The Independent, 17 September 2003
http://independent-bangladesh.com/news/sep/17/17092003mt.htm#A2
Khagrachari Correspondent
Chairperson of CHT Regional Council Jyotirindra Bodhipriya (Santu) Larma yesterday threatened that he would cancel certificates of all permanent residents (settlers) of CHT on implementation of the peace accord.
Larma instructed the headmen not to collect tax even if ordered by the highest authority, while addressing a seminar on "Strengthening Traditional and Local Government Institutions of CHT Project" as chief guest. A local NGO Jabarang Kalyan Samity organised the seminar at Khagrachhari community centre.
The seminar was addressed, among others, by Chairperson of the Samity Sucharita Roaja, Members of Regional Council Sudhasindhu Khisa, Zafar Ahmed, Rawshan Ara Begum, Convenor of the CHT Communication Committee Hansa Dhawj Chakma, former Chairperson of the CHT District Council Jatindra Lal Tripura, Municipality Chairperson Mong Ka Chowdhury, Nabin Kumar Tripura and others.
Santu Larma said, "The tripartite traditional local leadership of CHT comprising Headmen, Karbari and Circle Chief is getting complex and weak gradually."
Larma told the Headmen, Karbari and Circle Chiefs that collection of tax might complicate further the land administration.
"Owing to conspiracy by Deputy Commissioners, lands of mouzas of hill people are being leased," Santu alleged.
"The Deputy Commissioners are granting certificates of permanent resident
to settlers in violation of the peace accord," he added.