These are some accounts of HR violations among thousands of unaccounted for against indigenous Jumma people by security forces and illegal state sponsored Bengali settlers

On 02/01/2003 the army of S-ban camp of 14 EBR led by camp commander Nayeb Subedar Md. Hafij tortured innocent Jumma villagers who were going to Bilaichari Bazar by trawler. Of them, the following persons were wounded:

1) Mr. Kaladhan Chakma (28) s/o Jama Chakma of village Joutakhamar of Magaban UP;

2) Mr. Sadhu Chakma (26) s/o Lokadhan Chakma of village Tarenge Para of Magban UP;

3) Mr. Amal Kanti Chakma (25) s/o Bhoirabananda Chakma of village Dhanpada of Jibtali UP.

Besides, Subedar Nayeb Md. Hafij seized money from them who have more than 10,000 Taka. The traders engaged businesses with small capital have been compelled to close their business. Consequently, on 08/01/2003 the dwellers of Magban union and Jibtali union organized a protest meeting in front of Rangamati Shilpakala Academy in Rangamati town. Mr. Surendra Lal Karbari presided over the meeting and Mr. Swapan Datta Chakma, Tushar Pintu Chakma, Padma Lochan Chakma and PCP general secretary Mr. Sudirdha Chakma delivered speech. After the meeting, procession was brought out from Shilpakala Academy and ended at premises of office of the Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati district. They submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh government through Deputy Commissioner. They put following demands in the memorandum:

1) To withdraw S-ban army camp from the area soon;

2) To withdraw and punish Subedar Nayeb Md. Hafij;

3) To provide proper treatment and compensation to the victims;

4) To give security for life and property of the villagers.

But no action has been taken against this military atrocity.

On 02/01/2003 in a circulation issued an order by Home Ministry of the Government of Bangladesh that the overall security measures in CHT during the Union Parishad (lowest level of local government system) election would be controlled by the GOC of 24th Infantry Division of Chittagong cantonment as the responsibilities of command and control related to security and overall law and order of three hill districts was already entrusted to the GOC. It was worth mentioning that the Election Commission (EC) asked to the government to deploy military during the Union Parishad (UP) election in all polling boots of the country. However, the government denied it. But it is very astonishing that the government took decision to deploy army during UP election only in three hill districts of CHT.

On 24 January 2003 Camp Commander Lt. Akram of 53 EBR of Pukur Para army camp under Rajsthali upazila opposed following government officials to hold night at Pukur Para under Rajasthali upazila in Rangamati district. The victims went there to see government development project. Even the Commander physically harassed villagers namely Mr. Bigli Tripura (30), SSC candidate; Mr. Mohan Tripura (18) and UP member candidate Mr. Jakosh Tripura (38) s/o Mayaha Tripura while they went to discuss with the Commander at the camp. The Commander threatened them that they would be shot if they kept government official at Pukur Para village. As a result, the government officials were compelled tp leave village at mid-night for Ruma upazila under Bandarban district. The victims were:

4) Mr. Jiban Roaza, Assistant Engineer of Rangamati LGED Office;

5) Mr. Kya Hla Khoi Marma, Assistant Engineer of Bandarban LGED Office;

6) Ms. Sanjita Begum, General Manager of Sonali Bank of Rangamati branch;

7) Mr. Shoi Nue Mong Marma, Bandarban Tribal Cultural Institute.

On 12 March 2003 Camp Commander Mr. Hafez of Baradam army camp under Kaptai region in Rangamati district physically harassed Mr. Tuhin Chakma, small trader of Auolad Bazar under Rangamati sadar upazila without any reason. He also harassed following Jummas:

1) Mr. Suman Chakma,

2) Mr. Shanti Moy Chakma,

3) Mr. Nicobar Chakma,

4) Mr. Sukha Moy Chakma,

5) Mr. Suresh Chakma and

6) Mr. Mintu Chakma.

