Unheard Voice

Feb 28, London Demonstration. Photo: Shoayeeb Chamak

* Pinaki Roy: Bangladesh erupts in ethnic violence
* Ashok Kumar Chakma: Who decides on whose identity?
* Tazreena Sajjad (Drishtipat): Tragedy of the Majority

* ARMY: “Lt Col Mohsin Alam joined as the zone’s new commander, replacing Lt Col Wasimul Haque in Bagaihat”
* Hill people blame Army
* CHT Commission: CHTC Memo To PM on Khagrachori Attack

*Mar 1: 10 AM, Protest at United Nations, between 42/43 St & 1st Ave, New York (organized by Jumma People – USA, Contact: Parish Chakma)
* Mar 2 (Tuesday): 11:30 AM. Sajek Victims strike in front of Press Club, Dhaka
* Mar 3, 4 PM: Movement Against Aggression, a forum of artists, cultural activists and groups, swoparjito swadhonota chattar, TSC swarakdweep, Dhaka University.
* Mar 4: 10 AM. Monks peace procession in front of Bangladesh High Commission, Sri Lanka.
* Feb 28: Australia Demo Videos 1 2 3 4
* Feb 28: London Protest (VIDEO by Monzural Azim Polash)
* Feb 26: Jumma Peace Rally, Shahid Minar, Dhaka; Documentaries on CHT at Chobir Haat, opposite CharuKala
* Feb 26: Protests in Delhi

* Audity Falguni: Dead Pahari mother and our collective conscience
* Syed Badrul Ahsan: Beyond The Fire
* ABMS Zahur: Trouble in CHT
* Abu Syeed Khan: Comity, not clash, is the key to end the crisis.
* JANAKANTHA warned of conspiracy to launch communal riots as far back as February 13
* AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: Call for Fair Probe
* EU: Statement on CHT Violence
* ILO: Ratifying Indigenous & Tribal Peoples Convention 1989
* ISPR ARMY PRESS: “…flawless endeavour of security forces for ensuring peaceful co-existence”
* DS: “We can’t leave the land unoccupied because it is very valuable in Khagrachhari.
* somewhereinblog: Baghaichori massacre
* somewhereinblog: Majority vs Minority
* Shamseer on: How my views on CHT was changed
* Faruk Wasif: “Political Crisis Can’t Be Seen Through Military Eyes”
* Sachalatayan: “Alas Pahar, Alas Bangalipana”
* Chakma 101: Photos of 1983, 1984, 1985 Massacres
*Feb 27: SMS from Kabita Chakma: Fresh attacks by Bengali settlers in Naniarchar, Rangamati
* Photos: Brian Palmer & Erin Holloway
* Brigadier General Shahedul Anam Khan: “there is no alternative but to implement the [1997 CHT Peace Accord] agreement.”
* ABMS Zahur: “BNP proposal of deploying the army again will make the situation messy.”
* Zafar Sobhan: “It is the settlers who have a history of land-grabbing…”
* Naeem Mohaiemen: “I understood his sentiment to be a variation of WEB Dubois’ “Talented Tenth” theory of Black Empowerment.” Read more…

Barrister Devasish Roy discusses solutions to the crisis of CHT that can help all sides. One of the most balanced, logical and calm voices on this issue.

Part 1
Read more…

Farah Mehreen Ahmad’s op-ed on CHT: “To burst this greedy and exploitative bubble of fantasy traits attributed to those who are forced to be third-class citizens for our needs and convenience, as if their sole purpose is to serve us – the Raj… To not pervert “majority rule” to mean the rule of a power-tripping, vile and nonchalant majority, but the rule of a conscientious majority.”
Read more…

