A Karbari or village chief has been arrested in Kudukchari as the army tries to put pressure on the Jumma elders to observe Ekushey February tomorrow, sources say.
Ram Karbari, 42, son of Nil Barno Chakma was arrested by army from a Buddhist temple in Chouddo Mile where he was attending a religious event marking Maghi Purnima or full moon day.
Mr. Ram is the Karbari of the village of Suridas Karbari Para in Kudukchari, Rangamati district.
“Today is market day for Kudukchari bazaar, and the military is highly active in this area.” UPDF leader Alakesh Chakma said.
He said the army was driving the people, especially Bengali traders, away from Kudukchari bazaar as an apparent counter-measure against the boycott of Naniachar bazaar by Jumma people.
The army called the elders including the local chairmen and teachers to Kudukchari camp and ordered them to observe Ekushey February or International Mother Language Day tomorrow.
“You must observe Ekushey February. If you don’t, your MPO (monthly payment order) will be held up.” one army commander is reported to have told the meeting.
The Hill Students Council, a front organisation of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), has called for a boycott of the celebration
of the day.
PCP says it will stay away from the celebration and will refrain from placing wreath at the altars of Shaheed Minar as a mark of protest against government failure to introduce primary education in the ethnic nationalities’ own languages.
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Source : chtnews.com
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