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 23 February 2004 an armed attack upon Dr. Kamal Hossain, renowned lawyer and President of Gono Forum along with other academic, political, human rights and media activists at Rubber Bagan area under Kaukhali upazila of Ranagmati-Chittagong border area by the armed cadres of Parbatya Chattagram Sama Odhikar Andolan (CHT Equal Rights Movement), an Islamic fundentalist organisation in CHT, with an aim to kill them.

On that day, Dr. Kamal Hossain along with Mr. Mesbah Kamal, Associate Professor of Dhaka University; Mr. Pankaj Bhattacharjee, Presidium Member of Gono Forum; Professor Khagesh Kiran Talukdar, Central Member of Communist Party of Bangladesh; Dr. Aktar Shobhan Khan Masrur, leader of Workers Party of Bangladesh; Professor Govinda Chakrabarty of Dhaka University; Mr. Saidur Rahman, leader of Sammilita Samajik Andolan; Mr. Nazarul Kabir, journalist and human rights activist; and Mr. Binota Moy Dhamai, General Secretary of PCP were coming Rangamati to attend the public gathering called by PCJSS demanding-

(1) To implement the CHT Accord properly;

(2) To remove communal, corrupt, plot maker of the Mahalchari attack and opponent of the CHT Accord Abdul Wadud Bhuian, M.P. from the post of the Chairman, the CHT Development Board and appoint a competent tribal as per the CHT Accord;

(3) To immediately withdraw all temporary camps of Army, Ansar, APB and VDP including the ‘Operation Uttoron’;

(4) To appoint a full Minister from the tribals in the CHT Affairs Ministry as per the CHT Accord.

On that day, while Dr. Kamal Hossain along with other academic, political, human rights and media activists reached at Rubber Bagan area by a micro bus, the armed cadres of Sama Odhikar Andolan halted them and wanted to know whether Dr. Hossain was in the vehicle. While they confirmed that Dr. Kamal Hossain was in the vehicle then they started to attack on them with iron rode and stick. In his attack, glasses of the micro bus were broken and Dr. Kamal Hossain got injuries in his hand. The attackers tried to get down Dr. Kamal Hossain and his associates from the vehicle. But they could narrowly escape due to judiciousness/wisdom of the micro bus driver.

It is also mentionable that the administration was supposed to provide police escort along with a magistrate for the security of Dr. Kamal and his associates. But astonishingly the administration did not provide police escort and magistrate and it was not informed to PCJSS leaders by the administration. So, it indicates that the attack on Dr. Kamal Hossain and his associates was pre-planned and that is why the administration did not provide security in order to make space for the armed cadres of Sama Odhikar Andolan.

This brutal attack created agitation through out the country. A case was filed against MP Abdul Wadood Bhuiyan with Kaukhali police station by Mr. Pankaj Bhattacharjee. But no miscreant was arrested by the police.

It is mentionable that in a conference held in Chittaong on 15 February 2004 the Islamic communal force of ruling four-party alliance led Abdul Wadood Bhuiyan, MP from Khagrachari district and leader of Bengali settlers formed an extreme Islamic communal organisation named Parbatya Chattagram Sama Odhikar Andolan (CHT Equal Rights Movement). Soon after establishment of the organisation, the Bengali settlers declared to oppose the programme taken by PCJSS. As Dr. Kamal Hossain and his accompanies mentioned above have been supporting CHT Accord Implementation Movement and protesting against the government for following delay-dallying tactic and anti-accord policy, the Sama Odhikar Andolan declared Dr. Kamal Hossain, Mr. Mesbah Kamal, Mr. Pankaj Bhattacharjee etc. undesirable.

On 26 February 2004 three members of Pahari Chatra Parishad (PCP) of Ruma upazila branch including Mr. Uhla Ching Marma (22) and Mr. Mong U Ching Marma were severely tortured by the army led by Subedar Nurul Hossain (43 EBR) of Ruma cantonment in Bandarban district. It was reported that that day at 10.00 p.m. Uhla Ching Marma was beaten by two Bengali settlers namely Mr. Nibarun Karmakar and Mr. Nuru Hossain of Ruma Bazar while he along his friend were returning home from hotel. Receiving this news, some PCP workers rushed there and rescued them. At that time, the PCP workers also beat Nibaran Karmakar. However, Bengali leaders of Ruma Bazar made compromise it. But Nibarun Karmakar and Nuru Hossain went to cantonment secretly and informed the army that some Jumma miscreants surrounded Bazar for looting. Receiving this report, the army rushed there and caught PCP workers, and tortured brutally without having any inquiry. Three PCP members mentioned above got serious injuries and got admission at Ruma hospital.

Both indigenous Jummas and Bengalis in Ruma upazila (sub-district) reacted against army atrocity. They observed road blockade on 27 February in Ruma upazila. The PCP also brought out protest procession in Bandarban district headquarters on same day demanding exemplary punishment of army involved with this atrocity. But no action was taken so far.

On 28 February 2004, Mr. Mahfujur Rahman backed by Mr. Abdul Wadood Bhuiyan, MP filed a false case against two members of PCJSS Mr. Sudhakar Tripura and Mr. Braja Kishore Tripura of appointing Mr. Jahangir Alam to assassinate Abdul Wadood Buiyan as per the instruction of Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, President of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and Chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council. Mr. Mahfujur Rahman also filed case against other four members of Awami League in this connection.

It is reported that earlier in the morning of the same day a gang of armed cadres appointed by Abdul Wadood Buiyan caught and brought Mr. Jahangir Alam, a member of Awami League from his place Islampur to Wadood Bhuinya’s place Kala Bagan area where Mr. Alam was tortured. Later Mr. Alam was rescued by the police. To turn the incident to different ways, Mr. Mahfujur Rahman filed this false case. It is also to be mentioned that on that same day, another member of Bangladesh Chhatra League named Tipu was caught and tortured by the cadres of abdul Wadood Bhuiyan.

It is also to be mentioned that, Abdul Wadood Bhuiyan and local leaders of four party alliance put pressure on the local police demanding immediate arrest of accused persons in this connection. They also tried to bring out a procession in Khagrachari town. Mr. Khayer, a Sub Inspector of Khagrachari Police station who did not agree to arrest and allow procession was immediately issued an order of transfer from Khagrachari.

On 8 March 2004 at afternoon, PCJSS organised a rally in Rangamati and Khagrachari protesting against false case that filed with Khagrchari Police Station by Mr. Mahfuzur Rahman, leader of BNP in Khagrachari district. In Rangamati a meeting was held at the Shilapakala Academy premise.

On 01/03/2004 in early morning at 4.00 a.m. a group of army from Kabakhali army zone under Dighinala in Khagrachari district raided the house of Mr. Niru Chakma s/o Chandra Bahan Chakma of village Jamtali under Dighinala upazila (sub-district) in Khagrachari district. They searched the house but found nothing. The army said him that they (army) had been informed that there were arms in his house. That is why they raided house. At last, they apologized for that. But the army interrogated Niru Chakma whether a brother was staying at Delhi or not. Niru Chakma denied to have a brother staying in Delhi.

Later in the next morning another group of army from Dighinala cantonment led by one Commanding Officer (CO) came to Niru Chakma's house. But at that time, Niru Chakma was not at home. The CO ordered Niru Chakma's family members to ask Niru Chakma to be present at cantonment by 11.00 a.m. in the same day.

On the same night at 2.50 a.m. the houses of Mr. Jagat Jyoti Chakma (Ranaturja) s/o Chok Kala Chakma and Mr. Suujjal Chakma s/o Profulla Chakma of village Boirafa under Merung union of Dighinal upazila in Khagrachari district were also raided by a group of army from Dighinala Cantonment of Khagrachari district. The army destroyed some valuables of the houses. Jagat Jyoti Chakma and Suujjal Chakma were the returnee members of PCJSS in accordance with the CHT Accord.

On 10 March 2004 the police of Longadu police station arrested Mr. Kiran Moy Chakma (20) s/o Surja Sen Chakma of Rupban village of Baranachari mouza of Subhalong under Barkal upazila in Rangamati district. He was Organising Secretary of Baranachari regional branch of PCP and caught from Kattali Bazar under Longadu upazila while he engaged for organising activties. The police handed over him to Subhalong army camp as his house was in Subhalong area. He was severely beaten by the police and army. He was transferred to Rangamati on that day.

On 16/03/2004 a group of Bengali settlers and Madrasa students had beaten Mr. Tushar Bindu Chakma (57) s/o late Punya Kamal Karbari of Madya Boalkhali village of Choto Merung union under Dighinala upazila in Kharachari district. The perpetrators of the attack had also looted and destroyed the houses of Tushar Bindu Chakma and Brajendu Chakma of the village. It was reported that early in the morning of the day, the students of Madrasa (Islamic religious school) found stools inside the Madrasa. The Bengali settlers and Madrasa students accused Tushar Bindu Chakma for defecating. Mr. Chakma denied it. But the Bengali settlers and Madrasa students compelled him (Tushar Bindu) to clean it. Moreover, they beat and dragged him brutally.

It is notable that Tushar Bindu Chakma left his homestead due to massacre committed by Bengali settlers with the direct help of Bangladesh military forces in 1986 and took shelter in Indian state of Tripura. After signing of the CHT Accord in 1997 between the government of Bangladesh and the PCJSS, he returned home. In the meantime, the Bengali settlers occupied his homestead and cultivable land and built a Madrasa on his land. He appealed to the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Refugees and Internally Displaced Families and to the Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari district. But he is yet to get back his land. In addition, the Bengali settlers have been always trying to occupy other land of Tushar Bindu Chakma.

On 22/03/04 around 5.00 p.m. the army led by Major Ashfaq of Dighinala army zone in Khagrachari district arrested a PCJSS member named Mr. Chane Aung Marma alias Chaneu (30) s/o Mra Chanai Marma from the shop of Mr. Kinadhan Chakma at Baradam Bazar under Dighinala upazila (sub-district) in Khagrachari district. Next day early in the morning, Mr. Chaneu Marma along with a 9mm sub-machine gun was handed over to Dighinala police station. The ASI Md. Harun Tayab Rashid of Dighinala police station lodged an arm case against Mr. Chaneu with Dighinala police station and produced him to Khagrachari district court.

It was falsely mentioned in the case that Mr. Chaneu was caught from Dighinala Jora Bridge area with 9mm sub-machine gun while he was getting preparation for extortion of money at around 20.00 hrs. In fact he was caught without arm from the shop of Mr. Kinadhan Chakma at Baradan Bazar and at that time, Acting Chairperson of Babuchara Union Council Ms. Gopa Devi Chakma and her Secretary Mr. Jagadish Chakma, Chairman of Dighinala Union Council, Mr. Chandra Ranjan Chakma, other UP Members and local people were present there. It was notable that Mr. Chaneu was from the village of Magarachari of Laxmichari upazila under Khagrachari district.

On 28 March 2004 Zone Commander Lt. Colonel Reza of 34 rifles battalion of Barkal BDR zone harassed Mr. Gyana Taluktar, President of PCJSS of Barkal upazila branch under Rangamati district. That day at around 6.00 p.m. the BDR halted and checked the trawler by which Gyana Talukdar was returning home. Nothing was found in trawler but the Zone Commander of BDR Lt. Colonel Reza seized the handle of trawler without showing any reason and issued prohibition on movement at nighttime. The PCJSS workers protested against it. But the Commander of BDR threatened to shot PCJSS workers if any body moves at nighttime.