Feb 24, 10:44 PM: SMS from Pahari student: “Two army trucks have entered Mohajon Para. Please pray for us.”
Feb 24, 10:39 PM: SMS from Bengali journalist: “New fire spreading in Golabari, Modhupur after approximately 100 arrests”
Feb 24, 10 PM: Shocheton Shilpi Samaj announces protest rally at Shahid Minar 10:30 AM, Thursday, Feb 25.
Feb 24, 10 PM: A colleague received call from S Chakma in Milonpur, who was saying “can you hear then, they are coming in, can you hear them outside.” After this, he hung up. No further details available, and he cannot be reached on phone. Colleague called me now, but I do not know what time S Chakma’s call was.
Feb 24, 9:44 PM: Email from NGO worker: “In Modhupur more than 100 bangali settlers from shalbon came with an attempt to attack but police stopped them. Heard this from 2 sources. Police is calling another curfew. This happened at around the same time as milonpur. Separately, heard from * that there were more fires in kc town. This i heard at 930pm.”
Feb 24, 6:30 PM: Milonpur village, Army arrests three Paharis: 1) Jhonto Chakma, 30 Milon pur 2) Majon Chakma , 17 Father’– Bipul Chondro Chakma, Student Milon pur 3) Name Unknown, lodg-ing teacher Milon pur
DAILY STAR: 50 held in overnight curfew | BDNews24: Khagrachari deserted Prothom Alo: Khagrachari Burns
Feb 24, 1:14 PM: Email from Shireen Huq: “Update from our contact 15 minutes ago – although the curfew has officially lifted at 7am, the situation remains extremely tense with nothing moving in the streets. Our friends are feeling insecure. They have news that nearly 80 hill people (including from villages) and a few Bangalis were arrested yesterday. Journalists and observers from outside Khagrachari have been targeted by the law enforcement agencies. Representative from SHED is in hiding as are many others. Our friends are concerned that the media is projecting the violence as a simple Bangali-Pahari conflict when in fact the situation has been manipulated by disgruntled AL politicians and local BNP politicians who have joined forces. Their appeal to all of us who are residing in relative safety outside the Chittagong Hill Tracts is to use whatever channels and contacts to urge the government to restore peace and safety for the people of Khagrachari and Rangamati.”
Feb 24, 11:24 AM: Latest report is that Bengali settlers are also being arrested, along with Paharis.
Feb 24, 10:08 AM: Message on Facebook: “CHT authorities are saying they will use VIDEO footage of yesterday’s demonstrations by Paharis to identify people after arrests. Is demonstrating for our right now illegal?”
Feb 24, 9:10 AM: Pahari parents calling media contacts asking how the SSC candidates in their community will go for examination in the midst of mass arrests by Army
Feb 24, 8:53 AM: Email from S Chakma: I am writing to update you about the arrests that took place this morning at Khabangpujjya including the arrest of Ranada’s brother. The following six persons have been arrested by the combined forces of Bangladesh army and the police: Newton Chakma, Teacher Parbhattay Bouddha Mission; Pahel Chakma, Profession – unknown; Murati Mohan Chakma, Headmen Guimara; Shashi Kanti Chakma, Health Department; Ripal Chakma, Advocate; Bishwa Jyoti Chakma, Medical doctor; Chandan Chakma – beaten up
Feb 24, 8:48 AM: Email from Pahari women’s group: “Army arrested 25 from Uttor Khogong Poriya. Among these are many government employees. Brother in law of Sonali Chakma of Hill Women’s Federation among the arrested.”
Feb 24, 8:16 AM: Email: “Rab & Army now in hobopuriyar village doing door to door search. Dr. Bisshwjit Chakma and many others taken away.”
Feb 24, 3:41 AM: Massive protests called in London, at 10 am, demonstration against the massacres in CHT from 19-23 February 2010. will submit a memorandum to PM via HC. organised by Jumma Peoples Network, Uk and Survival International.
Feb 24, 2:22 AM: PCJSS (pcjss.org@gmail.com) press release states: “It is reported that some of Bengali settlers were brought from Matiranga upazila by 8 jeeps. During the attack, journalist of Channel i and Desh TV were also assaulted and their cameras were broken by the Bengali settlers when camera crew Dilip Chowdhury and Mongsapru Marma were filming the clashes. Talat Mamun, reporter of private television ntv and Saikat Dewan, correspondent of daily prothom alo, were hostage for few hours by Bengali settlers.”
Feb 24, 1:22 AM: Facebook post by musician Krishnakali Islam: pahare military o bangali kortik paharider hottar protibade agamikal bikel 4tay ‘gonosonghoti andolon-er’ uddoge michhil o somabes polton-er muktangone… sokole ae andolone jog din….
Feb 24, 0:00 AM: ABMS Zahur in DS: “The last 38 years have proved we are not good negotiators. Furthermore, our armed forces are not trained negotiators. If we had real democratic rule, the CHT problem would have been solved long ago. Acceding to the BNP proposal of deploying the army again will make the situation messy.”
Feb 23, 11:13 PM: Email from Shireen Huq: “I have just spoken to our contact in Khagrachari. She is in hiding right now. This morning the neighbourhoods of Mahajan para and Modhupur were set on fire. After curfew this evening Shatbhaiya para was also attacked.”
Feb 23, 10:52 PM: SMS from Pahari journalist “grame grame army dhukeche” (army is entering village after village) (BDT 10:52:23)
