Our Correspondent, Rangamati
Members of a combined mission of the government and the UNDP yesterday held talks with Chairman of the CHT Regional Council Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma.
The mission Saturday began its work on the need for development programme and prevention of possible risk factors.
Asked by newsmen on the safety of workers of the development programmes, Shantu Larma alleged that the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), an anti-peace treaty organisation, was responsible for the deteriorated law and order in the CHT.
He said the educated, unemployed youth of the region are being lured by the UPDF into criminal activities.
However, he denied allegations that his own party, the Parbatya Chattagram Janasanghati Samity, was involved in criminal activities, saying supporters of the peace treaty are planning our different ways only in self defence. He demanded that the activities of the UPDF be banned to restore peace in the CHT.
"Risk assessment is a long procedure which has just began. We are working on it," said leader of the mission Michael Heyn. J W Taco Bottema and other members of the mission, District Commissioner of Rangamati Dr. Zafar Ahmed Khan, and members of the regional council Rupayan Dewan and Goutam Kumar Chakma, among others, were present.
Later, the members divided into three groups went to meet officials of the forest department, the police super and officials of the field office, Food and Agriculture Organisation. Meetings with the leaders of civil society, Chakma Circle Chief Barrister Debashish Roy and representatives of the NGOs are also on the schedule.
However, the mission's meeting with the army personnel and district administration on the law and order could not be held on time. It will be held later, said the district administration sources.
Members of the mission will visit the village of the tribal people and the
settlers under Baghaichhari and Naniarchar upazila today to listen to their
problems. They will set for Khagrachhari on Tuesday.