The Independent, 18 September 2003
http://independent-bangladesh.com/news/sep/18/18092003mt.htm#A13
OUR CORRESPONDENT, KHAGRACHHARI
Sept 17: An eerie silence is still prevailing in Mahalchhari upazila even 22 days after the abduction of businessman Rupan Mohajan and the subsequent arson attack on nine tribal villages.
Panic-stricken Hindu community has decided not to celebrate the ensuing Durga Puja festival. The tribal people are not coming to Mahalchhari Bazar out of fear. The future of several thousand students has become uncertain as one college, two high schools and about 100 other educational institutions remained virtually closed since the incident in the last week of August. Most of these educational institutions are closed as students are not attending classes.
Hindu community leaders Anup Mohajan and Liton Dasgupta said they would not observe the Durga Puja if the persons including Rakkha Kali Mandir president and Puja Udjapan Committee convener Ratan Shil, who were arrested in "false" cases, were not released and abducted businessman Rupan Mohajan was rescued. It is learnt that four Hindu families of Tilapara area in Mahalchhari have fled the homesteads fearing arrest.
The tribal people are now trying to establish two new Bazars at Betchhari and Sindhinala avoiding Mahalchhari Bazar. The hill people are yet to recover from the trauma they suffered following the incident on August 26.
Samiran Chakma and Kala Sona Chakma have filed two cases of killing and rape in Mahalchhari incident. About 5000 people have been accused in six separate cases filed by the hill people and Bangalee settlers regarding the Mahachhari incident. Some 60 people have so far been arrested.
Hardline tribal outfit UPDF has issued a one-week ultimatum demanding judicial inquiry into the Mahalchhari mayhem. They have also announced a fresh action programme.