Feb 23, 10:46 PM: BBC reports “The violence is the worst in the area since a peace deal was signed in 1997.”
Feb 23, 10:40 PM: NTVr journalist ke Bangali settler ra pitiecche, stitch dite hoecche, local journalistra jate report korte na pare tar jonno chaapey rekheche. Curfewr moddhei gramey agun. RAB chittagong theke CHT gecche, kintu tate Paharira nishchinto hote parcchena obviously. Pouro elakay ei situation, guess what happens in Baghaicchori. local govt is not responding.
Feb 23, 8:46 PM: Curfew ghoushona kora hoyeche khagracharite agamikal bhour 7 ta porjonto. Barhir sathe kotha holo, bolechi somoy bhag kore ghumate, ghum tou na, rast neoa, ektu chouk bondho kore thaka. bounke bolechi baba ma soho sobay somoy ta bhag kore niye rest nite. Amar 1886 saler kotha mone pore jacche,judio ekhon 2010. onek somoyer farak holeo ghotona, nirapotta hinota, osohaota, kanna, sob eki. 24 bochor khon kichui bodlate pareni, shudu somoyer bebodhan charha. 1886,1 may te thik ai bhabe amader gram attacked hoyechilo, amader barhi soho onek barhi purhe chay hoye giye chilo,r baba’r cousin ke chaku diye khun kora hoy, take amra khuje pai agune puorha ghorer bhitor.
Feb 23, 7:46 PM: Email: Didira nirapod ashoyer jonno ek barhi theke arek barhi—-. Kouthao mon manche na… nirpod mone hocchena… jabe kouthay? ma’yer sathe kotha bollam ai matro. saradin ovokto oboshatay opekka– ektu nirapottar. Ondhokar sotty kar orthe onder barta niye ase
Feb 26, 7:20 PM:Email: Opekka ek ujjol bhourer—- Baba, ma, bhai boun, poribarer sobay okhane, amra 3 bhai boun eikhane, Dhakay, nirapode. Chouto boun ta sei sokal theke kadche to kadche —- ami chai ai kannna jeno sesh hoy ekhoni
Mohajonparhay, amar bouner sathe kotha bollam ai matro. poristiti thom thome. Rat/ Ondokare ki bhabe tader upor hamla hote pare se niye sobay bhabche. kintu ai bhabnar koun uttor o sesh nai. r protiroudero koun upay nei. Hopless
Feb 23, 6:47 PM: BDnews24 reports Army out as clashes erupt in Khagrachhari
Feb 23, 6:18 PM: SMS received: “fire set to MSF Para clinic in Bagahat”
Feb 23, 6:15 PM: English language reporter said he was confined indoors and unable to report on developments around town according to a source. Another Bangla newspaper journalist writes on gchat: “Khagrachorite reporter rao oborudhdha haye poreche…bikal pojanta kew ber hote pare ni…”
Feb 23, 3:52 PM: DD email to Australian Scholars CHT Mailing List: “Army people are openly swearing to create a flood of blood in front of jumma kids that go to cantonment school…These stories are not from news papers….stories from my family & relatives who are hiding themselves in the closest safest place……I urge common people & all my friends to raise their voice and stand by our side.”
Feb 23, 3:30PM: Jonobol Buddhist Bihar on fire in Mohajonpur. Many Trucks carrying Bengalis Settlers reported seen all over Khagrachari. Paharis flee from homes in many areas after trucks arrive.
Feb 23, 3:17 PM: Sugata T email to Australian Scholars CHT Mailing List: “The Bengali settlers set fire five houses in Mahajan Para. These house are located back side of SONY-Rangs shop and all houses burnt into ashes. The bengali settlers are also set fire many shops in the main roadside especially those shops belong to Indigenous community. Two houses are also burn down in next to Khagrachari Govt. High school area. I heard that one of the house belongs to Tapashi Madam who is the teacher of that school. The Bengali settler tried to enter the Milanpur area after crossing the Broken Bridge area but they faced strong resistance from Jumma people so they could not enter into the Milanpur area. There are some clashes in Madhupur and Hospital area. I heard that Bengali settlers set fire in one house in Madhupur but strongly resisted by Jhumma community and finally they backed off the area but still very tense situation in all areas in Khagrachari. They also set fire in Hospital area but not sure how many houses…SP of Khagrachari, Mr. Shahriar Khan said that additional police deployed to control over the situation but he said that the situation might be out of control if it continues like that..”
Feb 23, 3PM: Government school for Paharis reportedly on fire. Hotel Jiran, owned by former MP Upendra Lal Chakmas, on fire in main bajaar.
Feb 23, 2:47 PM: K Chakma’s email to Australian Activist Network: ‘I am again here to share the unfortunate news that part of Dighinala and some other pockets of CHT are also currently under attack simultaneously.’
Feb 23, 2:17 PM: K Chakma’s email to Australian Activist Network: ‘The settlers have set fire in Mohajan Para, Khagrachari at this very moment and there is a stand off between jumma youths and the settlers. I just spoke there about 5 minutes ago.”
Feb 23, 2 PM: Fires reported in Milonpur. Bhua Chari Bet-Chari also reports fire. Paharis start fleeing fearing fresh violence. Police now at Mohajon Para, but arresting no one. Army reportedly in position nearby, but taking no action. Section 144 declared.
Feb 23, 12:30 PM:: 7 Pahari homes reported on fire in Mohajon Para, Khagrachari

ACHR: “demand government of Bangladesh provides immediate and unrestricted access to massacre sites”
DS: Sec 144 Imposed
DS: Rehabilitate, Compensate
DS: Paharis rally for justice
Lakshmiprasad Chakma: “demanded [army] pullout from the area“