8 JSS (Santu) terrorists held in Tripura

THE Tripura State Rifles (TSR) have arrested 8 members of the Jana
Samhati Samiti (Santu Larma faction) in connection with the kidnapping
of two Jumma villagers from Dhudhukchara, Panchari.

According to sources, the JSS men were arrested on 29 October in three
separate raids from Garitana, Toichakma and Bagheichara in Tripura
state of India.

The arrested JSS members are Bijoy Mohan Chakma aka Indu son of Lal
Mohan Chakma of village Pakujyachari, Khagrachari Sadar Upazila; his
son Bana Bikash Chakma; Thoi Ching Mog son of Mong Hla Mog of village
Shilachari, South Tripura; Udoba Chakma son of Amar Chan Chakma; Dev
Moy Chakma alias Akkar son of Rup Sen Chakma of village Rupsen Para,
Panchari; Sumon Chakma son of Nirupom Chakma of village Uttor
Baghaichari, Marishya; Kussum Chakma son of late Kala Chakma of
village Kalanal, Panchari and Kishore Chakma son of Bidya Charan
Chakma of village Baghaichari, Rangamati.

All of them belong to the armed gangs of the Jana Samhati Samiti
(Santu Larma faction) and were behind the recent kidnapping of Manorom
Chakma and Bhubon Mohan Chakma from Dhudhukchara.

The two villagers were kidnapped on 24 October and were released from
Tripura State of India on 29 October on payment of a Taka 650,000
ransom.

Of the arrested JSS members, Indu is the most notorious. He was a
member of the now-defunct Shanti Bahini guerrilla force and
surrendered to the Bangladesh government along with others in 1998
following the CHT accord.

However, he returned to the jungle again, formed an armed group under
Santu Larma’s instructions and began killing UPDF members and their
supporters.

Indu made Tripura as a base for his actions and began to live in
Toichakma illegally. He is believed to have managed to procure fake
documents to prove his Indian citizenship.

The people of Panchari heaved a sigh of great relief following his
arrest and that of his other gang members.

They demand that the government of India take stern actions against them.
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Source : chtnews.com

Abducted villagers released in Panchari

THE TWO Jumma villagers kidnapped by an armed gang of the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti from Dhudhukchara in Panchari on 24 October have been released. Manorom Chakma (50) and Bhubon Mohan Chakma (45) were released yesterday, Friday, at 4:30pm from Baghaichara in Tripura state of India on payment of a ransom of Taka 600,000, according to sources.
The ransom money was received by one of the abductors, Mohendra Sen Chakma son of Namo Chakma of village Massyochara, Panchari.
Manorom and Bhubon have returned to their homes.
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Source: chtnews.com

Settlers attempt to grab land in Ramgarh

A GROUP of settlers have made an attempt to grab lands belonging to
the Jumma people in Baro Kalapani village under Ramgarh Upazila in
Khagrachari district.

Sources said a group of 15 – 20 settlers led by Karim Ullah (35),
president of Jubo League Patachara Union No. 9, went to Baro Kalapani
village mounting on a jeep at 12:15pm today, Friday, and tried to
occupy lands belonging to the Jumma villagers.

However, they were forced to retreat when the villagers resisted them.

The settlers made a similar attempt about one week ago, claiming that
these lands were allotted to them back in 1980, villagers said.

Baro Kalapani village is over one hundred years old, and there have
never been Bengali settlements anytime in the past.

Besides Jubo League leader Karim Ullah, some other settlers have
identified as being involved in today’s land grab attempt.

They are late Md. Sun Box’s two sons Fazlu Rahman (60) and Shamshul
Haq (50) from Lamkupara in Ramgarh Sadar, Md. Abul Kalam (60) son of
late Khalilur Rahman of Henyako Bazaar, Dantmara Unon, Bhujpur,
Fatikchari and Md. Harun (48) from Balukhali village under Patachara
Union.

UPDF condemns
Ujwal Smriti Chakma, chief organiser of UPDF Khagrachari district
unit, in a statement issued to the media condemned the attempt of the
settlers to grab Jumma people’s lands in Ramgarh.

The UPDF leader urged the government to take stern actions against
those involved in the land grab attempts, saying “such incidents have
the potential to create fresh unrest in the CHT.”

He also demanded that the government inquires into whether any vested
interest group is instigating the settlers to grab Jumma people’s
lands.
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Source :
chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service
dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's
struggle for the right to self-determination.

