Monirul Alam, Rangamati
Tribesmen and Bangalees in about 200 villages in Kawkhali and Naniarchar upazilas have finally united to resist extortion by Parbattya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) and its rival United Peoples Front (UPDF).
They have decided to form toll resistance committees in each village, led by the 'Karbary' (village leader), the 'headman' (a Mouza leader appointed by the Deputy Commissioner), teachers and Union Parishad members.
The move followed rampant extortion, abduction for ransom and violence by armed men of PCJSS and UPDF in their effort to establish supremacy in the area. Such incidents increased since signing of the 1997 CHT peace agreement by PCJSS. UPDF opposes the accord.
On Friday, village leaders from 25 villages held a meeting at Kotchukhali with Ghagra Union Parishad Chairman Sha Thoai Pru in the chair and decided to form terrorist resistance committees in 120 villages in four unions under Kawkhali upazila.
Similar move has been taken by people of 40 villages in Ghilachhori and Kutukchhori unions under Naniarchar upazila.
Earlier, people of these villages barricaded the Rangamati-Mahalchhori-Khagrachhari (RMK) road on Wednesday protesting extortion, abduction for ransom and other crimes by the terrorists.
Meantime, many residents have fled homes at Boro Dolu, Chuto Dolu, Hosnabad, Bogabil, Chowdhuripara, Masterpara, Katchukhali and Hazachhori villages fearing attack after they got letters for toll, local people said.
Killing, abduction for toll and violence due to rivalry between PCJSS and UPDF is a common phenomenon in the CHT. At least 500 people were killed in such incidents till July 8, according to sources.
On July 8, a group of 50 PCJSS men swooped on Hazachhori village in Kawkhali, killed one Moni Chakma, torched four houses and abducted three persons, whose fate is still unknown.
On July 7, UPDF activists abduct eight villagers from Baghaichhori, who were later freed after payment of ransom, the sources said.
None is spared from toll collection. Even teachers and government employees have to pay toll, demanded at will.
In the first week of this month, the armed activists sent letters to each house
in Bogabil and five adjoining villages for toll, local people said.