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The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is
deeply concerned about the intrusion of illegal plain settlers to the lands
of indigenous communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. On 6 April 2006, in
light of recent events, UNPO issued appeals to the Government of Bangladesh including
Prime Minister Mrs. Khaleda Zia, Deputy Minister Mr. Mani Swapan Dewan and State
Minister Mr. Md. Lutfozzaman Babor as well as to Ambassador H.E. Dr. Chowdhury,
Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in the UN and H.E. Ms. Ismat Jahan, Bangladesh
Ambassador in The Hague.
Background:
On the morning of 3 April 2006, tribal villages of the Chittagong
Hill Tracts of Bangladesh were attacked by the illegal plain settlers and the
Bangladesh security forces, according to a report of the Asian Centre for Human
Rights. Dozens of tribal villagers were reported to have been injured and sent
to hospital, including Tuku Mani Chakma, Junal Marma, Sa Prue Marma, Thuimra
Ching Marma, Myasu Marma, Afing Krai Marma. In addition, Thuimraching Marma
(16) and Afing Krai Marma (20), were said to be raped by Bengali settlers at
Sa Prue Karbari in Mahalchari, Khagrachari on the same day.
Whereas the Chittagong Hill Tracts is the homeland of indigenous
Jumma people, they are constantly facing threats from illegal settlers to occupy
their land. Bangladesh authorities have not been effective in protecting the
rights of Jumma people to live in their homeland, but allowed its security forces
to assist the occupation of illegal settlers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The 3 April attack on innocent Jumma villagers is another incident of gross
human rights violations in the region.
UNPO has called upon the Government of Bangladesh to take the
necessary steps to bring into justice those responsible for the attack on 3
April and to put an end to the human rights violations against the indigenous
Jumma people in Chittagong Hill Tracts.
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