The independent 9 November, 2002
Our Correspondent, Khagrachari
Nov 8: The 7th conference of the Parbayta Chattagram Janashanghati Samity concluded here today, with the adoption of 33-point demands and announcement of its new central committee.
Jotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma was re-elected president of the Samity. However, no major changes took place in the committee.
"Though much time has elapsed since the peace treaty, neither BNP nor Awami League addressed the fundamental issues of the treaty. At present, the process of implementation of treaty has remained stalled," Shantu Larma complained, while talking to the newsmen after the 4-day conference.
In his written speech, the chief of the Samity, however, expressed his optimism that the Treaty would be implemented some time in future.
The 35-member central committee was constituted, with Chandra Shekhar Chakma as secretary general, Rupayan Chakma secretary general and Shaktidhar Tripura organising secretary.
Blasting the previous AL government, Shantu Larma said some people of Hasina government harboured the anti peace treaty UDPF. A particular circle of the present government is also patronising the UDPF, he said.
Referring to the military rule in the CHT area, the long-term leader of the Samity said the military rule still reigns supreme in the hilly area.
The recent report of the Risk Assessment Mission of the UNDP also came up for serious thrashing by Shantu who blamed the UN agency for depicting the Treaty-opposing group as ' harmless'.
The proposals adopted at the conference include, strengthening the movement for the implementation of Peace Treaty, forming task-force to deal with the issue of rehabilitating the internal refugees, taking steps for the elections of the CHT regional council and district council, formulating the voters' list involving permanent residents, amending the Land Commission Act 2001 and providing more quotas for the hilly students in educational institutions.
Daily Star