Date of publication: November 22, 2003
News link: http://www.prothom-alo.net/newhtmlnews1/category.php?CategoryID=5&Date=2003-11-22
News text: Centering the call for a fresh mass movement by JSS and the statement made by its leader Santu Larma, a mixed reaction in CHT has been observed. The Awami League party, Hill Student Council and Hill Women Federation have supported the new program of the JSS. On the other hand the four party coalition of the ruling government has demanded trial for Santu Larma as per the conventional law of the land and the UPDF has expressed its doubt about the success of the program of the JSS.
The JSS has declared its program for a fresh movement in a press circular after completion of its three days workers’ convention at Baghaichari on last Sunday. In this circular some demands like full implementation of the peace accord, removal of Mr. Wadud Bhuiyan from the post of Chairman of CHT Development Board, withdrawal of all temporary camps of the military forces, Answers and the VDPs and appointment of a full fledged minister in the ministry of CHT Affairs have been made. The circular also called for a road strike on 2nd December and a general strike in CHT on 8th December. At the end of his party workers’ convention in an open meeting at Baghaichari Upazila, Mr. Larma, the JSS leader and the chairman of the Regional Council warned that the whole CHT will be made paralyzed if their demands for full implementation of the peace accord are not met out by 31st December.
From the Rangamati district Awami League office it has been commented that there is no alternative of a united forceful movement for full implementation of the peace accord. Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, ex- MP and the chairman of the Rangamati District Awami League said that, for any democratic movement toward implementation of the peace accord cooperation and support will be given and he further commented that causing the downfall of the reactionary and fundamentalist forces of the current coalition government the peace accord in the CHT could be implemented.
Mr. Honghasa Dhosha Chakma, ex-chairman of the communication committee that was formed before the peace accord was signed commented that without mass movement no government will implement the peace accord. Mr. Ujjal Chakma, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Hill Student Union and Ms Chaitali Tripura, Chairperson of the Hill Women Federation Central Committee expressed their solidarity with the JSS.
Mr. Pradipon Khisha, leader of Khagrachari Unit of the UPDF, opposition of the JSS and anti peace accord group commented that it is ridiculous to raise such demand by Santu Larma as he still holds the position provided by the government. According to him this is nothing but a total deception.
On the other hand the BNP office at Khagrachari and different branches of it and other associated organizations in their joint statement mentioned that it is tantamount to conspiracy against the Bengali community of CHT for Mr. Larma to hold secret meeting with armed cadres, raising undue demand against Mr. Wadud Bhuiyan and the ruling government. In this statement, demand has been raised to identify the position of Mr. Larma as the Chairman of the Regional Council and take necessary action against him as per the conventional law of the country.
Dr. Jafar Ahmed, the district administrator has said that regarding the program
of JSS, the government has already been informed. So far he did not receive
any instruction. He further commented that if the movement is within an acceptable
limit there is no point of obstruction from the part of the administration.
But the government will take necessary steps if the something is done keeping
the common people as hostages.