chtnews.com
News No. 107/2011, April 27, 2011
THE Jumma people have boycotted a peace rally organized by Khagrachari district administration in an attempt to reconcile between the two communities after a deadly clash that left 4 people dead, scores wounded and one hundred houses burnt.
The rally was held at 1pm today at Baro Pilak of Ramgarh. Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari Anis-ul-haq Bhuian, Guimara Brigade commander Mahbubul Alam Mollah and Sindukchari zone commander Lt. Col. Quamrul Hassan were among others attended the rally.
However, no Jumma people, except Hafchari Union Council Chairman Chaithoai Marma, army collaborator Kongjori Marma and a handful Jumma Awami Leaguers, took part in it.
The rally was largely boycotted by Jumma people.
One Jumma victims said, “Without guarantee for our safety and security and without recognition of our land rights, it’s useless to participate in such fake peace rallies”.
“You attack us, you burn our houses, and then you show to the world how avatar of peace you are. This sort of hypocrisy should be stopped.” he added.
Another victim said: “Why there is no peace? It’s because there is land grabbing, because our lands are being taken away.”
He asked the authorities to provide compensation for the loss caused by the attack, instead of organizing useless peace marches.The rally was organized as per a decision taken at a law and order review meeting held on 23 April in Khagrachari.