Three Jummas arrested in Panchari

MEMBERS of the Bangladesh Rifles arrested three Jummas from Durchari
village in Panchari near Bangladesh – India border yesterday

Sources said a group of BDR border guards from 30 Rifle Battalion
raided the village and arrested Sona Moni Tripura (17) son of Ananda
Mohan Tripura of village Milton Para (Bhagwan Tila), Sushil Chakma
(40) son of Mon Chan Chakma of village Gashban in Bhaibon chara and
Satyo Priyo Chakma (25) son of Suryo Joti Chakma of village Obhinash
Para under Logang Union.

They were handed over to Panchari police station the same day in the
evening and then sent to Khagrachari jail today.

The police claim that they have recovered a homemade pipe gun, two
mobile SIMs and a bottle of foreign liquors from them.

However, chtnews.com could not independently verify the veracity of their claim.

An unconfirmed source said the arrested Jummas are mere hunters.
However, it could not explain the circumstance in which they were
arrested.
.............................
Source :
chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service
dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's
struggle for the right to self-determination.

Attacks on Buddhist temple: PCP holds protest rally in Naniachar

THE HILL Students Council (PCP) today staged a demonstration in
Naniachari in protest against attacks on Triratna Bana Sadhana Kuthir,
a Buddhist temple cum meditation centre, at Amtoli in remote
Barkal-Jurachari border area on 26 October.

About 100 students took part in the demonstration which began from
Naniachar High School ground at 10:45am.

The demonstrators paraded Naniachar bazaar and then held a brief rally
at Rest House area.

Ex-general secretary of PCP Naniachar College Unit, Tapu Moni Chakma
spoke at the rally.

The ex-student leader condemned the attack on Triratna Bana Sadhana
Kuthir by army and urged the government to punish those involved in
the desecration of the temple.

Meanwhile, an unconfirmed report said an unnamed army major from
Rangamati Brigade visited the place of occurrence and expressed
regrets for the destruction of the Kuthirs.

He is also reported to have offered to pay compensation for the damage caused.
.............................
Source :
chtnews.com is an independent and voluntary online news service
dedicated to projecting and analyzing the current events in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts from the perspective of the Jumma people's
struggle for the right to self-determination.

Protest demo held against attacks on Buddhist temple

HUNDREDS OF BUDDHIST devotees today held a demonstration in Subolong
bazaar in protest against an attack on Triratna Bana Sadhana Kuthir, a
Buddhist temple cum meditation centre, at Amtoli in remote
Barkal-Jurachari border area.
Jotish Chakma, a member of Subolong Union Council, and Rubel Chakma, a
resident of Betchari village, spoke at a rally held at 4pm.
Condemning the destruction of ten Kuthirs or meditation cottages by
army on Tuesday, yesterday, they said it was a direct attack on
Buddhism.
The Buddhist Sramanas have been meditating there for a long time to
seek Nibbana or salvation from sufferings, they said.
“The government appears to be sending us a warning through this attack
that we cannot have even the right to meditate and seek Nibbana, the
supreme bliss.” the speakers continued.
They urged for the government to punish those responsible for the
attack and pay adequate compensation to the temple authorities.
They also demanded a guarantee that no such incidents will recur in the future.
A group of army personnel from Banajogi Chara camp attacked Triratna
Bana Sadhana Kuthir at Amtoli in remote Barkal-Jurachari border area
under Subolong Union in the small hours of 26 October and destroyed
ten meditation cottages there.
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Source : chtnews.com

A Buddhist temple attacked by army in Rangamati

On 26 October 2010 at night 4:00 a.m. a Buddhist temple named ‘Triratna Bono Sadhana Kuthir’ located at Chegeya Chhari (Amtola) of No. 1 Suvolong union under Barkol upazila (sub-district) of Rangamati Hill District came under attack of Bangladesh Army. There are also 12 small Kuthirs (cottage) as part of and including the main temple ‘Triratna Bono Sadhana Kuthir’. It is mentionable that the Kuthirs (cottage) are used as meditation place.
It is learnt that on that time a group of army numbering 20/25 of nearby Bhijey Kijing Army Camp and Banduk Chhari (Banojogi Chhara) Zone Head Quarter, 23 Bir Regiment led by Lt. Colonel Mijanur Rahaman broke into the temple area and destroyed 9 Kuthir and threw valuable things including images of Buddha away into river after destruction.
It is also learnt that after committing such a religious profanation, Lt. Colonel Mijanur Rahaman is again threatening that if this incident is made public outside, all will be picked up and beaten.
Shanti Dev Chakma, chief organiser of UPDF Rangamati District Unit, ina statement condemned the attack, terming it as “a flagrant violation of the right of religious freedom”, and urged the government to take appropriate actions against those responsible for the attack, and to
apologize and pay adequate compensation to the temple authority.