On 19 April 2003 the Bengali settlers from Bhuyachari settler village led Habibur Rahman s/o Razzak Ali, Abul Kasem and Alim Uddin in tacit support from military forces made attack on the Jumma villagers at Bhuyachari of Kamalchari union under Khagrachari sadar upazila in Khagrachari district. In this indident, 9 houses of the following Jumma villagers were set fire to ashes by the Bengali settlers. Besides, 12 Jumma villagers were injured. Among them, one Mr. Dhira Sen Chakma (55) s/o Indra Mohan Chakma got admitted at Khagrachari hospital. He got injuries at head and backbone. The victims of Bhuyachari whose houses were burnt down were:

1) Mr. Anil Prasad Chakma s/o Bimal Chakma

2) Mr. Jyoti Chakma s/o Chikya Chakma

3) Mr. Sajib Chakma s/o Suranatha Chakma

4) Mr. Dipak Chakma s/o Lalanya Chakma

5) Mr. Rupantar Chakma s/o Shefali Ranjan Chakma

6) Mr. Priti Bindu Chakma s/o Ashkay Mani Chakma

7) Mr. Purna Bikash Chakma s/o Ashkay Mani Chakma

8) Mr. Jatin Bikash Chakma s/o Oiya Mani Chakma

9) Mr. Krishnakar Chakma s/o Dhruba Kumar Chakma

On 3 May 2003 at 12.30 p.m. a group of army led Subedar Md. Habib of Commander of Khagrachari camp and Amtali camp of 16 EBR in Banghaichari conducted operation at South Hirachar and Noa Para of Khedarmara mouza under Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. During the operation, the army arrested and tortured two villagers namely Mr. Rabidhan Chakma (22) s/o Purna Chandra Chakma and Pratul Bikash Chakma (22) s/o Ashok Kumar Chakma of Pablakhali village under Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. Even the army tortured Ms. Ujjala Chakma (18) d/o Ugra Muni Chakma. Later, the army handed over Rabidhan Chakma and Pratul Bikash Chakma to Baghaichari police station. Md. Motaher, second officer of Baghaichari police station lodged case against them.

On 10 May 2003 a BDR camp was expanded at East Bhaibachara of Sajek union under Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. In this connection, the BDR Zone Commander of Baghaihat zone Lt. Colonel Kamrul (20 EBR) and the Sajek Zone Commander (32 EBR) jointly visited the said area. At first they searched the Karbari of the village and then visited the whole surrounding area of the village. More than 32 families would be affected due to setting up new BDR camp.

On 12 May 2003 the army personnel of Bandarban brigade arrested two Jummas from Ghungru Para of Dalu Para under Bandarban sadar upazila. The army personnel arrested them on suspicion as terrorist. However, they went there to meet their relatives. The local people claimed that army personnel almost harassed them in the name of searching terrorist. The victims are-

(1) Mr. Aongsla Pru Marma (25), village of Raikhali of Kaptai.

(2) Mr. Uchawmong Marma (26), village of Roangchari.

On 27 May of 2003 a group of BDR led by Major Rashid evicted the Signboard and Buddhist Flag of Falittangya Chug Buddhist Temple under Barkal upazila in Ranagmati district denying the objection of local people. They also torched the residence of Buddhist monks on 29 May 2003. Next day they have threatened the people who have gathered for religious function. They also announced prohibition and restriction on moving people at night in the area for so-called security reason. The BDR personnel tied Mr. Sneha Moy Chakma and Mr. Kitta Mohan Chakma with a pillar and dragged and pulled women outside of the temple.

Moreover a group of BDR led by Habilder Fazlu have been started to construct a camp for staying there. It was mentionable that the Falittangya Chug is the highest peak of the mountains in Barkal. Some Jummas have been living in this area. Some months before they built a Buddhist temple in this peak. The temple called Falitangya Chug Bidharshan Bhabana Kendra and Mandir. Recently the Zone Commander of BDR (34 Battalion) Major Rashid has initiated to evict the said Buddhist temple in the name of set up a T&T Wireless Tower. He has been motivating the people and local leaders about the tower. But if the Buddhist temple was evicted the Buddhist devotees would deprive from their religious functions. So they were strongly opposing the set up of the T&T Wireless Tower.

In addition, on 31 May of 2003 the said commander of BDR attempted to destroy the temple’s structures but at last he failed due to protest and demonstration of local people at Barkal upazila. On 7 June of 2003 the local people of Barkal submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh through the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Barkal upazila demanding followings-

1) To stop the setting up BDR camp at the same of the Buddhist temple and withdraw the BDR camp immediately.

2) To take legal step and punish the culprits who torched and corrupted the holy temple in the name of setting up BDR camp led by Major Md. Rashid (34 Battalion).