First week of April 2004 the army of Ghagra cantonment took initiative to set up a new army camp at Panchari village under Ghagra in Kaukhali upazila of Rangamati district. For this purpose, the army authority tried to acquire two acres of land from a villager of Panchari village. But the villager did not agree to sell his land. The army authority put tremendous pressure on the villager for the land.

On 10 April 2004 the Bengali settlers led by the following BNP leaders made a communal attack on Jumma people at Marishya bazar under Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. In this attack, 5 shops and computer centres owned by Jumma people and some households of Babu Para village of Baghaichar upazila have been ransacked and looted.

The ransacked and looted shops and computer centres were:

(1) Shop of Hilahilly Development Foundation

(2) Srijani Computer and Photostat

(3) Tarumban Computer Centre and Printers

(4) Hill Season Art

(5) Rageni Radio & Watch Service

The main perpetuators who led the attack were:

(1) Mr. Azizur Rahman (Ex UP Chairman), s/o Hazi Toiyab Ali of Jibangachara village of Baghaichari upazila

(2) Mr. Giaz Uddin s/o Baja Ali of Master Para of Baghaichari upazila

(3) Md. Matin s/o Harun Moulavi of Madyam Para of Baghaichari upazila

(4) Mr. Shah Alam s/o Azahar Ali of Guchchagram village of Baghaichari upazila

(5) Md. Jamal, 30, a BNP leader from Hazi Para of Baghaichari upazila

(6) Md. Manik, 28, President of Chatra Dal (student front of BNP) from Baghaichari upazilla

(7) Md. Salim, 30, President of Shramik Dal (labourer front of BNP) from Bhagaichari upazilla

(8) Md. Surup, 45, ex Up member of Marishya UP in Bhagaichari Upazilla

(9) Md. Razzaq, 45, member of Marishya UP in Bhagaichari Upazilla

It was reported that a women named Ms. Fatema Begum (35) from Headman Para Muslim Block of Tulaban area under Baghaichari upazila was brutally killed by some unknown person/s. But the Bengali settlers without any justification rumoured that the Jumma villagers killed her. Soon after receiving this rumour, the Bengali setllers attacked the Jumma people at Marishya bazar. But the Jumma people could narrowly escape from the attack. However, the shops and computer centres owned by the Jumma people were looted and ransacked. Valuables of shops and computer centres including at least five computers were completely destroyed and looted. The agitated Bengalis also tried to attack Jumma inhabited-village Babu Para.

It is mentionable that it is yet to clear who was/were responsible for the killing of Fatema Begum. Experience shows that the Bengali settlers kept dead body at the Jumma locality if any Bengali Muslim settler died due to internal clash between them in order to hide the crime and to accuse Jumma people for that. Local Jumma people believe that Fatema Begum might also be killed by her husband.

On the other hand, Mr. Sajal Chakma, General Secretary of Hilahilly Development Foundation failed to lodge case in connection with the destruction and looting of shops and computer centres with Baghaichari police station as the authority of Baghaichari police station did not agree to accept the case. In the statement of the proposed case, Mr. Sajal Chakma clearly mentioned the name of culprits, such as, Mr. Azizur Rahman, Mr. Giaz Uddin, Md. Matin, Mr. Shah Alam etc. The police authority tried to dictate Sajal Chakma to delete the name of culprits from the statement. But Sajal Chakma did not agree to do so.

On 10 April 2004 a group army led by Lt. Ashraf from Chandra Para camp under Khagrachari sadar upazila conducted operation at Hriday Member Para of Alutila under Khagarchari sadar upazila in Khagrachari district. In this operation, the army arrested the following three innocent villagers in connection with a bus dacoity occurred on 1 April 2004 at Alutila of Khagrachari-Chittagong road. The arrested villagers were:

(1) Mr. Chandra Mohan Tripura (25) s/o Bishu Kumar Tripura

(2) Mr. Babul Jyoti Tripura (30) s/o late Nikhil Kumar Tripura

(3) Mr. Shyamal Jyoti Tripura (32) s/o late Nikhil Kumar Tripura

The victims were handed over to the Khagrachari police station. It is mentionable that the villagers of Hriday Member Para caught three dacoits namely Mr. Nitya Tripura (18) s/o Brigudhar Tripura, Mr. Gopal Tripura (19) s/o Bhagya Purna Tripura and Nani Tripura (21) s/o Amar Ratan Tripura and handed over them to the army on 1 April 2004. The villagers extended their helping hands to the administration to arrest the dacoits and to eradicate dacoity from the locality. But astonishingly the army were harassing the villagers in connection with the dacoity.

On 12 April 2004 at 5.00 p.m. the said army conducted operation second time at the village. During the operation, the army arrested the following more three innocent villagers in connection with dacoity. The villagers put tremendous pressure to release the arrested villagers. At the last the innocent villagers were released at mid-night after brutally torture. The victims were:

(1) Mr. Sunil Tripura (16) s/o Gokula Tripura

(2) Mr. Dayal Chakma, Garden Guard of CHT Development Board

(3) Mr. Kaloy Chan Tripura (17) s/o Ram Kishore Tripura

On 13 April 2004 the said army conducted operation third time at the village. During the operation, the army threatened the villagers to produce dacoits within a short period to the army otherwise the villagers would be uprooted from the village. Due to continuous military operation through out the village, the villagers of Hriday Member of Alutila under Khagarchari sadar upazila could not observed ‘Boisuk’, the national traditional festival of the Jumma poeple in CHT.

On 17 April 2004 at night a group of Bengali settlers led by Salam, UP member, killed Shanti Ranjan Chakma (45) of Toichakmamukh Para village of Naniarchar upazila. The victim was caught and killed at Kukurmara village near Islampur settlers’ village. His dead body was found at the lake area near Naniarchar. Victim’s son Papul Chakma filed a case with Naniarchar police station against 5 Bengali settlers in connection with this killing. But the police arrested Mr. Salam, however other criminals were yet to be arrested.

On 27 April 2004 at around 4 p.m. a group of army from Chandra Para camp of 27 field regiment under Guimara brigade in Khagrachari led by camp commander Captain Md. Ashfaque physically tortured following two innocent Jumma villagers of Sapmara village of Matiranga upazila under the Khagrachari district taking them to the camp. The victims were as follows:

1) Mr. Gajendra Tripura (42) s/o late Poida Kumar Tripura,

2) Mr. Babul Jyoti Tripura (17) s/o Chan Kishore Tripura.

Later the victims were admitted to Matiranga hospital with severe condition.

This is very unfortunate that the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) denied yesterday, May 5, 2004 to issue Government Order (G.O.) in favour of Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, President of the PCJSS and Chairman of the CHT Regional Council to visit the USA for attending the 3rd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), scheduled to be held at the UN Headquarters in New York from 10th to 21st May, 2004. Mr. Larma has been invited by the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, New York to attend the international meet to discuss the global indigenous peoples’ issues.

Mr. Larma who is a signatory of the CHT Accord of 1997 which is also known as the Peace Accord for establishing peace in the conflict-torned CHT region has shouldered the Chairmanship of the interim CHT Regional Council, the apex body over the local councils and GoB agencies with the supervisory and coordinating authority over law & order, civil administration, development and etc. in the CHT region. Mr. Larma, holder of State Minister status as the Chairman of the CHT Regional Council requires Government Order for going to abroad whether in government or private visits.

The GoB has violated the basic fundamental principle of the Bangladesh Constitution and also has denied the access of a national leader with ethnic background to the UN. The GoB decision can be termed as absolute denial of a citizen to go to abroad and also to oppose the indigenous peoples’ contribution at global level to help build peace and development. It is also an exposure of the hidden policy of the GoB to isolate the indigenous peoples from the world community, which cannot be accepted by any quarter at national or global level.

On 8 May 2005 the Bengali settlers in Bandarban district attacked upon the PCJSS workers and Jumma people as well. It is mentionable that a daylong hartal (strike) was called by the PCJSS in three hill districts of CHT demanding speedy and proper implementation of the CHT Accord. Almost all over the three hill districts, the hartal was observed peacefully and successfully. But in Bandarban district headquarters and Panchari upazila in Khagrachari there were communal attacks made upon PCJSS picketers by the Bengali settlers in collaboration with a section of vested interest group of government of Bangladesh. Six picketers including a PCJSS leader and a minor boy were seriously injured in the attack of Bandarban town area and another person was attacked at Panchari.

On that day at around 11.00 a.m. the Bengali settlers led by the BNP and Jamat-e-Islam leaders first attempted to attack with chopper, stick and rod on the PCJSS activists in Bandarban district while they were picketing on the road beside the Chowdhury market of Bandarban town. When the picketers tried to stop them then there had a clash between the two sides. Soon after the clash the Bengali settlers attacked Bandarban Jumma students hostel where following 3 innocent Jumma students were seriously injured. The victims were:

1) Mr. Uthowai Ching Marma (16) s/o Mongkyawan Marma, student of class X of Bandarban Government High School,

2) Mr. Nithowai Mong Marma (16) s/o Monghla Prue Marma, student of class IX of Don Boxco High School,

3) Mr. Joseph Tripura (16) s/o Padma Moni Tripura.

Moreover, the Bengali settlers attacked on the JSS and PCP activists staying at the premises of Press Club. In that attack following persons were injured:

1) Mr. Sadhuram Tripura (50) s/o Moikliha Tripura, central member of PCJSS and councilor of the CHT Regional Council,

2) Mr. Nira Lal Tanchangya (25) s/o Bimal Tanchangya of Rowangchari village,

3) Mr. Uchahla Marma (22) s/o Aungo Mong Marma of Ujani Para in Bandarban Municipality

Besides, from the very beginning Md. Osman Goni, Vice President of district BNP and Kazi Mahatul Hosen, Joint Secretary of district BNP provoked the Bengali settlers to attack the Jumma people.

Mr. Sadhuram Tripura and Mr. Uthowai Ching Marma who got severe injuries lodged two cases in connection with this attack with Bandarban police station respectively. But the police authority without any reason did not accept the case filled by Uthowai Ching. Sashuram Tripura mentioned following persons as culprits in the case (No. 54/6 dated 09/05/04) lodged by him:

1) Abdul Mabud of Hafezghona, Leader of the Jubadal Presiden and PNB Acting GS of Bandarban district,

2) Md. Iliash of Kamal Chairman Para, leader of the Jamat-e-Islam,

3) Hafej Mohammad Azizul Haque, s/o Nur Mohammed Moulabi of Bandarban bazar area, a local four party alliance leader and nominee of Bandarban Municipal commissioner of no. 4 ward,

4) Md. Alam, Electronic shop of Chowdhury Market,

5) Md. Mostofa of Balaghata village

6) Md. Joynal of Chowdhury Market,

7) Md. Nurul Alam, owner of Zaman hotel of Bandarban bazar,

8) Md. Kasem, manager of Nur Ahammed Moulabi shop,

9) Md. Kamalya s/o Md. Ahmed of Marma bazar lane,

10) Ahamed of Marma bazar lane,

11) Mohiuddin, brother of Hafej Md. Azizul Haque.

12) Md. Samrat of Bandraban bazar area.

But till today the authority has taken no action against the culprits. Rather, one Bengali settler (shopkeeper) named Hazi Mohammad Nurul Haque s/o late Najir Hossain of Bandarban Bazar lodged a false case in connection with looting his shop against K S Mong Marma, president of the PCJSS district branch and Joli Mong Marma, secretary for education and cultural affairs of PCJSS and other 20/25 Jummas with Bandarban police station.