Santu group kidnaps two in Panchari

TWO innocent Jumma villagers have been kidnapped by armed members of
the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti from Dudhukchara, a
border hamlet in Panchari Thana under Khagrachari district.
The incident took place at 12 midnight last night. The victims have
been identified as Bhubon Mohan Chakma, 45, son of Surkorma Chakma and
Monoram Chakma, 50, son of late Reboti Ranjan Chakma.
The former is the project chairman of Ration Distribution Committee of
the Jumma Refugees.
Sources said a group of 10 – 12 armed terrorists belonging to Santu
group entered Bangladesh from the other side of the border through
Gate No. 3 on ndia – Bangladesh border and kidnapped them from their
respective houses.
They have been taken to Bagheichara in Tripura, India.
It is not immediately known whether the miscreants demanded any
ransom, but asked their relatives to contact them at Bagheichara in
Tripura.
Ujjal Smriti Chakma in a statement condemned the kidnapping of the two
innocent villagers and demanded their immediate and unconditional
release.
He termed Santu Larma as one of the greatest impediments to peace and
unity in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
“People cannot be held hostage to Santu renegade clique for ever.” he
said and called for resistance against him.
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Source : chtnews.com

UPDF activist released from jail

Beauty Chakma, a UPDF activist, who was arrested on 6 October from
Matiranga under Khagrachari district, has been released from jail.

The court of Senior Judicial Magistrate, Abdullah Al Manun, on 20
October, ordered his release in a ruling that also quashed the case
filed against him.

His attorney advocate Ghyana Chakma defended him in the speedy trial court.

Beauty was arrested by army from Kathalpra under Matiranga Area No. 10
while he was on his way to attend a meeting.

The soldiers took him to the camp and tortured him badly. Later, he
was handed over to Matiranga police station.

He was charged with coercion and extortion of tolls under section 4 of
the Speedy Trial Ordinance.

The court found the charges groundless and ordered his release.
.............................
Source : chtnews.com

UP member shot dead by Santu group

*ARMED members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu faction) last night shot

dead a Union Parishad member in Rajstali under Rangamati district.*

Sources said the JSS men encircled the house of Sugandhi Tanchangya (42),

member of Ward No. 6 of Gaindya Union No. 2, in the village of Arachari Mukh

at 8:30pm, called him out to his courtyard and then shot him point blank.

The miscreants left the scene after making sure he is dead. Four of them

have been identified as Pramesh Chakma, Pulu Khoi Marma, Suila Mong Marma

and Thuila Mong Marma.

Except Pramesh, the rest are from Bangalhalia in Rajstali.

Mr. Tanchangya, a UPDF supporter, was about to go to bed after dinner when

the attack took place.

Shanti Dev Chakma, chief organiser of UPDF’s Rangamati district unit, in a

statement issued to the media today has condemned the killing of Sugandhi

Tanchangya and urged the government to bring the culprits to justice.

He said, “There will be no peace in the CHT so long as Santu Larma remains

in the Regional Council.”

Shanti urged the government to remove Larma from the RC in the interest of

peace in the CHT.

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Source : chtnews.com

Santu group takes control of the Borkha Party

THE Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu Larma faction) has taken control of the
terrorist Borkha Party operating in Laxmichari, Khagrachari.

The Borkha Party was created by Bangladesh Military in June – July
last year to frustrate the government decision to withdraw parts of
its troops from the area and to weaken UPDF in Laxmichari.

Former commander of Laxmichari zone, Lt. Col. Shariful Islam was
personally involved in the creation of the group, which is responsible
for the killing of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma and a series of
kidnappings of innocent people.

The man who is now in charge of the group is an ex-UPDF member. He was
expelled from the party in 2004 for embezzling party funds and
violating party disciplines. His name is Anil Chakma, from Bormachari.
He personally maintained contact with both Lt. Col. Shariful Islam and
JSS president Santu Larma simultaneously.

Shariful was transferred from Laxmichari in April, and the Borkha
Party found that the new zone commander is not as “magnanimous” as
him.

In this context, the Santu group took full control of the Borkha Party
with supplies of arms and money.

In the first week of August, the Borkha Party members led by Anil
Chakma went to Bormachari to establish a base there.

But the people resisted them in an organized way, forcing them to
retreat to Laxmichari. The people seized their personal belongings and
other materials including diaries and notebooks.

The incident had a demoralizing impact on the Borkha Party and on 7
September two of its members – Samiron Chakma and Nilo Mohan Chakma –
returned to normal life.

