Political News
The Daily Star, Volume 3 Number 1109 Sat. October 19, 2002


Peace in CHT still remains elusive
PCJSS-UPDF rivalry leaves 231killed, 400 injured since '97 accord


Nurul Alam, Chittagong

Peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) still remains elusive due to rivalry between the Parbattya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) and the United People Democratic Front (UPDF).


At least 231 people were killed and 400 injured in incidents of violence between PCJSS and UPDF till September this year since signing of the peace agreement in December 1997, police said. Three hundred and eighty others were abducted during the period.


PCJSS signed the agreement with the then Awami League government, ending two decades of insurgency.

UPDF opposes it and demands more autonomy for the region.


Activists of the rival organisations are locked in gunfight, killing and abduction. Often, they fight over illegal toll collection and supremacy in areas.

Shefali Chakma, a resident of Khagrachhari, talking to this correspondent said, "We have again become panicked due to the clashes among our tribal brothers. We don't know what will happen ultimately.


"We had hoped for peace after signing of the agreement. But this has been shattered by the new spate of violence" Shefali said.

Some other residents of the hills also echoed the same sentiment.

CHT Regional Council Chairman Jotindriya Bodipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma who had signed the peace agreement as president of PCJSS said over telephone that a sort of stagnancy was prevailing in operational activities of his council.


"I am undone. What can I do in such a situation of stagnancy while we are not getting proper response and cooperation from the govern ment to control the trouble here?"

But Larma was tight-lipped when asked to elaborate. He dodged questions about clashes between activists of PCJSS and UPDF.


However, at different public meetings, Larma earlier said fresh unrest was growing in the hills due to delay in "full implementation" of the peace agreement.

Another tribal leader, Upendra Lal Chakma, who resigned from the post of Chairman of CHT Refugee Welfare Association one year ago, declined to answer questions about violence and unrest in the hills, fearing a backlash.


"I don't like to comment as I don't want to face trouble", he said.

A senior government official on condition of anonymity said UPDF is fighting for more autonomy in the hills as it is not happy with the peace accord signed by Shantu Larma.

"The problem in CHT needs to be solved politically to restore total peace", he said.

"I don't find any improvement or change in situation. People still feel insecure", he added.

Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati Dr Jafor Ahmed Khan talking to this correspondent said, "We have taken measures to keep the situation under central by ensuring reinforcements.


"Some interior areas including Kawkhali and Naniarchar in Rangamati district are vulnerable" the DC said.

However, withdrawal of army camps remained suspended after 70 camps were withdrawn immediately after signing of the peace accord.