On the other, in Panchari under Khagrachari distirct an innocent person named Mr. Nayan Kanti Chakma (45) s/o Gobinda Chakma of Panchari bazar area under the Khagrachari hill district was injured in an attack made by the local BNP activists during the hartal.

On 12 May 2004 a group of army from Bame Longadu sub-zone under Maini Mukh zone of Longadu upazila visited Rangapanichara village and talked to the owners of the land namely Mr. Amar Jiban Chakma s/o Chhatra Narayan Chakma and Mr. Mohan Chan Chakma of Rangapanichara village under Longadu upazila in Rangamati district. The army informed them that they would set up a new army camp on their land. So, they have to go away from the land to another place. Later, the owners of land contacted to 2IC (2nd-in-Command) of Maini Mukh zone and appealed to cancel the plan of setting up camp on their lands. However, the army officer (2IC) replied that government would set up camp at everywhere if she feels needed. He ordered the owners of the land to leave the land. Lastly, he threatened the owners that they would take necessary action against the owners if they would not leave the lands voluntarily. It is mentionable that 13 Jumma families will be evicted from their ancestral land if the camp is set up. Among them, 4 acres of land (Holding no. H-137/ka) of Amar Jiban Chakma and 1 acre of land (Holding no. H-137/ka) will be fallen under the acquisition for setting up camp.

On 12/05/05 a group of army and police led by Major Kader of 24 EBR from Naniarchar zone under Rangamati district raided the houses of PCJSS members and supporters namely Mr. Sudatta Bikash Chakma (36) s/o Tripura Charan Chakma and Mr. Kajal Dewan s/o late Debal Kumar Dewan at Naniarchar bazar under Naniarchar upazila in Rangamati district. In this operation, the army arrested the following Jumma youths:

1) Mr. Sudatta Bikash Chakma (36) s/o Tripura Charan Chakma

2) Mr. Kajal Dewan s/o late Debal Kumar Dewan

3) Mr. Papul Khisa (32) s/o Amiya Moy Khisa

4) Mr. Parban Chakma (16) s/o Gyana Ranjan Chakma

5) Mr. Debabrata Chakma (38) s/o Karmadas Chakma

6) Mr. Padan Mauni Chakma (32) s/o Shanti Ranjan Chakma

And other two persons.

The first 4 persons were released early in the morning and the rest were released next day. The army harassed them. The army raided the houses in the name of searching the miscreants. Major Kader wanted to know from Papul Khisa whether he had any dispute with Mr. Panchanan Chakma. Papul Khisa replied negative.

On 18 May 2004 a group of BDR personnel led by Subedar Kuddush from Temata Post of Rajnagar zone in Longadu upazila raided Mr. Sneha Moy Chakma’s house at Rangipara of Longadu upazila under Rangamati district. At that time Mr. Sneha Moy Chakma was not present at his house.

The BDR personnel searched surroundings of his house and pressed his wife to sign on the blank paper that the BDR found out a shotgun and three cartridges at his house. When his wife refused signing on the false blank paper two BDR personnel dragged and harassed her physically. Her blouse was tore off while dragging her by the BDP personnel. At last she was compelled to sign on the blank paper. The BDR personnel ordered to his wife for attending her hudband Mr. Sneha Moy Chakma at the BDR zone soon while they leaving house.

On 25/05/2004 at 5 o’clock army from Sindukchari camp under Guimara brigade led by Lt. Colonel Abdul Rouf and Second Lieutenant Mahtabuddin of 12 Engineering Core arrested 17 members of PCP, PCJS and PCJSS from houses near office of PCJSS at Giumara. The army tortured them brutally in the camp by hitting with stick and rifle butt, kicking with leg wearing boot, dancing on their back, hanging on tree having upside down and beating, compelling to see sunshine continuously, pushing injection needle, applying electric shock etc. They were kept there without food and water. Mr. Sumedh Chakma was kept standing naked.

On 26/05/04 the army handed over them seriously injured to the police authority of Guimara police station. The victims were produced to the district court of Khagrachari showing arrest under section 54 of Criminal Penal Code and General Diary no. 107 dated 26/05/2004 of Guimara police station.

The PCJSS and its front organisations namely PCP (Pahari Chhatra Parishad) (Hill Students’ Council) and PCJS (Parbatya Chattagram Juba Samiti) (CHT Youth Association) undertook campaigning programme through out the Khagrachari district for strengthening organisational base and making public opinion. As part of this programme, the local, upazila (sub-district) and district level workers of PCP, PCJS and PCJSS were visiting Guimara area. With an aim to success the programme and smooth implementation, the chairmen and members of the local union councils, local leaders, local administration including Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Matiranga upazila and Officer-in-Charge of Guimara police station have been informed the programme earlier.

But it is very astonishing that from very beginning of the programme the army did not see it with good eye. Consequently, on 25/05/2004 at 5.00 a.m. army from Sindukchari camp under Guimara brigade led by Lt. Colonel Abdul Rouf and Second Lieutenant Mahtabuddin of 12 Engineering Core raided the adjacent areas of Guimara office of the PCJSS and arrested following 17 members of the PCP, PCJS and PCJSS from the house near to Guimara office of the PCJSS. The victims were:

01) Mr. Mong Thowai Marma (28) s/o Tufan Marma of Chhota Pilak under Guiamar

02) Mr. Alo Bikash Chakma (22) s/o Mangal Chandra Chakma of Badshachari under Dighinala

03) Mr. Sunil Kanti Tripura (22) s/o Sneha Kuamr Chakma of Betchari under Dighinala

04) Mr. Tatu Tripura (23) s/o Tarang Kumar Tripura of Headman Para under Dighinala

05) Mr. Mista Ranjan Tripura (24) s/o Nagendra Tripura of Headman under Dighinala

06) Mr. Sukumar Chakma (20) s/o Nayan Chandra Chakma of Betchari under Dighinala

07) Mr. Omar Chakma (30) s/o Bima Ranjan Chakma of Kabakhali under Doghinala

08) Mr. Bali Tripura (30) s/o Kalinga Tripura of Headman Para under Dighinala

09) Mr. Shanti Chakma (22) s/o Ajoy Chakma of Boalkhali under Dighinala

10) Mr. Sohag Chakma (20) s/o Sneha Kumar Chakma of Hajachari under Dighinala

11) Mr. Sumedh Chakma (25) s/o late Kipta Sen Chakma of Betchari under Dighinala

12) Mr. Ujai Marma (25) s/o late Mong Marma of Headman under Guimara

13) Mr. Ruapayan Chakma (26) s/o Halesh Chandra of Parshuramghat under Guimara

14) Mr. Sagar Baccha Chakma (22) s/o Purna Kanti Chakma of Kumujya Para under Ramgarh

15) Mr. Mongchai Marma (25) s/o Aung Prue Marma of Chhota Pilak under Ramgarh

16) Mr. Devamoy Chakma (32) s/o Hriday Muni Karbari of Bara Pilak under Ramgarh

17) Mr. Antar Tripura (16) s/o Birendra Tripura of Shingali Para under Ramgarh.

As per commitment of district administration, 7 persons among the 17 arrested workers of PCP, PCJS and PCJSS from Guimara by the Sindhukchari army camp were released on 29 May 2004. On 31 May 2004 the administration released the rest of 10 workers of PCP, PCJS and PCJSS.

On 27 May 2004 the police and army led by Abul Kalam Azad, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Khagrachari police station raided the Khagrachari district office of PCJSS and arrested arrested 33 members of PCJSS, PCP and PCJS including Central Member of PCJSS Mr. Sathowai Prue Marma, President of Khagrachari district Mr. Pranati Bikash Chakma and Secretary for Student and Youth Affairs Mr. Braja Kishaore Tripura.

It is mentionable that from 27 May 2004 the PCJSS called for road and waterways blockade for indefinite period through out the three hill districts in CHT demanding release of arrested workers mentioned above. District administration assured PCJSS that they would release arrested workers by 2.00 p.m. on 27 May. But instead of releasing the workers the police and army led by Abul Kalam Azad, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Khagrachari police station suddenly started firing from their automatic weapons around 1.30 p.m. on that day and raided district office of PCJSS and Jumma inhabited Mohajan para village in Khagrachari town. The police and army beat Jumma persons indiscriminately. They arrested 33 members of PCJSS, PCP and PCJS including the leaders mentioned above. They boarded the arrested persons on the pick-up beating with stick and rifle butt and taken to the police station. Three PCP workers namely Pratyoy Chakma, Suman Chakma and Swapan Chakma were seriously wounded and admitted to Khagrachari hospital. Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Mahbub rebuked them with slung language and threatened them of committing communal riot as like as Mahalchari communal attack of 26 August 2003. Communal tension loomed large in Khagrachari. Bengali settlers in collaboration with cadres of ruling four party alliances made communal attack on Jumma people including Chairman of Khagrachari Municipality Mr. Mongkyew Ching Chowdhuary and health workers of leprosy department Mr. Bimal Jyoti Tripura.

During custody at police station, ASP Mahbub threatened the arrested PCJSS, PCP and PCJS activists that they had 1,000 police personnel in Khagrachari and they had 1,000 arms. They could do everything if they wished. Rather PCJSS had nothing. PCJSS could do nothing. All the Bengalis became united. They were ready to destroy Jumma locality. The ASP also said that all the army fed up against the PCJSS. He also mentioned that hundreds of Jumma houses were burnt down in Mohalchari last year. Hundred of Bengali settlers set fire the houses of Jumma people. That time, the Jumma people could not do anything. He also asked that where was your leader? He would be arrested if he came there. One leader was made home arrest. He again threatened that they had bore lots but would not tolerate any more. It is notable that the ASP gave hint Mr. Raktotpal Tripura and Sudhasindhu Khisa both central leaders of PCJSS and members of CHTRC as Mr. Raktotpal Tripura was not present at the PCJSS office when raided by police and army while Mr. Sudhasindhu Khisa was staying at Circuit House after ending the meeting of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Repatriated Jumma Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.

The police argued against the arrest of the workers of PCJSS, PCJS and PCP that the picketers of the PCJSS, PCP and PCJS destroyed a truck at Zero Mile area in Khagrachari. But it was fully perverted and exaggerated. During road blockade programme, a truck came into Khagrachari speedily. The picketers tried to stop it. But the drivers drove it speedily with an aim to get into the picketers. But picketers escaped narrowly from killing. On the other, the Juba Dal (Youth front of Bangladesh Nationalist Party) leader Md. Abdul Salam s/o late Bakkar Mian of Shabda Mian Para in Khagrachari along with Chhatra Dal (student front organisation of BNP) leader Md. Saidul Islam Babul was coming to Khagrachari bazar speedily by motorbike. Unfortunately they fell into accident near the area of M N Larma statue as they were driving speedily. It was very astonishing that after the accident they left the motorbike there and after few minutes some Bengali settlers led by BNP cadres rushed there shouting communal slogans and set fire to the motorbike.

Soon after spreading this propaganda, the police and army raided the PCJSS district office and Jumma-inhabited Mohajan Para village. In fact, there were no argument to destroy the truck and set fire the motorbike as the PCJSS and its front organisations have been observing the democratic programmes such as strike, road blockade, demonstration etc with the heartiest responsibility. Moreover, the motorbike, auto-rickshaw, rickshaw etc were out of road blockade programmme.

