Daily Star, Mon. August 25, 2003



Shantu accuses govt of stalling execution of CHT accord


Our Correspondent, Rangamati

Shantu Larma yesterday accused the government of dallying with the implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) accord and continuing a 'de facto military rule' in the region.

"Realisation of the accord would bring in peace," said Larma, chairman of the Regional Hill Districts Council (RHDC).

Larma was speaking at the inauguration of a health initiative organised by Greenhill, a NGO, at Rangamati's Hajachhari Monpara Village.

"Non-implementation of the accord has rendered the RHDC ineffective, undermining one of the main treaty objectives," added Larma.

Accusing the government of robbing the indigenous people of their political rights, Larma urged hills people to exercise their rights and continue working towards development.

"Indigenous groups in Sylhet are being abused and attempts are being made to displace them. The government is inactive in resolving their predicaments," the leader said

Citing the success of the locally organised Greenhill health initiative to obviate "Gravity Flu" in the village, Larma asked for national and international help in utilising resources to provide safe water in hilly areas.

Village Development Committee President Mayaram Chakma presided over the gathering, while local Upazila Parishad Chairman Anup Chakma and Greenhill Executive Director Mong Thwai Ching also spoke.