News No. 101/2013, Tuesday, September 10, 2013
AN
attack on Jumma villagers in Lama Upazila under Bandarban district by
illegal Bengali settlers on Monday left 8 injured, according to various
sources.
Quoting
the victims and eyewitnesses, the Prothom Alo, a Bengali daily, in its
today’s issue said, “Terrorists patronized by Mojibul Haq, a notorious
land grabber and accused in 15-16 criminal cases, carried out the attack
on the indigenous peoples while they were working at their jum fields.”
The
paper quoted Ushithoai Marma, an eyewitness, as saying: “About 30 – 35
terrorists split themselves into small bands and then attacked the Jumma
people who were working at their jum fields and in their houses
at Murungjhiri, Polijhiri, Tiarjhiri and Shankhajhiri. At first the
attackers sprayed pepper powder on them and then struck them with sticks
and sharpened weapons.”
The
attackers also destroyed the houses of the victims. Eight wounded
Jummas were admitted to Lama Upazila Health Complex for treatment, the
Prothom Alo added.
Police
said 13 persons had been arrested in connection with the attack and
added that security had been stepped up in Hlasaipara area.
However,
Jummas alleged that the Bengalis caught three Jumma villagers while
they were on their way to hunting with homemade guns and then turned
them over to the police.
According to Suprobhat Bangladesh, another Bengali daily published from Chittagong, at least 11 persons, including 3 Bengalis, were injured in the “clash” which took place at Murungjhiri area.
It
identified the wounded as Mongchanu Marma, 25, Aung Hla Pru Marma, 26,
Ushoi Hla Marma, 43, Choche Thui Marma, 25, Aungkyo Thoai Marma, 28,
Mong Oaiu Marma, 35, Na Pru Marma, 28, Aungshey Thoai Marma, 24, Abdus
Sukkur, 28, Md. Zahir, 32 and Md. Jamal, 26.
“Mojibul
Haq and his gang have been trying to grab several hundred acres of land
belonging to the local residents for a long time. The attack has been
carried out in a planned way after we prevented their previous attempts
to grab the land.” Suprobhat quoted Mongchanu Marma, a wounded victim,
as saying.
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