Among 33 member of PCJSS, PCP and PCJS, 11 persons were released in the evening on 27 May due tremendous pressure by the PCJSS. But the rest of 22 persons were sent to jail. A case (Khagrachari police station case no. 2 dated 27/05/04) was falsely lodged against them. They were accused under section 143/ 144/ 342/ 323/ 324/ 385/ 436/ 427/ 379/34 /387 of the Bangladesh Panel Code related to extortion of money, destruction of property, arson, etc and under section 3 of Firearm Law. In the case 30/35 unknown persons were also accused. Among 11 persons, 3 were PCJSS and PCP leaders and 7 were Awami League workers.

On the other, ASI of Khagrachari police station Md. Abdul Alim filed a separate false case (Khagrachari police station case no. 3 dated 27/05/04) with section 143/ 332/ 353 of Bangladesh Panel Code against 40/45 unknown persons. Those sections are related to illegally obstructing government employees to perform government duties. The police under this case can arrest anybody particularly members of PCJSS, PCP and PCJS and supporters at any time identifying unknown one.

Though 11 persons among the arrested on 27 May were released, but the rest of 22 leaders and activists of PCJSS, PCP and PCJS were sent to jail. Consequently, the situation turned into complex. With this backdrop, a special meeting on law and order has been called by the district administration at mid-night on 27 May. The leaders of four party alliances, their front organisations and different professional organosations backed by the four party alliances were invited in the meeting. On the contrary, only three Jumma leaders namely Mr. Sudhasindhu Khisa and Mr. Raktalpal Tripura both Central Member of the PCJSS and Member of the CHTRC and Mr. Upendra Lal Chakma, Ex-MP were invited. When the meeting started at first all the leaders of the four party alliances, their front organisations and different professional organosations backed by the four party alliances started to deliver speeches one after another for a long time. Consequently, the meeting turned into public meeting organised by four party alliances. They accused PCJSS one sidedly in connection with extortion of money, kidnapping, killing, terrorist activities etc. and rebuked PCJSS leadership with slung language. The PCJSS leaders condemned against it. At the last, a short close-door meeting among DC, SP, Sudhasindhu Khisa, Raktalpal Tripura, Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan etc was held and a commitment from the end of administration to release the arrested workers by 30 May was given to PCJSS leaders at this meeting.

As per commitment given by the district administration, the PCJSS postponed its continued road and waterway blockade programme till 30 May. PCJSS reiterated its declaration that the road and waterway blockade programme would be startef from 31 May if the administration would not release the arrested workers of PCJSS, PCP and PCJS were not released by 30 May as per their commitment.

Name of the 22 and 11 persons respectively to whom the case was filed are as follows:

22 Persons:

01) Mr. Pranati Bikash Chakma s/o Ajit Mohan Chakma of Pankhiya Para of Khagrachari upazila (President of Khagrachari district branch of PCJSS)

02) Mr. Braja Kishore Tripura s/o Alebdra Lal Tripura of Khagrapur of Khagrachari upazila (Secretary for Student and Youth Affairs of Khagrachari district branch of PCJSS)

03) Mr. Rupak Chakma s/o Jatin Bikash Chakma of Madhupur of Khagrachari upazila (Assistant General Secretary of Khagrachari district branch of PCJSS)

04) Mr. Birendra Lal Cahkma s/o Bholanatha Chakma of Mohajan Para of Khagrachari upazila (President of of Khagrachari upazila branch of PCJSS)

05) Mr. Pratyai Chakma s/o late Ratan Bikash Chakma of Narankhiya of Khagrachari upazila (General Secretary of of Khagrachari district branch of PCP)

06) Mr. Niutan Marma s/o Kongsai Marma of Upper Perachara of Khagrachari upazila (Organising Secretary of Khagrachari district branch of PCP)

07) Mr. Suman Chakma (Kandra) s/o Mantu Chakma of Narankhiya of Khagrachari upazila

08) Mr. Sunil Kanti Tripura s/o late Barun Kanti Tripura of Khagrapur of Khagrachari upazila

09) Mr. Karpan Tripura s/o late Pancharam Tripura of Khagrapur of Khagrachari upazila

10) Mr. Chaichhuiya Tripura s/o Yearkiya Tripura of Khagrapur of Khagrachari upazila

11) Mr. Kyaching Marma s/o Aching Marma of Madhupur of Khagrachari upazila

12) Mr. Alo Jiban Chakma s/o Punya Ratan Chakma of Narikel Bagan of Dighinala upazila

13) Mr. Chhoto Chakma s/o Kala Chakma of Betchari of Khagrachari upazila

14) Mr. Gyan Jyoti Chakma s/o Bari Bindu Chakma of Dharmajit Karbari Para

15) Mr. Gyan Jyoti Chakma s/o Ranjan Kumar Chakma of Jorha Bridge of Khagrachari upazila

16) Mr. Kartik Tripura (Jagmin) s/o late Nichhak Kumar Chakma of Punong Para

17) Mr. Iron Chakma s/o Dayamoy Chakma of Pulin Headman Para of Doghinala upazila

18) Mr. Surapan Chakma s/o Padma Lochan Chakma of Master Para

19) Bimal Jyoti Chakma s/o Gyana Kumar Chakma of Pulin Headman Para of Dighinal upazila

20) Mr. Michel Chakma s/o Buddha Ranjan Chakma of Pulin Headman Para of Dighinala upazila

21) Mr. Anumadarshi Chakma s/o Purna Mohan Chakma of Reservechara

22) Mr. Swapan Chakma s/o Ramani Chakma of Jorha Bridge of Dighinala upazila.

11 Persons:

01) Mr. Sudhakar Tripura s/o unknown of Khagrapur of Khagrachari upazila (Organising Secretary of Khagrachari district branch of PCJSS)

02) Mr. Biplab Tripura s/o unknown of Khagrapur of Khagrachari upazila (General Secretary of Khagrachari upazila branch of PCJSS)

03) Mr. Ujjal Chakma s/o unknown of Mohajan Para of Khagrachari upazila (President of central PCP)

04) Mr. Jatan Tripura s/o unknown of Khagrapur of Khagrachari upazila (Joint Convenor of Khagrachari district Awami Juba League)

05) Mr. Ruku Marma s/o unknown of Pankhiya Para of Khagrachari upazila (central member of Chhtra League)

06) Mr. Kanu Tripura s/o unknown (Leader of Khagrachari district Chhatra League)

07) Mr. Koilash Tripura s/o unknown of Khagrapur of Khagrachari upazila (Leader of Khagrachari district Chhtra League)

08) Mr. Mongshi Prue Chowdhury (Apu) s/o unknown of Sluice Gate of Khagrachari upazila (President of Khagrachari district Chhtra League)

09) Mr. Apurba Tripura s/o Jatindra Lal Tripura of Milanpur of Khagrachari upazila (Leader of Khagrachari district Juba League)

10) Mr. Resource Chakma s/o unknown of Kamalchari of Khagrachari upazila (Joint Secretary of Khachari district Awami Juba League)

11) Mr. Milan Chakma (Marked Babul) s/o unknown of Mohajan Para of Khagrachari upazila.

And other 30/25 unknown persons.

Soon after the filing case against the activists of the PCJSS and its front organisations and producing them to the court, appeal was submitted for bail for the arrested activists to district court. But the court denied to grant bail for them. Consequently, further appeal was made to judge court in Chittagong and the court granted bail in the first hearing for 9 workers. The rest of the workers were granted after a couple of days back.

On 27/05/04 during the conducting raid on the PCJSS office at 1.30 p.m., the false issue of destruction of a truck and setting fire of motorbike was turned into communal dimension by a group of Bengali settlers in collaboration with communal forces of ruling four party alliances led by Mohammad Abdul Wadood Bhuiyan, MP of Khagrachari. They propagated that the picketers of the PCJSS, PCP and PCJS were destroying and setting fire on vehicles of the Bengali people. Consequently, the cadres of the four party alliances ran after Mr. Mongkyeu Ching Chowdhury, Chairman of Khagrachari Municipality to kill him till his municipal office. He narrow escaped from killing while he hid at his office closing the door. The Bengali settlers also beat Mr. Bimal Jyoti Tripura, a health worker of leprosy department. The BNP cadres set fire on his motorbike at Kola Bagan area of Khagrachari town at afternoon. Besides, Mr. Raju Marma s/o Chaihla Prue Marma of Chowdhury Para village was also injured due to attack by the BNP cadres.

The annual prize distribution programme of Khagrachari Government High School was held at that day in Khagrachari down. All students have been ordered to ensure compulsory present at the programme by school authority. The programme was ended at night. But the BNP cadres attacked the Jumma students when they were going to home after attending the programme. In this attack, Manju Lal Tripura and Jiban Tripura both from Khagrapur in Khagrachari Municipality were wounded. But it was very astonishing that no case was made against the Bengali settlers who committed these communal attacks and no body was arrested in connection with theses incidents.

On 27 June 2004 at around 1:00 a.m. in a group of BDR and police personnel led by Captain Amir of the Barkal BDR zone and Sub-inspector Utpal Barua raided the house of a PCJSS member Mr. Sadhan Bikash Chakma of Barkal upazila. Before this, they raided his shop closed at night. The BDR and police personnel told Sadhan Bikash Chakma that they found a pistol from his shop. They forced him to sign on a paper confessing his guilt.

The BDR and police personnel forced all the members of his family to get out of their house. They took away some valuables and books from his house.

Later, BDR and police raided the house of Mr. Nibaran Chakma, Headman of Dewanchar mouza and charged him with a case similar to that of Sadhan Bikash Chakma. Nibaran Chakma was not at his house during the raid. The BDR and police personnel took the fingerprint of his wife in a blank white paper.

On 14 July 2004 at around 3:00 a.m. a group of army and BDR personnel led by zone commander Md. Mirza Anwar Reza of the 34th Rifle Battalion from Barkal sadar zone and Nasirul Islam from Jagannathchara BDR camp raided the house of Mr. Monghla Ching Marma built temporarily to guard the logs collected from his garden and arrested him along with a Mahut (caretaker of elephants) came to him with an elephant to extract his logs and other eight persons from his neighborhood.

Monghla Ching Marma and the Mahut were taken to the Jagannathchara BDR camp and tortured there till 1:00 pm. In the evening the victims were handed over to the Barkal police station. The police registered a case against them on false charge of keeping illegal arms with them. The accused were sent to jail without any trial. The other eight were tortured and released later.

Local people of Barkal organized a protest rally at Barkal sadar demanding immediate release of the innocent indigenous people. Mr. Pradip Tripura, Mr. Pratul Chakma, Mr. Samar Bikash Chakma and Mr. Pulin Chakma addressed the rally led by Mr. Nanda Bikash Chakma.

In the mid of July 2004 the government of Bangladesh started setting up a new army camp over the land recorded in the name two indigenous people at Ghilachari Mukh Talukdar Para near the Panchari High School under Kaukhali upazila (sub-district) in Rangamati district. The owners of the land are:

(1) Mr. Priti Bikash Talukdar s/o late Lagna Mohan Talukdar and

(2) Mr. Sadhan Bikash Chakma s/o Horikanta Chakma of No. 101 Ghilachari Mouza under Kaokhali upazila.

