JMC rallies against national repression in CHT

The Bangladesh Jatio Mukti Council has held demonstrations across the country against national repression on Jumma peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. (photo attached)

The United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) is a component organisation of JMC.

Rangamati
About one thousand took part in a rally held at Sapchari, Rangamati. Chaird by Gyana Bikash Chakma, a local UPDF leader, the rally was also addressed by Mohammad Hossain Khan, joint secretary of Chittagong Unit of the Democratic Committee Against Imperialism and Fascism, Mikel Chakma, member secretary of Democratic Youth Forum and Alakesh Chakma, organiser of UPDF Rangamati district unit.

Addressing the Jumma people present at the rally, Mr. Hossain Khan said, “You are not alone in your fight. The toiling masses in the plain land are with you.”

He said the country was plagued by corruption, bribery and plunder. “We must fight against these evils.” he added.

Khagrachari
JMC Khagrachari unit staged a demonstration at Swanirbhor today with the slogan “Raise your voice against national repression in CHT”. Over one thousand participated in it.

The speakers said the Jumma nationalities had been subjected to national repression for many decades. “Human rights violations such as arbitrary arrest, torture, killings, destruction of houses, military raids and arson continue unabated.”

They said grabbing of Jumma people’s lands in the name of expansion of military camps, construction of tourist resorts and eco parks and creation of fruit gardens were continuing.

They speakers also criticized the government for killing people in the name of cross fire and for the brutal attack on the people of Rupganj that killed dozens of them.

The speakers urged the government to meet the 10-point demands, including special autonomy for the CHT region, put forward by Jatio Mukti Council at its 29-November convention against national repression.

They also demanded withdrawal of restrictions on rallies and public meetings in the CHT.

The rally was followed by a procession which marched to Chengi Square.

Dhaka
The Dhaka demonstration was held at Mukangon. JMC general secretary Faizul Hakim, JMC Dhaka unit convenor Samiul Alam Richi and PCP president Aongay Marma spoke.

Chittagong
In Chittagong JMC Chittagong chapter held a rally at Cheragi Pahar which was addressed by Advocate Bhulon Bhowmik, Amir Abbas Tapu and DYF Chittagong City unit president Ziko Marma.

Before the rally, a procession was taken out from in front of Chittagong press club at 4:30pm.

Demonstrations were also held in many other towns and cities of Bangladesh including Khulna, Barishal, Jesore, Pabna, Kushtia and Sirajganj.