They described how often Lt. Col. Shariful Islam visited them in their
dens and examined their guns.

They also said that Anil Chakma (code name Gautam) personally keeps
regular contact with Santu Larma.

Recent action
After the Bormachari debacle, the Santu group reinforced the Borkhas
with more sophisticated weapons and trained men.

Emboldened by this reinforcement, eight Borkha Party men led by
Collins ambushed UPDF members in Morachengay area on 6 October.
However, it was by sheer luck that all the UPDF members escaped
unhurt.

The Borkhas are now staying in three places namely Sumur Para,
Haichara and in Laxmichari Sadar near the house of ex Upazila chairman
Dashrath Talukder.

Backing from local administration
The Borkhas get support from the local civil administration. After the
killing of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma on 2 October 2009, a case was
filed against some of the members of the Borkha Party.

But the police dropped their names from the charge sheet filed couples
of months ago and instead inserted the names of 6 – 7 UPDF leaders
including Ratan Basu Marma and Shukla Chakma.

Killing Mission “Kobra”
A personal diary of Anil Chakma alias Gautam amply proves Borkha
Party’s involvement in the killing of UPDF leader Rui Khoi Marma.

The diary was seized by UPDF men during the Bormachari resistance on 6 August.

According this diary, the killing mission was codenamed “Kobra” and
the “target point” was described as “Finishing Action”.

The mission was participated by Chokkapeda, Priti Bindu, Shyamol Kanti
and Md. Ali, the notes in the diary says. [Md. Ali, also known as
Belallya Bap, is a resident of Laxmichari 10 area]

It was also written down in the diary that the mission was 100 per
cent successful.

According to Samiron and Nilo Mohan, the army was also involved in the
killing of Rui Khoi Marma. They said that on the night of 1 October
2009, the army dropped the member of the killing mission near
Bot-toli, where he was ambushed and killed.

Some failed missions
Despite the “success” of this killing mission, other missions of the
Borkha Party met with abject failure.

On 27 March, the Borkhas went to Manikchari. The aim of this
operation, codenamed “Sitakunda”, was to expand their base area.

On 6 April, they met with resistance and were forced to return to
Laxmichari. The operation was led by Nirmol Kanti Chakma.

Their third action plan, codenamed “Black cat”, also met with failure,
as stated above. It was aimed to expand what they termed “free area”
in Bormachari.

The mission was led by Anil Chakma alias Gautam, and his
second-in-command was Kolen Chakma.

A total of 13 Borkha Party members took part in the operation. The
amount of weapons they employed was ten.

According to the said diary, they set out for Bormachari on 2 August
and were forced to return on 6 August.

After this failure, the Santu group sent in more weapons and trained
men to reinforce the Borkha Party. One of them has been identified as
Kalyan.

Recent kidnappings
The Borkha Party has turned kidnappings for ransom into a lucrative
business. Apart form collecting tolls in broad daylight under the nose
of the police and army, they routinely abduct people for ransom to
supplement their fund.

Their latest victim was Kalendra Chakma, a local Awami League leader,
who was kidnapped on 6 August.

He had to pay Taka 28 thousand for his release. A few days before his
abduction, another Jumma named Joti Chakma was kidnapped and released
on payment of Taka five thousand. Joti is a village doctor.

He was followed by Anupom Chakma, a local leader of Democratic Youth
Forum. It is not clear how much he had to pay to buy his freedom.
Anupom was kidnapped twice by the same Borkha Party men in a short
span of time.

Resistance
The Borkhas take orders directly from the army. Following the Sajek
and Khagrachari settler attacks in February, UPDF organised a protest
rally in Laxmichari.

The Borkha Party men attacked the rally, beating up its participants.

In order to resist the Borkha Party terrorists, a clandestine
organisation named Borkha Party Resistance Committee was formed.

On 6 December last year, it issued a leaflet calling on the Borkha
Party members to return to normal life. Since then, many of them have
left the gang.

The people of Laxmichari were so fed up with their terrorist
activities that in Bannyachola the Marma community organised
themselves and drove the Borkhas out of their area. This happened some
months ago.

People’s demand
The people of Laxmichari demand that the government takes steps to
disband the Borkha Party terrorists and to bring those involved in the
killing of Rui Khoi Marma to justice.

They also urged Santu Larma to stop patronizing the Borkha terrorists
and expel Anil Chakma from JSS.

It is well known that Anil Chakma, who is currently leading the Borkha
Party, has direct access to Santu Larma.

The people also think that the human rights organisations should
intervene with Santu Larma to stop supporting armed terrorism of the
Borkha Party.
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Source : chtnews.com