On 16 June 2004 in order to build the camp, a group of army led by Subedar Major Md. Rafique housed themselves in the Talukdar Para Junior High School resulting in the closure of the school. Priti Bikash Talukdar and Sadhan Bikash Chakma protested several times the illegal occupation of their land by the army.

The army have been harassing innocent local indigenous people since they took over the school. On 18 June 2004, the army arrested an indigenous people Mr. Letto Chakma when he went to collect blackberry from his own garden near the school. On 19 July 2004, the army seized 1,400 bamboos and nearly 50 feet timber from the following 10 indigenous people while they were taking them for selling in market:

1) Arebana Chakma s/o Mulakya Chakma, village- Dhebachari, Kaokhali, Rangamati;

2) Sujal Chakma s/o Nakkua Chakma, village- do;

3) Bimal Shanti Chakma s/o Chandranath Chakma, village- do;

4) Jyoti Lal Chakma s/o Nabin Kumar Chakma, village- do;

5) Jyana Lal Chakma s/o Dhana Kumar Chakma, village- Shuknachari, Kaokhali, Rangamati;

6) Amrita Lal Chakma s/o Dhana Kumar Chakma, village- do;

7) Shanti Lal Chakma s/o Joy Kumar Chakma, village- do;

8) Sundar Chakma s/o Hamit Kumar Chakma, village- do;

9) Buddha Chandra Chakma s/o Brishamoni Chakma, village- do;

10) Jamani Kumar Chakma s/o Mulakya Chakma, village- do.

On 25 July 2004 the villagers organized a protest rally in Rangamati town protesting the establishment of the camp and forcible confiscation of indigenous land by the army. Mr. Jagadish Talukdar, Headman of No. 101 Ghilachari Mouza and Mr. Lal Krisna Chakma and Mr. Sulendu Chakma - members of Ghagra Union Council - were among others who addressed the rally. They submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh through the Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati hill district demanding immediate stop of the camp.

On 29 July 2004 Mr. Paredra Lal Tripura, Project Coordinator and Mr. Aiubur Rahman, Assistant Cooperative Officer of Matiranga upazila went to the health center located at Bengmara Hala for investigating the project activities. They saw a group of army and Ansar in the health center premises.

Mr. Paren learnt from the caretaker of the health center that the army asked him to give the key of the center to stay therein. Then Mr. Paren talked to Major Ferdous (2IC, Matiranga zone) and requested him not to use the center. It is mentionable that the army had stayed in the center for several times in the past. Then the Project Coordinator instructed the caretaker not to hand over the key of the center in future as it hindered to run health center. Nevertheless the army threatened the caretaker and stayed for several times in the center.

On the 29 July, as a result of the discussion with the coordinator, the army stayed outside the center and on 30 July while leaving the area, the army officer ordered the Community Organizer (paramedic) to see him at their camp on the 31 July. As per the order, the Community Organizer went to the camp and met Major Ferdous where Major Ferdous said about the presence of any terrorist group in the center. He also said that the two terrorists groups were being provided medicines from the center, the staffs of the center helped the terrorists but not the army. The army major instructed the Community Organizer to send message to the Project Coordinator to present in the camp and to provide the following information by on 01 August 2004:

(1) Names, address, educational qualification, salary of the staffs;

(2) Name and address of the organization.

On 01 August 2004, at 11.30 a.m. the Project Coordinator along with Mr. Kanaishawr Tripura, General Secretary of Tripura Kalyan Sangsad of Matiranga upazila branch, arrived in the camp where they met with Lieutenant Sabur. In the meeting Lieutenant Sabur interrogated them and charged for helping the terrorist group where the Project Coordinator disagreed with his complaint and asked to provide evidence. Failing to give evidence, Lieutenant Sabur asked the Coordinator not to help the terrorist in future and to provide activities report weekly. The Project Coordinator replied that with out any official letter it was impossible to provide weekly activities report and travel 7/8 kilometer way from the health center to the camp. Lieutenant Sabur shunted the Project Coordinator saying that he knew how to make it possible and would take necessary steps to do that. He also asked the Coordinator to come to the camp on 05/08/2004 with the necessary information. It is mentionable that the army Lieutenant misbehaved with the Project Coordinator and his colleague in the camp.

On 29 July 2004 around 1.30 p.m. a group of army from Inland camp under Kaptai brigade shot death Mr. Mong Mong Marma alias Ujjal Das at Pukur Parh near to Muslim Para under Kaptai sub-district. It was learnt that a group of army led by Major Jakir of 2IC of Inland camp of 1st Bengal under Kaptai brigade along with hundreds of Bengali settlers made an attack at Chitmaram area under Kaptai sub-district in Rangamati district in the name of searching miscreants. At first without any instigation, the army and Bengali settlers ran after the Jumma and permanent Bengali residents and at a stage the army led by Surgent Habib fired on them. As a result, Mr. Mong Mong Marma alias Ujjal Das (Hindu converted to Buddhist) was shot death at spot of Pukur Parh near Muslim Para. After that the army and Bengali settlers conducted attack at Bara Para where they surrounded the house of Mr. Umong Marma and destroyed valuables of the house.

Then the army and Bengali settlers attacked Chitmaram Vihar, holly place of Buddhist followers. They surrounded the Vihar and entered to it with shoes. The army harassed the monk of the Vihar named Ven. Chinda Owaisha Bhikkhu and fastened two orphans namely Mr. Aprue Marma and Pai U Khoi Marma (students of grade VI and VII) while the monk tried to protest against this religious persecution. At that time, one army captain threatened to arrest Mr. Thowai Ching Marma, chiarman of Chtmaram Union Council. The Bengali settlers intentionally destroyed Chitmaram Khalmukh Forest Beat in front of army and the army accused the Jumma and permanent Bengali residents for that.

It is mentionable that a dispute was developed regarding payment between the timber traffickers and local forest authority. With regard to this issue, the local forest authority incited army and Bengali settlers. On the contrary, the army falsely propagated that the local people shot on them first. Needless to say that it was completely false and faked. At present, the Jumma and permanent Bengali residents are living in great fear for further attack.

PCJSS demanded punishment of the army and Bengali settlers involved to the incident and adequate compensation for victims.

On 1 August 2004 at 11.00 a.m. a group of Bengali settlers from College Gate of Rangamati municipality made a communal attack on Jumma people at College Gate, TTC, Kalyanpur and Vedvedi areas. A quarreling between one Chakma student named Mr. Tutul Chakma and one Bengali student of Rangamati Government College was turned into communal tension by the Bengali settler youths. It was learnt that Tutul Chakma was smoking at common room of the college and the Bengali student protested against the smoking. At a stage, the Bengali student attacked Tutul Chakma with knife. This clash was falsely propagated among Bengali settlers staying at College Gate area that the Jumma people were beating Bengalis. As a result, the Bengali settlers started to attack Jumma passer-bys with iron rod and sticks indiscriminately at College Gate, TTC, Kalyanpur and Vedvedi areas. The Bengali settlers attacked Jumma youths who were playing card at Kalyanpur area. In this attack Mr. Mintu Dewan (18) s/o Sunil Kanti Dewan was wounded at his back. At a stage, the Jumma youths opposed the Bengali settlers. In this clash, an auto rickshaw driver was seriously wounded. He was sent to Chittagong Medical College hospital. Police and army were deployed for control the situation.

On 2 August 2004 at 4.00 a.m. three group of army led by Major Aziz from Sindukchari camp under Guimara brigade conducted an operation at Natun Para of Lubramaram mouza under Guimara of Matiranga sub-district in Khagrachari district in the name searching so-called Jumma miscreants. During the operation, one of the three groups of army arrested following innocent villagers from Nutun Para under Guiamara and took them into camp. In the camp, the arrested villagers were brutally tortured. The victims were:

1) Mr. Aprue Mog s/o late Sui Thowai Mog

2) Mr. Mong Hla Prue Mog s/o late Sui Thowai Mog

3) Mr. U Thowai Ching Mog s/o Ruisau Mog

4) Mr. Mong Hla Ching Mog s/o Ruisau Mog

5) Mr. Dungfa Mog (50) s/o Kyau Prue Mog

Though the first four villagers were released in the evening of that day, but the last one Mr. Dungfa Mog was handed over to Guimara police station. A false case was lodged against him. Another group of army arrested the following villagers of the same village Nutum Para and brutally tortured them:

1) Mr. Sui Prue Mog (25) s/o Mongtwa Mog

2) Mr. Moingshe Mog s/o Agana Mog

3) Mr. Apruek Mog (27) s/o Mongre Mog

4) Mr. U Thowai Ching Mog (30) s/o Ruisau Mog

5) Mr. Mongreshya Mog (27) s/o Apai Mog

6) Mr. Mong Thui Mog (32) s/o Lambaiya Mog

During the operation, the army tried to harass the following women sexually. The army seized a pair ear ball and Taka 180 from Ms. Paikra Mog. The victims were:

1) Ms. Khime Prue Mog (20) w/o Sui Prue Mog

2) Ms. Paikra Mog (22) w/o Gongbre Shwe Mog

On the other, on same day the army led by aforesaid commander Major Aziz of Sindukchari camp arrested the following villagers of Nakrai Para of Baraitali mouza under Guimara. They were also brutally tortured and handed over to Guimara police station. A false case was also filed against them. The victims were:

1) Mr. Ram Prue Mog s/o Aungya Mog

2) Mr. Mong Sajai Mog s/o Mong Mong Mog

On 3 August 2004 a group of armed Bengali settlers made attack on a Jumma family at Dhandachara of Bhushanchari union under Barkal upazila in Rangamati district. Husband and wife of the family were killed in this attack. An 11-month aged innocent child was also seriously wounded.

On that day at around 11.00 p.m. a group of Bengali settlers led by local UP Member Md. Tamir Ali, Md. Shahidul Mistri, Md. Ibrahim and Md. Emdad from Kalabanya area of Barkal upazila committed this brutal killing. The miscreants chopped the members of the family. The head of family Mr. Barun Kumar Chakma (33) was spot dead. Ms. Subarna Chakma (28) w/o Barun Kumar Chakma was taken into Rangamati general hospital with serious injuries. She got injuries at head, neck, hands and legs. She was referred to Chittagong Medical College hospital. But she died at Rangamati hospital while the guardians were preparing to transfer to Chittigong on 4 August at 3.00 p.m.

Kampan Chakma, 11-month aged son of Barun and Subarna, was also chopped seriously at right leg by Bengali settler miscreants. He was also admitted at Rangamati general hospital first and later he was transferred to Chittagong Medical College hospital.

It is mentionable that Mr. Dina Mohan Chakma, father of Barun Kumar Chakma was also killed by Bengali settlers in 1984. At that time a massacre at Bhushanchara was committed by the Bengali settlers with the help of military forces where at least 62 Jumma were killed and 5 women were raped. Kampan Chakma was the third generation victimised by the Bengali settlers. A case was lodged against the Bengali settlers mentioned above in connection with this incident.

On 6 August 2004 at 8.30 p.m. a group army from Khagrachari zone raided the PCJSS office at Madhupur area in Khagrachari and arrested following 4 PCP (Pahari Chhatra Parishad) (Hill Students Council):

1) Mr. Tuhin Chakma (22) s/o Chikanmoy Chakma

2) Mr. Shanti Chakma (20) s/o Sumati Chakma

3) Mr. Ashish Pranay Chakma alias Bappi (18) s/o late Shyamal Prashad Chakma

4) Mr. Chhota Chakma alias Chiji (16) s/o Binode Bihari Chakma

The army destroyed furniture, trunk, ventilators etc of the PCJSS office in the name of searching arms. They brutally tortured the PCP workers who were staying in the office. The army accused the PCP workers that they had arms and ordered them to find out the arms. But as the PCP workers could not find out arms as because they had no arms, the army physically tortured them from 8.30 to 10.00 p.m. at the PCJSS office. After that, they were taken into Khagrachari army zone.

