

March 23, 2024

Hill Voice, 23 March 2024, Dhaka: Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad has expressed deep concern over the illegal construction of a mosque on the Debottor land of the historic Kantaji temple in Dinajpur, a holy pilgrimage site to Hindus with rich in antiquity.

The trio presidents of the Parisad former member of Parliament (MP) Ushatan Talukder, Professor Dr. Nim Chandra Bhowmik and Nirmal Rosario, and General Secretary advocate Rana Dasgupta in a statement expressed their strong condemnation and anger having laid the foundation stone for a mosque on the Devotar land of Kantaji Temple by local MP Alhaj Zakaria Jaka and being the main initiator of this illegal work.

In the statement, they further said that the MP and the Deputy Commissioner have engaged in a despicable attempt to destroy the image of the nation and the country by associating themselves with this anti-communal harmony activities which is undoubtedly against the peace and law & order of the country.

The Parishad has sought immediate intervention of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to ensure the religious freedom of the Hindu community by protecting the sanctity of the Kantaji temple.

On March 23, the leaders of the organization referring a press release signed by a presidium member of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad Kajal Debnath said about this statement.

Strange signboards of Army-BGB in Baghaichari: New pattern of cultural invasion and land grabbing

Hill Voice

March 22, 2024

Hill Voice, 22 March 2024, Special Report: Recently, by taking the advantage of construction of border road and link road at Baghaichari in Rangamati district, Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have installed strange signboards with new names of Muslim persons against the local indigenous names in various habitations of local indigenous Jumma people.

According to the locals and observers, the army and the army-led BGB have intentionally put up these signboards mainly aiming to cultural aggression in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), and land grabbing and eviction of the local Jumma people. Needless to say, the language, culture, history and tradition of the local Jumma people have no contact with those names written on that signboard.

Some examples of such signboards bearing distort names are- ‘Shaheen Tila’ in place of Bhije Hijing in Sarbowatli union of Baghaichari, ‘Mahmud Tila’ in place of Kingkar Para area in Sajek union, ‘Enamul Tila’ in place of Durbachara area in Sajek union, ‘Sajib Tila’ in place of Battala in Sajek union, ‘Shamim Tila’ at Kingkar Para, ‘Saidur Tila’ at Bhuyochara in Sajek union, ‘Ismail Tila (BOP Post)’ at Kingkar Para in Sajek union, ‘Al-Amin Tila’ at Bhuyochara in Sajek union etc.

It has been found out that the indigenous people have been living in those areas for ages and have been making a living by Jum farming and plantation. From the very beginning to date, there were no Muslim settlements. The locals have never even heard the names on the signboards.

A rights activist from Baghaichari requesting not to be named said that this is a conspiracy of the anti-Jumma army intending to wipe out the history and tradition of Jumma people. Placing such signboards will also encourage outsider infiltration in the region.

Besides, during the construction of the border road and the link road, the army and BGB authorities selected many attractive places around the road and occupied them putting signboard as ‘protected areas’ for the purpose of setting up tourist centers. Moreover, the army and the BGB authorities were found placing signboards in many places declaring protected areas, even at the sites of schools and religious institutions. They have restricted the people for movement.

Examples of these are-
(1) The army recently has put a signboard at a Buddhist temple site called ‘Mahasatipatthan Bhabana Kutir’ at Regachara in Sarboatali Union of Baghaichari stating as ‘protected area’. They imposed restriction on soil cutting and movement of locals.

(2) On behalf of Longudu Army Zone, a signboard has been placed near the Jumma village in the North Khagrachari area of Sarboatali Union in Baghaichari, stating- ‘place designated for security forces’, construction of Buddhist temple including other religious institution or any kind of structure is prohibited and punishable offence.

(3) a signboard has been put even at the site of Shantinagar Private School in Gulshakhali of Longadu Upazila mentioning ‘Shantinagar BGB Camp, Rajanagar Zone 37 BGB’.

Such activities can be considered as part of the extreme Islamic expansionist aggression on the Jumma people and a deeper conspiracy to wipe out the Jumma tradition and traces. It is clear that by implementing this project, the government and the army are completely ignoring the commitments and provisions of the CHT Accord to preserve the characteristics of Jumma (tribal) inhabited region of the CHT, and inflicting profound blow to the characteristics of the Jumma dominant region.

Notably, the first phase construction project of 317 km long border road (Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban Hill Districts) is being implemented by the Bangladesh Army on the border with India and Myanmar. At least 776 Jumma families in three hill districts (Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban) have suffered severe damage and at least 78 families have been evicted from their homesteads and villages due to this border road and link road project.

Recently, due to Rajasthali-Bilaichari-Jurachari border link road construction in Rangamati District by 26 Engineer Construction Battalion of the army under 34 Engineer Construction Brigade, a total of 23 Jumma families from 2 villages along Jurachari and Bilaichari border are at the face of eviction. The army have already instructed the villagers to vacate the villages and obstructed them from Jum farming.

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