Longudu arson victims now in a state of siege

THE victims of the arson attack in Longudu are now living a subhuman life in a state of siege, said Chonchu Moni Chakma after visiting the place of occurrence.

Mr. Chakma was part of a three-member team from Khagrachari which visited the spot on 19 February.

The other members included Monju Lal Dewan and Nipul Chakma.

The team left Khagrachari on 18 February, one day after the incident, and stayed overnight at Longudu Sadar. The next morning they joined with another team led by Longudu Upazila Nirbahi Officer and visited the place of occurrence.

Chonchu Moni said: “We reached the place of occurrence at 11:30am. We visited the affected villages – Ranjit Karbari Para, Rangi Para and Shanti Nagar Gram – and spoke to the victims.

“They told us that the settlers had carried out the attack with the support of the members of the Border Guards Bangladesh and that the BGB had done nothing to prevent the settlers from looting their houses.

“The victims further accused the BGB of encouraging the settlers to set fire to their houses.”

According to him, a total of 24 houses in three villages have been burnt down. Of these, 19 belong to the Jummas, 3 to the settlers and two are Para Kendra or village centre.

“However, the huts that the settlers claimed their own and burnt were not dwelling houses. These were ‘tong ghar’ or kind of small farm houses, which were rarely used.”

As regards the death of Saber Ali, Chonchu said: “During our visit many Bengali people told us that the death of Saber Ali, which sparked the attack, was not unnatural. He had been suffering from various diseases including high blood pressure. The Jummas were not responsible for his death.

“Many Bengalis told us that they had asked the settlers not to go and attack the Jummas.

“The chairman of Gulchakhali Union, Mr. Abu Taleb said Saber Ali had died a natural death. Yet, a vested interest group had carried out the attack.”

Chonchu added: “When we reached there, we saw many of the victims were without food or shelter. They just ate unripe banana. Now the people of the affected areas are living in a state of siege. If they want to come to Longudu Sadar, they have to pass through Bengali settlements. Therefore, they are now afraid of going out of their villages.”

He said the BGB had set up a temporary camp there. “They set up the camp at Shanti Nagar after uprooting four Jumma families from their homes.” Chonchu said.

The names of those whose land has been grabbed for the camp are Santosh Chakma, Sharat Chandra Chakma, Mongol Dhan Chakma and Nabin Kumar Chakma.
.............................
Source : chtnews.com