Before the raid of the PCJSS office, they army arrested the following PCP workers from 6th mile area of Khgrachari-Dighinala road while they were coming to Khagrachari from Dighinala:

1) Mr. Jogesh Chakma (22) of Dighinala

2) Mr. Swapan Chakma (18) s/o Ramani Ranjan Chakma of Jora Bridge under Dighinala

3) Mr. Surajit Chakma (24) s/o Dhira Kumar Chakma alias Samesh of Mahajan Para.

Jogesh Chakma was arrested in the morning around 10.00 a.m. and other two arrested afternoon. After the arrest, they were taken into Khagrachari army brigade and tortured brutally there. Left hand of Jogesh Chakma was broken while the army hit with stick. They were also falsely accused for keeping arms. Jogesh Chakma and Swapan Chakma were compelled to put army dress and to go with army during raiding the PCJSS office.

As no arm was recovered from PCP workers, they were released at mid-night with serious injuries. The army expressed their regret to Mr. Sudhasindhu Khisa for the incident over telephone. It is mentionable that Jogesh Chakma was also arrested on 27 May 2004 from Khagrachari district of PCJSS by the police and army and he got bail in July from Chittgong judge court.

The PCJSS central office from Rangamati published a press release on 7 August 2004 condemning the arrest and torture of PCP workers and destroy of office valuables. The press release was circulated around 1.30 p.m. and soon after the release of press note from Rangamati, one brigade major of Khagrachari brigade rang Mr. Sudhasindhu Khisa, central member of PCJSS at his Khagrachari residence around 2.15 p.m. expressing their unhappiness and grief for press release saying that they already beg apology for the incident and they did nothing on PCP workers. In reply Mr. Sudhasindhu Khisa invited him to Madhupur’s PCJSS office to see what and how the army tortured the PCP workers and destroyed the valuables of office. At that the army major cut the telephone line with angry.

It is also very astonishing that no newspaper covered the news of this incident even after releasing press note by the PCJSS. PCJSS believed that the army might censor the report.

On 11 August 2004 two groups of army from Matiranga zone and Balyachari camp under Khagrachari district conducted military operation in five Jumma villages of Guimara area under Matiranga sub-district in Khagrachari district. In this operation, at first around 10.00 p.m. the army surrounded the house of Mr. Shashanka Dhamai (56) s/o late Jatindra Dhamai of Balyachari School Para of Guimara. After that at mid-night around 1.00 a.m. on 12 August all the members of Shashanka Dhamai’s family were awoken up and interrogated them where about the PCJSS members and its armed groups etc. Shashanka Dhamai was also interrogated how many children he had and where they were living. At a stage, the army compelled him to go with them (army) for searching operation at Kanti Chandra Karbari Para, Bhakta Karbari Para, Rengkhyang Marma Para and Balyachari no. 1 Rubber Bagan area for whole night. He was released at 8.00 a.m on 12 August. But he was ordered to communicate to Matiranga army on next day with the addresses where his sons were staying. Otherwise he would face severe consequences. It is mentionable that Shashanka Dhamai is the father of Mr. Binatamoy Dhamai, General Secretary of Hill Students Council (PCP)

On 23 August 2004 an innocent Jumma student named Mr. Jimpu Chakma (Anupam) (18) s/o Amar Sing Chakma of Char Para under Matiranga sub-district in Khagrachari district was killed by the army of Matiranga zone. On that day around 5.30 the army from Matiranga zone arrested Jimpu Chakma from Matiranga bazar under Khagrachari district while he was going to their farmland located at Bengmara of no. 10 Alutila area from his home. Later, on 24 August, the dead body of Jimpu Chakma was handed over to his guardians through Matiranga police station at about 12:00 p.m. This brutal killing created insecurity and anger among the local people of the area.

Char Para, the village of Jimpu Chakma is one kilometer away to the east from Matiranga upazila headquarter. Bengmara where the farmland of Amar Sing Chakma located is 2 or 3 kilometers away to northeastern from Matiranga bazaar situated at 10th mile of Matiranga-Khagrachari road.

Mr. Amar Sing Chakma Sailo, father of Jimpu Chakma is a returnee Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) member under CHT Accord. He is also holding the capacity of General Secretary of Matiranga upazila (Sub-district) branch and a member of Khagrachari district branch of PCJSS. He used to go to Bengmara for taking care of farmland (garden). It was known that at that day, after having lunch, Jimpu Chakma was going to their farmland at Bengamara in request of his mother to assist his father. He was dressed with a full pant and a shirt. He was carrying a plastic bag, which contained some rice, ripe bananas and vegetables. He was waiting for jeep near Shilpi Store at Matiranga bazzar. Just then, a group of patrol army of 27 EBR from Matiranga army zone under Guimara brigade picked him on their van car.

After receiving the news of Jimpu Chakma picking by military, his mother sent message to her husband and she herself accompanied by Mr. Udoy Kiran Tripura alias Ajit, Central Member and the President of Matiranga upazila branch of PCJSS and Mr. Hemendra Lal Tripura, Member of Returnee Jumma Refugee Welfare Association, went to Matiranga Army Zone Headquarter. At 12:30 pm, they contacted with RP check post of Matiranga Army Zone Headquarter. Around half an hour later, a RP sergeant named Hossain came and talked to them. However, he admitted that the patrol army picked Jimpu Chakma up their van car. He ensured them that the boy would be spared, so they should not be worried.

Meanwhile, Hossain was seen to talk on his wireless set (probably information was being transmitted from the camp to another place), saying that the boy, who was arrested, admitted everything. Sergeant Hossain immediately stopped talking on his wireless set and left RP check post rapidly. Around half an hour later, Hussain, coming back to the check post, informed that the commanding officer (CO) of the Zone went to Guimara brigade headquarters. He also informed that the 2-IC told him that Jimpu Chakma could not be released in absence of the Commanding Officer. On the other side, receiving the news that Jimpu was picked up by military, Mr. Amar Sing Chakma immediately returned home from his farmland of Bengmara. At about 5:30 pm. he, accompanied by Mr. Udoy Kiran Tripura, Mr. Hemendra Lal Tripura, rushed to Matirang zone headquarters. They waited there until 8:30 pm. The zone commander Lieutenant Colonel Enayet Ullah (PSC) returned the zone headquarters in the evening at about 7:30 pm, but he did not meet with them. Not only that, even he did not allow any officer to meet with them. They were rather ordered to go back home through a soldier.

Instead of going back home, Mr. Amar Sing Chakma, Mr. Udoy Kiran Tripura and Mr. Hemendra Lal Tripura went to Matiranga police station. Mr. Khalek, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Matiranga police station was not present at the police station at that time. So, they had to talk to the Second Officer sub-inspector (SI) Mr. Selim and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mr. Ashok respectively. Then they went to Matiranga upazila BNP party office, where they happened to see the OC Mr. Khalek and some local BNP leaders, whom they talked with about the incident of Jimpu Chakma picking up by the patrol army. They sought assistance from them concerning the kidnapping of his son. Upon their earnest request, the OC Mr. Khalek ensured them that he would do his best in releasing Jimpu Chakma immediately, he had been handed over to the police custody.

Next day, on 24 August 2004, Mr. Amar Sing Chakma went to Mr. Nashir Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman of Matiranga municipality. Mr. Amar Sing Chakma sought the his assistance also for the release of his only son Jimpu Chakma. Then, the Chairman contacted with Matiranga zone headquarter over telephone. He was suggested from the zone office to contact after ten minutes. Whenever, they contacted, they were informed by the zone office that Jimpu Chakma was sent to Khagrachari zone, where they communicated immediately. Mr. Raktotpal Tripura, Central Member of PCJSS also tried to contact with 203 Infantry brigade but he failed to have any response. Later, he again contacted with Khagrachari zone headquarters. In response, he was informed by the zone that no captive was brought to them.

On the same day (24 August), at noon, Mr. Udoy Kiran, Mr. Amar Sing and Mr. Hemendra Lal went to Guimara, where they contact with Guimara brigade headquarter through Mr. Kangjari Chowdhury. But, they returned home after being failed and disappointed. On the same day, at 8:30 pm, Mr. Faruk, ASI of Matiranga police station went to the house of Amar Sing Chakma by a motorbike. Mr. Faruk informed Mr. Amar Sing Chakma that he would have to go to Khagrachari police station with the assistance of Matiranga police force.

Going to Matiranga police station, Mr. Udot Kiran and Mr. Hemendra Lal came to know that the dead body of Jimpu Chakma was kept in Khagrachari police station. So, the dead body would be received. Four or five policemen of Matiranga police station led by the ASI Mr. Ashok and Udoy Kiran and Hemendralal reached Khagrachai police station at 10:00 p.m.

There was a hot talk between Udoy Kiran, Hemendra Lal and Abul Kalam Azad, OC of Khagrachari police station with matter of receiving the dead body of Jimpu Chakma. In that situation, Mr. Udoy Kiran and Mr. Hemendra Lal went to their relative house at about 10:30 p.m. from the police station without receiving the corpse of Jimpu Chakma.

On the same day 24 August 2004, the policemen reached Matiranga at about 11:30 p.m. with the dead body of Jimpu Chakma. They reached the dead body to the house of Amar Sing Chakma at about 12 p.m. Mr. Munindra Lal Tripura, Mr. Nashir Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman of Matiranga municipality, Mr. Jahangir Alam, Commissioner of Matiranga municipality, Mr. Samsul Haque, Mr. Badsha Mia and Mr. Khalek, OC of Matiranga police station had reached Amar Sing Chakma’s house before the dead body of Jimpu Chakma was brought to. They said that the incident happened accidentally and requested Mr. Amar Sing to receive the copse. By the way, the OC also informed that he had been pressurized by his senior authority to hand over the dead body in any way.

On the contrary, Mr. Amar Sing had been threatened that if the dead body was not received by the guardians, it would be cremated or buried by the municipality as anonymous. With this backdrop, Mr. Amar Sing Chakma agreed to receive the dead body of his son under two conditions. Firstly, the post mortem report must be provided to him and the second was, only "Jimpu Chakma" would be mentioned in the corpse handing over document, omitting ‘Anupam Chakma alias’. Mr. Amar Sing received the dead body only when the corpse handing over document was rewritten omitting ‘Anupam Chakma alias’ and being ensured of having the post mortem report. It is particularly mentionable that the dead son of Amar Sing Chakma had no other name except "Jimpu". But, the police and army propagated in various medias like TV, Radio and Newspapers that Jimpu Chakma was a terrorist. They propagated it in name of their self-designed name ‘Anupam Chakma alias Jimpu’. They did it just to validate their misdeeds of killing of an innocent boy.

