chtnews.com
News No. 27/2012, May 06, 2012
THE Baghaichari Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Rehan Uddhin,
has ordered not to launch a weekly market at Gangaram Doar in Sajek Union under
Baghaichari Upazila of Rangamati district, according to sources.
He gave the order at a meeting held at Gangaram Doar with
local people on Saturday (May 5).
Among others present at the meeting were Major Md. Hafiz,
2-IC of Baghaichari zone; Dipti Moy Chakma, vice president of Baghaichari
Upazila; and Atu Lal Chakma, chairman of Sajek Union Council.
Rehan Uddin said, ‘You cannot launch a weekly market without
prior permission of the government. You must need DC’s permission to do it.’
At this point Joti Lal Karbari said, ‘We were twice victims
of attacks by settler in 2008 and in 2010. We have not received any support
from the government. Even today, we have not received any justice. That is why
we have been boycotting Baghaihat bazaar for security reasons. We will not go
to Baghaihat bazaar until justice is done to us.’
He justified the launch of the Gangaram Doar weekly market,
saying, ‘We have started the market out of necessity – for the benefit of the
local people.’
The UNO admitted that there was logic in his argument but
asked them to put the matter on hold till 16 May when he would decide the issue
in a meeting at his office.
The Jumma people in Sajek have been boycotting Baghaihat
bazaar since the 19 – 20 February 2010 attacks perpetrated jointly by the army
and illegal settlers.
Later, they set up a makeshift bazaar at Gangarma Doar,
which came to be known as Uzo Bazaar.
On 30 April, they upgraded it to a regular weekly bazaar,
much to the annoyance of the local civil and military administration.