3) To ensure free from torch in future time by BDR.

On 30 May of 2003 at 12.30 p.m. army personnel of Khagrachari camp under Baghaichari upazila led by Subedar Md. Habib (16 EBR) arrested two innocent people from the house of Mr. Ugra Moni Chakma of south Khirachar village of Kedharmara union under Bhagaichari upazila in Rangamati district. The The victims are-

1) Rabi Dhan Chakma (22), S/O Purna Chandra Chakma, village of Middle Pabla Khali;

2) Mr. Putul Bikash Chakma (22), S/O Ashok Kumar Chakma, village of Middle Pabla Khali.

The military personnel beaten up them brutally and then handed over to Baghaichar police station. They were sent to jail in Rangamati. Moreover the police of Baghaichari filed a case against the said victims on 30 May of 2003. The case no. GR No- 155/03 dated 30/05/03.

It is reported that a group of Bengali Muslim settlers named Kalilur, Mokhlesh and Aziz used to buy cash seasonal fruits from the surrounded Jumma village. Usually, they used to buy the goods without payment. Few days ago, they also bought some goods from the said victims. But at last they denied paying for their goods. So the victims asked their money from them. The Chairman of the Union Parishad Mr. Suchitra Chakma and other conscious people mean that the military made a plan in favour of the Bengali settlers for denying to pay. That’s why they arrested the people.

On 23 July 2003 a group of army led by Captain Shams of Khagrachari army zone along with police conducted searching operation at some Jumma houses including Mr. Upendra Lal Chakma and Prabin Chandra Chakma at Mohajan Para in Khagrachari town. The army tried to arrest some innocent student leaders of PCP. But they failed while the women of the village opposed it.

On 24 July 2003 same group of army led by Captain Shams again conducted searching operation at Mohajan Para in Khagrachari town. During the operation they rounded up and searched the house of Mr. Dhira Kumar Chakma, ex-President of PCJSS Khagrachari district branch. But they got nothing.

On 25 July 2003 a group of army of Dighinala zone conducted operation in Dighinala sadar area of Dighinala upazila in Khagrachari district. During the operation, the army rounded up and searched the house of Mr. Dharmabir Chakma, local student leader of PCP. They destroyed valuables of house. Protesting the army operation, the PCP of Dighinala branch brought out procession in Dighinala upazila and submitted memorandum to the Prime Minister of Peoples’ Republic of Bangldaesh Government demanding withdrawal military as per CHT Accord.

On 2 August 2003 a group army of 16 EBR from Longadu army zone conducted operation at Dadi Para area under Longadu upazila in Rangamati district. They stayed one night digging soil on the Jum farm of Mr. Dhana Muni Chakma (25). As a result, lots of crops were destroyed. But the army took singature forcibly from Dhana Muni Chakma in presence of UP member Mr. Barendra Chakma (40) s/o Tejendra Lal Chakma and Headman of the village Mr. Priya Lal Chakma (32) Kriti Lal Chakma.

On 15 August 2003 at 10 a.m. the army of Ghagra zone arrested three innocents Jumma with licensed gun at Ghagra check post who were going by auto-rickshaw Jum farm to catch bore. Later the army handed over them to the Kaukhali police station. The police were compelled to file a false case against the arrested people under tremendous pressure of military authority. The victims are following:

(1) Prasanta Kumar Chakm, 47, son of Chitra Mohan Chakma, village of Chowdhury Para. Ghagra;

(2) Tapan Chakma, 28, son of Joybo Chakma, village of Kalabanya, Kaukhali;

(3) Subash Chakma, 27, son of Joysen Chakma, village of Chowdhury Para, Kaukhali.

At first the military personnel searched the auto-rickshaw that was hired by the victims. They arrested Prasanta Chakma and Tapan Chakma who were carrying the licensed 0.22 rifle of Shanti Moni Chakma. It is notable that Mr. Shanti Mani Chakma, a member of Ghagra union was also a passenger of the autorickshaw and authorised the gun for carrying to Tapan Chakma. While the military personnel arresting them they also showed the documents of the rifle to the army. Later Mr. Subash Chakma went there to understand the cause for delaying of Tapan and Prasanta Chakma. But he was also arrested and handed over to the police.