Jimpu Chakma’s dead body was completely mutilated during post mortem. Yet, after having been received the dead body, it was seen that the right cheek of the face and hands and legs of the body were abnormally inflated. It was supposed to have killed Jimpu Chakma by heavily beating and torture on 23 August. T o validate this brutal killing the military fabricated the drama of killing a terrorist in name of "Anupam Chakma alias Jimpu"

It was known through an eyewitness and local source that on 24 August in the morning, two Army pick-ups from Matiranga army zone went to Alutila area located at the road of Khagrachari-Dighinala. The dead body of Jimpu Chakma was supposed to be brought by any one of those pick-ups. Then, on the same day, a jeep (locally called Chander Gari) carrying policemen was seen to come Khagrachari from Matiranga hoisting a red flag on it. People saw it in different places like Zero Mile area, Bus Terminal and Chengi Square. A similar jeep carrying policemen was also seen in Agricultural Research at 1:00 p.m. Then, it was again seen at Seven mile at 1.30 p.m., followed by 4/5 army pick-ups containing numerous army personnel. Then, the pick-ups carrying police and army stopped at a place between Eight mile and Nine mile of Khagrachari-Dighinala road, where they drove out the local jum cultivators. After halting 45 minutes, the army and police again returned back to Khagrachari. At 3.00 p.m., the corpse of Jimpu Chakma was brought to Khagrachari general hospital by that jeep, which was carrying policemen. Post mortem of the dead body was conducted by 6.00 p.m. It was done through high police security. After post mortem, the corpse was kept at Khagrachari general hospital.

It was known through hospital source that on that day (24 August) at around 10.00 a.m., a Bengali informed the RMO (Residential Medical Officer) that a dead body would be brought to the hospital. Therefore, post mortem must be conducted in time. It was also known that no other corpse was brought to the hospital on that day.

It is mentionable that though the army and police administration performed a drama with the killing of Jimpu Chakma, mentally they were frightened. They were highly afraid of public anger, because they thought that PCJSS might raise mass movement with this issue. Moreover, the intelligence branches, military and police were intensively frightened with the suspicion that many journalists, human rights activists, representatives from UN agencies and various organizations of national and international levels, might come to inquire the incident and collect information about the killing of Jimpu Chakma. As a result, the police and military personals and the agents of intelligence branches kept watchful eyes over PCJSS offices and its members in Matiranga and Khagrachari areas from 23 August. After handing over the dead body on 24 August, security measure was strengthened from the 25 August. For this reason, on 26 August, while a group of leaders and activists of PCJSS, Parbatya Chattagram Mahila Samiti, Hill Women’s Federation, Hill Students’ Council (PCP) and Jubo Samiti, led by Mrs. Jarita Chakma and Miss Chaitali Tripura were going to Matiranga to attend the cremation ceremony of Jimpu Chakma by a jeep at 1.30 p.m, they were halted by army and police on the midway. At first, they were stopped at Khagrachari bus terminal by a group of army led by the Commanding Officer (CO) of Khagrachari army zone carried by two pick-ups and then they were again checked at Chengi bridge check post stopping their jeep. After indescribable harassments by army in different places, when they arrived at the mouth of Char Para road near Matiranga Bazaar, they were again stopped and harassed by the local BNP leaders and activists with the support of army and police. They were also severely threatened to go back home and ultimately they became compelled to do that.

On 28 August, again a group of PCJSS leaders and activists led by Mr. Pranati Bikash Chakma, President of PCJSS Khagrachari district branch, went to the house of Amar Sing Chakma at Charpara of Matiranga. Receiving this news, a group of police led Mr. Ashok, ASI of Matiranga police station, went there and threatened them to leave the place immediately. The police also informed the PCJSS leaders that they were just obeying the instruction of their senior authority.

It is worth mentioning that no case was filed against Jimpu Chakma killing so far. It was also known through a reliable source that a case was filed into Khagrachari police station on 24 August. However, it was not possible to know about the mode of the case.

Jimpu Chakma was the only son among the four children of Mr. Amar Sing Chakma. He was a simple natured boy from his childhood. He passed the SSC with "B" grade from Matiranga High School in 2002. Later, he got admitted to Kaliakoir Degree College of Gajipur District for the education year (session) of 2002-3 in science group. Having failed in the preliminary test he returned home on 17 May and then went to Chittagong to get admission in Hathazari Agricultural Diploma College of Chittagong on 14 August 2004. After submitting the admission form he came back home to Matiranga on 20 August. He was supposed to be got admission into the Agricultural Diploma College on 5 September. However, his dream of getting enrolled into the Agricultural Diploma College remained unfulfilled due to his brutal killing by the military miscreants.

On 18 October 2004 the Govt. decided to withdraw 900 Police personnel from 15 camps of three Hill Districts and these will be replaced by Army personnel. Of course, the army replacement has not yet been declared but made known to PCJSS by a reliable quarter. The govt. will take an opportunity of Army deployment to a call made 18 October by Ms. Mya Mya Ching, Chairperson, Bandarban Hill District Council to postpone the decision of withdrawal of Police for the sake of public security.

On 5 November 2004 the local army in Rowangchari upazila under Bandarban district arrested following innocent persons. They were were brutally tortured. Mr. Binanga Tanchangya was injured seriously due to brutal torture.

1) Mr. Ratan Kumar Tanchangya s/o Tongkui Lal Tanchangya of Chini Para, Allekkhang union, Rowangchari

2) Mr. Uchamong Marma (30) s/o Kyamong Marma of Noapatang, Bandarban (teacher of Noapatang non government primary school)

3) Mr. Bhala Chandra Tanchangya (25) s/o Bala Chandra Tanchangya of Sukamani Karbari Para, Noapatang, Rowangchari

4) Mr. Indra Kumar Tanchangya (20) s/o Kanga Tanchangya of Chini Para, Alekkhang union, Rowangchari

5) Mr. Binanga Tanchangya (Karbari) of Bara Khakhyang Para, Noapatang, Rowangchari

On 16 November 2004 at 9.00 p.m. the following villagers from the village 4 no. Rubber Bagan under 207 Wachu Mouza, of Matiranga in Khagrachari district were physically tortured by the military led by camp commander captain Anowar Hossain of Sichokbari army camp under Matiranga army headquarters in Khagrachari hill district.

1) Mr. Sibalchandra Tripura (28), s/o Birendra Tripura,

2) Mr. Bura Chandra Tripura (40), s/o late Tapi Ram Tripura.

3) Mr. Mong Shwe Marma (27), s/o Ugya Marma

4) Mr. Chang Thwai Marma (25), s/o Cheng Thegya Marma

5) Mr. Aungya Jai Marma (30), s/o Cha Than Marma

6) Mr. Cheng Hla Aung Marma (35), s/o Aungya Marma

7) Mr. Mati Lal Tripura (28), s/o Mone Chandra Tripura

8) Mr. Chesi Tripura (24), s/o Anna Kumar Tripura

9) Mr. Juddha Kumar Tripura (20), s/o Saman Kumar Tripura

10) Mr. Supok Kumar Tripura (18), s/o Moni Kumar Tripura

It is noted that the military commander ordered Mr. Sibalchandra Tripura, Mr. Bura Chandra Tripura and Mr. Mati Lal Tripura not to close their shops.

On 20 November 2004 an army personnel was killed by the DPA (Democratic Party of Arakan) at Jamchari village of Rajvila under Bandarbar sadar upazila while the army was in duty for security of religious programme of Jamchari Buddhist Temple. The DPA had also seized the arm from the army personnel. It is mentionable that some rebel factions of Mynmar, such as, DPA and its armed wing APA (Arakan Peoples Army) have been residing in Bandarban district under the shelter of Bangladesh army and civil administration. In the name of recovering the arm, the army is conducting operation throughout the Rajvila area under Bandarban sadar upazila. During the operation, the army have been harassing, torturing and arresting the innocent Jumma villagers. For instances-

b) The following PCJSS activists in Bandarban district were wanted by the military because of their involvement in the party activities. Pressures are put on their family members. Sometime, they are taken to the camp and punished physically, kept under sun with out food. Since 22 November 2004, they have been taken under forced labor with out payment to expand the military camp. At present, they are compelled to leave their village for the sake of their security.

1) Mr. Aung Thwaiching Marma (28), s/o Prue Thwi marma (70), village-Nachathong Para, Poapotong, Roangchari, bandarban.

2) Mr. Binoy Kanti Tabchangya (40), s/o Jatiya Tanchangya, Vill-Kuhopatli bazar, UP-Alekshyang, Rowangchari, Information and Publicity secretary, Rowangchari upazila branch, PCJSS

3) Mr. Bachanu Marma (38), s/o Late Mong Bui Marma, vill-Jamchari Bhitar Para, Rajbila, Bandarban

4) Mr. Kamalasen tanchangya (20) s/o Ratrichandra Tanchangya, vill-Lakhsmi Chandra Para, UP-Alekhsyang, Rowangchari, Bnadarban

5) Mr. Unaiching Marma (39), s/o Athwoai Marma, vill-Jamcharimukh para, UP-Rajbila, Bandarban sadar

c) On 22 November 2004 the army tortured following two innocent Jumma villagers:

1) Mr. Alak Marma (30) s/o Kangjai Marma, vill- Jamchari Bhitar Para, Rajvila

2) Mr. Mong Nue Marma (30), Noapatang union, Rowangchari upazila

d) On 24 November 2004 around 4.00 p.m. a group of army of Bengchari camp conducted military operation at Bengchari Para of Paikhyang mouza under Rowangchari upazila (sub-district) in Bandarban district. In this operation, the army arrested Mr. Khyaching Aung Marma (35) s/o late Shoijai Marma of Bengchari Para. The army beat him inhumanly during custody at camp. He was a teacher of a local semi-government primary school of Bangchari Para village of no. 341 Pai Khyong Mouza of Rowangchari UP of Rowangchari upazila under Bandarban hill district. He was first taken to the local army camp and was told to bring arms to the camp. As he was not able to do so then he was beaten.

e) On 25 November 2004 a group of army led by Major Barua arrested an innocent villager named Mr. Aungsahla Marma (37) of Noapatang Mruekhyang Para of Rajvila under Bandarban sadar upazila while he went to Ven. Dharmaguru Bhikkhu for collecting medicine for his daughter. As Mr. Aungsahla Marma was caught by army, he could not collect medicine and consequently his daughter had died next day without treatment.

f) On 25 November 2004 the army of Bagmara camp led by Major Maksud conducted searching operation at Bagmara village of Rajvila under Bandarban sadar upazila in the name of rescuing arms. In this operation the army brutally tortured Mr. Monghla Prue Marma (28) s/o Kyabau Marma of Bagmara Para of Rajvila under Bandarban sadar upazila.

g) On 25 November 2004 Mr. Mongnai Marma (36) s/o Shaipai Khoi Marma of Sonase Prue Para village, no. 347 Mrung Khayong mouza of Noapatang UP under Rowangchari upazila of Bandarban district was beaten at his house by the army. On that day the army came there on an operation and asked the minor son of Mongnai Marma what about arms. While interrogation the son of Mongnai Marma answered ‘yes’ or ‘no’ understanding nothing, then the army started to beat Mongnai Marma.

h) On 25 November 2004 Mr. Bado Marma (39) s/o Prue Thui Mong Marma of Nashalong Para village, a UP member of ward no. 4 of Noapatang Union of Roangchari upazila under Bandarban district was beaten by the army in false allegation having arms with him. It is learnt that Bado Marma went to take care of fishes of his pond and then he went to respond to natural call nearby jungle. When he came out of the jungle, then the army met him and soon the army made an allegation that Bado Marma had arms. As a result Bado Marma became a victim of beating of army.

i) On 25 November 2004 Aungsa Hla Marma, (37) an innocent villager of Mrung Khyong Para village of no. 1 Rajvila union of Roangchari upazila under Bandarban district was severely beaten by the army. It is learnt that when Aungsa Hla Marma went to a Buddhist monk of a nearby temple to collect medicine for his seriously ill child daughter, then the army surrounded and entered the temple and arrested Aungsa Hla Marma. The army sought arms from Aungsa Hla Marma, when he failed to hand over any arm then he was severely beaten by the army.

