2006/05/19 Fridayauthor: jummanet(n)

Military Rule still prevails in CHT; Santu Larma

(The Daily Star, Page 2, 19 May & The Prothom Alo, Page national)

The Jumma indigenous peoples living in greater Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) are ready to sacrifice their lives again if necessary to establish their right to self-determination, said Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma.

He was addressing the inaugural session of third council of Rangamati district unit of PCJSS at Shilpakola Academy on 18 May. Santu Larma, Chairman of the CHT Regional Council and Chairman of the PCJSS alleged that military rule is prevailing in CHT, which is the main reason of unrest in the hill. Scathing the coalition government activities he added that the present government is not sincere at all to implementing the CHT accord. A vested quarter is hatching conspiracy to annihilate the Jumma indigenous people by depriving them of their right to land. The settlers are grabbing the land of indigenous people under the direct help of the army, said Santu Larma.

He demanded immediate withdrawal all camps of Army, Ansars, Armed Police Battalion and VDP (Village Defence Party) from the CHT region as per the provision of CHT accord.

Chaired by President of Rangamati district unit of PCJSS Gunendu Bikash Chakma, the inaugural session was also addressed by PCJSS district secretary Polash Khisa, PCP Secretary Binota Moy Dhamai, Upajatiya Samajik Forum Secretary Sukumar Dewan, CHT Mohila Kalyan Samiti Chairperson Madhobi Lata Chakma and prominent Social Activist Nirmalendu Tripura.

After the inaugural session, a rally was brought out from Shilpokala Academy to municipality auditorium where the council was held.