On 16 August 2003 the police of Kotowali police station arrested an innocent PCP leader from New Market Area of Rangamati Town namely Nico Chakma. He was a student leader and holding the post of Secretary of Rangamati District Branch of Hill Students’ Council (PCP). The police accused that Mr. Nico Chakma was a warranted criminal. But it was a fully false case and he took bail against this case. Later the police were compelled to release him.

On 26 August 2003 Bengali Muslim settlers with the support of the army from Mahalchari zone led by Lt. Colonel Abdul Awal launched a horrendous communal attack on the indigenous Jumma people of Mahalchari Upazila under Khagrachari district. More than 359 indigenous Jumma households of 14 villages under five Moujas have been looted and burnt to ashes. Moreover, more than 100 Jumma houses including four Buddhist temples, one UNICEF run primary school, a good number of shops and statues of Lord Buddha have been destroyed, ransacked and looted. Valuables worth over Taka 30 millions have been destroyed. Two Jummas namely Mr. Binod Bihari Khisha (57 Years) Son Of Surendra Lal Khisha Village Babu Para, Mahalchari Sadar and Master Chijikko Chakma (8 Months) daughter of Samiran Chakma Village Paharthali, Mahalchari Sadar have been murdered. The following ten Jumma women have been raped by the Bengali settlers. Furthermore, in this incident more than fifty innocents Jumma people have been injured, of them nine are serious. The following women were raped:

1) Shanti Bala Chakma alias Mita (38), wife of Swaswadhar Chakma from Paharthali Village

2) Khuki Chakma (12), Daughter of Swaswadhar Chakma from Paharthali Village

3) Bonita Chakma (15) Daughter of Swaswadhar Chakma from Paharthali Village

4) Amiti Chakma (16), daughter of Sudatta Chakma from Paharthali Village

5) Ghitanjali Chakma (14), Daughter of Sudatta Chakma from Paharthali Village

6) Bina Rani Chakma (20), Daughter of Kalo Baran Chakma from Kerengya Nal Village

7) Kalasona Chakma (35), wife of Batya Chakma from Kerengya Nal Village

8) Maya Laskmi Chakma (22), wife of Nibaran Chakma from Kerengya Nal Village

9) Chikkala Chakma (20), Daughter of Kala Udha Chakma from Kerengya nal Village

10) Badhimila Chakma (30), wife of Bimol Chakma from Kerengya Nal Village

On 27 August 2003 General Ekramul Haque, the Chief of Staff of Bangladesh army and Moin U Ahmed, GOC of Chittagong Division visited the incident spots of Mahalchari. At that time they turned themselves as innocent as distributing relief to the victims. Recently the Office of the Prime Minister granted a cash grant of Taka 3 millions for the rehabilitation of the affected families that channelled through the military authority. But the CHT Regional Council and concerned Hill District Councils were the proper authorities respectively to co-ordinate and implement any kind of relief programme according to the Acts of the Councils. On 10 September the GOC of Chittagong Division laid the foundation of Paddasova house and handed over a Buddha Statue to a Buddhist monk named Ven. Wamsu of Babupara Bouddha Bihar. But before his arrival in Mahalchari the military personnel clean up the affected houses and Buddhist temple.

On 23 October 2003 a group of army led by Major Md. Alim of Longadu sub-zone under Longadu upazila conducted operation at Baradam village under Longadu upazila in Rangamati. In this operation, the army harassed the Jumma villagers of Baradam village.

On 5 November 2003 at 3.00 p.m. a group of army led by Major Md. Alim of Longadu sub-zone in Longadu upazila rounded up the house of Mr. Rabi Chandra (68) s/o late Shashi Kumar Chakma of Baradam village under Longadu upazila in Rangamati district. The army harassed the member of Rabi Chandra’s family and searched the house and destroyed valuables of the house.

On 24 December 2003 at around 6.40 a.m. a group of army from Maini Mukh army zone under Longadu upazila conducted operation at Kattali Baradam village under Longadu upazila in Rangamati district. During the operation, the army fired on the village discriminately and set fire to house of the following villagers:

1) Mr. Adi Chandra Chakma (46) s/o Tarani Mohan Chakma

2) Mr. Amar Jyoti Chakma (35) s/o Ashkay Mani Chakma

3) Ms. Arati Chakma (33) w/o late Bhuda Chakma.