On the other, next day the ill child of Aungsa Hla Marma died of lacking medicine as his father was not able to bring medicine timely due to be tortured by the army.

j) On 25 November 2004 Mr. Monghla Prue Marma, 28, s/o Kyobao Marma a day labourer of Baghmara Para village, no. 347 Mrung Khyong Mouza of no. 1 Rajvila UP of Bandarban district was severely beaten by the army led by major Maquesud of Baghmar army camp as Monghla Prue was not able to give the arm that was lost by army. Because of such indiscriminate army operation the villages came manless and villagers are being prevented to go to place of work.

k) On 25 November 2004 the army tortured following persons:

1) Mr. Apruthui Marma (29), Bengchari Para, Rowangchari union

2) Mr. Ubhanue Marma (29) s/o Chingsa Nong Marma, Sundari Para, Tarasa union, Rowangchari

l) On 26 November 2004 Mr. Ubanu Marma (29) s/o Singsa Mong Marma an innocent villager of Sundari Para, Kyabolong Mouza, Tarasha of Rowangchari under Bandarban district was arrested by the army while he came to Rowangchari bazar for buying daily neccessaries. Then arrested Ubanu Marma was taken to Rowangchari army camp and there he was tortured severely for that night that the sound of screaming of Ubanu Marma was heard by the nearby villagers. Ubanu Marma is yet to be released.

m) On 30 November 2004 the army conducted operation at Laxmichandra Para of Alekkhyang union under Rowangchari upazila. In this operation, the army surrounded the house of Mr. Chinta Muni Tanchangya (26) s/o Batri Chandra Tanchangya. But at that time Chinta Muni Tanchangya was not at home. The army ordered to his family member to attend Chinta Muni Tanchangya at the camp. The army tortured Chinta Muni Tanchangya while he went to attend the camp.

n) From 30 November at noon to 1 December 2004 the army conducted an operation (raid) at Laxmi Chandra Para of Alikhyong union of Rowangchari sub-district under the Bandarban district. During the operation the army raided the house of Chinta Muni Tanchangya (26) s/o Ratri Chandra Tanchangya, an innocent villager of above-mentioned village. At that time the army found and took a cap and a pair of shoes from the house, which were bought from bazar by Chinta Muni Tanchangya. At that time Chinta Muni went to near jungle to collect bamboo. The Commander of army (Major) then told family members of Chinta Muni to attend him (Chinta Muni) at the camp next day. According to the Major’s order, Chinta Muni went to meet the commander but at that time he was severely beaten by the army personnel.

o) On 30 November 2004 the army tortured following innocent persons:

1) Mr. Shoihlau Marma (35), of Wabrain Para of Khakkyang mouza of Alekkhyang union under Rowangchari upazila

2) Shoikyew Marma (40), of Wabrain Para of Khakkyang mouza of Alekkhyang union under Rowangchari upazila

3) Mong Myaw Marma (47) of Wabrain Para of Khakkyang mouza of Alekkhyang union under Rowangchari upazila

4) Mr. Laxmidhar Tanchangya (22) s/o Rati Sen Tanchangya, Kacchaptali Bazar, Alekkhyang, Rowangchari

(196) 29 November 2004 : Jumma houses burnt to ashes by the army in Guimara

On 29 November 2004 at 2.00 p.m. a group of military led by major Aziz of Sindulchari army zone conducted a military operation in the village called Barthali para at Guimara area under Matiranga upazila in Khagrachari district. During the operation the army burnt down the houses of the following villagers, destroyed the valuables and beat up the villagers seriously. The victims were as follows;

1) Mr. Thoaungya Marma (56), s/o late Uthoaishe Marma, village Barthali para

2) Kya Saing Marma (57), s/o late Remrachai Marma. The army took away cash 8000 Taka, one golden chain (worht 10000 Taka), 10 pieces of Bedsheet worthing 20000 Taka.

3) Mr. Mongsa Marma (18), s/o Mongmong shwe Marma, destroyed Dressing table, Almirah, furniture.

4) Mrs. Bishuru Tripura (42) w/o Naren Tripura. Lost Taka 6000.

5) Mrs. Anai Moghini (25), w/o Bodeng Marma. She was beaten andlost consciousness.

6) Mrs. Anai Moghini (32), w/o Kongyo Marma. seriously wounded.

7) Ms. Kongjari Moghini (16) d/o Mongmong Shwe Marma

On 30 November 2004 at the morning time 4 indigenous villagers namely (1) Shaihla U Marma, 35, (2) Shai Kyau Marma, 40, (3) Mong Mau Marma, 47, of Oabrain Para village and (4) Laxmi Dhar Tanchangya, 22, s/o Rati Sen Tanchangya of Kachchhop Tuli Bazar area of Alikhyong UP under Rowangchari upazila of Bandarban Hill District were became victim of beating made by the army personnel of local camp. According to eyewitnesses, at first, the army personnel looked for the persons involved with the PCJSS and PCP and tell them to hand over arms. While they were unable to do so then the above mentioned persons were severely beaten by the army.

On 3 December 2004 at about 11 a.m. three innocent villagers named 1) Sudhonya Kumar Tanchangya, 2) Fula Kumar Tanchangya, 3) Balyo Chandra Tanchangya of Rura Para village under Rowangchari upazila in Bandanban district were physically tortured by the army of local camp while they came to house of a relative at Mog Para village of Noa Patang UP of Rowangchari upazila under Bandarban district.

On 3 December 2004 the villagers of Moni Ram Tripura Para village of Noapatang union of Rowangchari upazila under the Bandarban district were compelled to present a cultural show going to the local army camp. On that day the army first came to the village and ordered the villagers calling together to organise a cultural show. Then to tackle the situation the villagers were present at the army camp with their boys and girls and youths. Then they were compelled to present songs and dances. On the other, the Commander of the army drank wine and enjoyed the cultural show.

On 4 December 2004 at about 11:00 a.m. the villagers of Chini Para village of Ali Khyong union of Rowangchari upazila under Bandarban district were physically tortured by the army. The army also threatened the victims that they must provide arms within a week; otherwise the consequence would be serious. Even all of them would be killed by random firing. The victims were as follows:

1) Ratna Kumar Tanchangya s/o Ashni Kumar Tanchangya, a ‘Karbari’ (traditional leader),

2) Piong Khula Tanchangya s/o Laxmi Moy Tanchangya,

3) U Shai Aung Marma (teacher) s/o Kya Mong Marma

On 5 December 2004 the said army commander called Karbaries (traditional village head) including Suranath Tripura, Karbari and Sukhya Moni Tanchangya and told them that there were old terrorists in villages, so they have to provide a list of the terrorists within 7 December 2004 and they have to bring them in the camp. The army also threatened them that if they would fail to do so, then the villagers would be killed by firing like beasts and birds.

On 6 December 2004 at about 9:30 p.m. the villagers of Antaha Para of Noapatang union of Rowangchari upazila under Bandarban district heard a sound of a firing towards the nearby Antaha Para army camp. Next day

On 7 December 2004 in the morning the local army of Antaha Para of Rowangchari upazila came to the Antaha Para of Noapatang union of Rowangchari upazila under Bandarban district. Then the army told the villagers that they (army) heard a sound of firing and asked who did it. Then the villagers told that they (villagers) heard it toward the camp. After that the army compelled the villagers including Karbaris (traditional village head) to be present at a meeting within 2/3 hours at the bazar. In the meeting the army told again that they heard a sound of firing, as the terrorists had been in the jungle nearby the village. So they would have to conduct operation. Entrance to the jungle was ban from that day. The army also told that if they (villagers) entered the jungle then the army will not be responsible for that.

On 6 December 2004 at mid-night of 12.00 o’clock Ms. Boto Chakma (20) w/o Priti Chakma of Pahnchari under Baghaichari in Rangamati district was raped by the following 4 Bengali settlers. The incident was occurred at Boidya Colony of Baghaichari upazila headquarters. That day the victim came there to her relative’s house. At mid-night around 12.00 o’clock the culprits surrounded the house and ordered to open the door. At that time, there was no male member at the house. Ms. Boto Chakma and her relative did not open the door. At a stage, the culprits broke the door and entered the house. The culprits ordered the members of the house not to shout otherwise they would kill them. Then the culprits raped Ms. Boto Chakma. The culprits were:

1) Md. Jamal (31) s/o Sundar Ali of village Hazi Para of Baghaichari

2) Md. Jahangir (30) s/o Idris Maji of Boidya Colony of Baghachari

3) Md. Kamal Hossain (24) s/o Golam Hossain of Bridge Ghat of Baghaichari

4) Md. Mati (29) of Paran Marishya of Baghaichari.

The culprits lodged a case with Baghaichari police station. The police authority sent the victim to Khagrachari hospital for medical test. The police are yet to arrest the culprits.

On 8 December 2004 at the morning time the army of local army camp came to the Jamchari Mukh Para village of Rajvila union of Bandarban sadar upazila under Bandarban district and ordered the villagers and Karbaries to present at a meeting within 2:00 p.m. In a fear the villagers came to the meeting leaving their daily works. On the other, during the meeting the army conducted raid houses of the villagers. At gun point the army also asked where about PCJSS and PCP workers. The villagers fearfully replied that they knew nothing.

In the same way on 9 December 2004 the army again raided the houses of the same villagers from at dawn 4:00 a.m. to at 8:00 a.m. During the raid the villagers became victim of harassment.

On 15 December 2004 the army personnel of Durchari camp and forest guards seized a country boat carrying 30/40 sq. ft. wood at nearby place of Durchari Bazar in Baghaichari upazila. The boat was run by some Bengali traders.

On the other hand the police and army personnel also arrested Mr. Amulya Ranjan Chakma (40) Member of Khirachar UP as well as PCJSS member of Khedarmara Union Committee along with other 2 villagers while they were staying at Durchari Bazar.

They were sent to Medinipur army zone under Longdu zone and the army personnel severely beaten them except Amulya Dhan Chakma. They were accused carrying illegal arms whereas the army personnel seized illegal arms from the country boat. Mr. Hasanur Rahman, the Sub-Inspector of Baghaichari police station filed a case against them under arms law 19-A on 16 December 2004. Case No. 02 dated 16/12/204. The victims were as follows:

1) Ranga Dhan Chakma, 45, s/o late Padma Bikash Chakma, Bara durcahari

2) Man Chakma, 33,

The PCJSS condemned and protested the arresting of above people in accusing with false case on 17 December by issuing a press release signed by Sajib Chakma.

On 13 December 2004 at night 10:30 p.m. the house of Ashapurna Chakma (37) s/o Rajani Mohan Chakma at TTC road near the Rangamati Govt. College of Rangamati district sadar was raided by a group of army and police. Five army and police officials including an army captain and a female police conducted this raid entering the house. But he was not home at that time. They interrogated what about Ashapurna. Some neighbours informed that during departure the army and police members were accusing Ashapurna as terrorist and smuggler of woman. As a result, Ashapurna and his family members were very afraid of regarding this matter.