The Independent, 5 September 2003
STAFF EPORTER
The government yesterday withdrew the controversial circular issued earlier by the civil affairs division of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs putting restrictions on the movement of foreigners and the civilians in the region.
Talking to The Independent, Moni Swapan Dewan, Deputy Minister for Chittagong Hill Tract Affairs said that the withdrawal of the circular would help dispel the misunderstanding created following the issuance of the same.
He, however, said that his ministry was quite in the dark about the circular and had ordered inquiry as to how an official of the Public Affairs Division could issue such a circular without the knowledge of the concerned Minister.
The circular caused embarrassment to the Minister himself and also for the government, he added.
Army sources confirmed that the restriction was imposed in view of growing arms violence involving the tribesmen and the settlers and recovery of arms depot in the CHT region. The circular, however, created misunderstanding between the Ministry of CHT Affairs and the Army.
A concerned official also mentioned that the army and police would continue their vigilance and routine patrol in the troubled areas to ensure peace and security for the people.
A senior Army commander said that a vested quarter was trying to divert peoples’
attention from the recent riot at Mahalchari in Khagrachhari district.