Daily Star 9 November 2002


CHT accord
Larma vows to continue agitation

President of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma yesterday criticised the government for not taking any initiatives to implement the essential aspects of the CHT peace treaty.

The former guerilla leader, who was re-elected PCJSS president, vowed to push ahead with the PCJSS movement for implementation of the CHT peace accord until the Jummia people's dream of establishing their own culture comes true.


Larma was briefing newsmen after the four-day seventh PCJSS congress at Khagrapur Community Centre in Khagrachhari rounded off with formation of a 35-member central committee yesterday.

Chandra Shekhar Chakma was elected general secretary and Shaktipada Tripura organising secretary.

Alleging that the anti-treaty United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) is involved in crimes, Larma said a section of people of the then Awami League government patronised UPDF criminals and a vested group of the present government is now backing them.


Larma announced a 33-point demand, including implementation of the CHT treaty, steps for election to the CHT regional council and the three hill districts, ban on the army operation -- Uttaran -- and pullout of army, ansar, APB and VDP.