Bengali settlers attack indigenous people

Bengali settlers attack indigenous people in Khagrachari town

On 23 February 2010, Bengali Muslim settlers backed by the Bangladesh army attacked indigenous people in the Khagrchari municipality. Around 40 indigenous houses were burnt down and several indigenous people were injured.

The clash broke out around 12.00 noon after a group of Muslim settlers chased a procession of the indigenous people at Shapla Sattwar area of Khagrachari bazaar. The Muslim settlers indiscriminately hit the indigenous protesters.

Then the Muslim settlers made arson attack on Chakma inhabited Mahajan Para. The Bangladesh army dispersed the indigenous people who were trying to prevent the Muslim settlers from setting fire on their houses. Soon after the dispersion of the indigenous people, the Muslim settlers set fire on indigenous houses. At least 7 houses were burnt down.

The Muslim settlers then set fire on indigenous housese at Milanpur, Madhupur and Upali Para where at least 7 houses were burnt down. One of the owners of the houses was identified as Ms Lucky Chakma at Madhupur area. This was followed by Sat Bheiya Para where at least 25 houses were burnt down. Official residence of Ms. Tapasi Chakma a teacher of Khagrachari Government High School was also burnt down. The Muslim settlers also set PCJSS office at Larma Square on fire. The Muslim settlers looted the valuables of the houses before setting them on fire. The Muslim settlers also looted some indigenous houses of Basundhara area. At least 7 injured persons were admitted at Khagrachari hospital while 12 received first aid.

Some Muslim settlers from Matiranga upazila came by 8 jeeps to attack the indigenous people. During the attack, the Muslim settlers assaulted the journalists of Desh TV and broke their cameras when camera crew Dilip Chowdhury and Mongsapru Marma were filming the clashes. The Muslim settlers held Talat Mamun of NTV and Saikat Dewan of Daily Prothom Alo hostage for few hours.

The Muslim settlers also gathered at Dighinala and Panchari in Khagrachari and Kaukhali in Rangamati district to attack the indigenous people.

The administration imposed a 10-hour curfew in Khagrachhari municipality from 9.00 pm in the wake of fresh communal attack. The administration with megaphones asked residents to remain indoors and that if anyone was found outside, they would be arrested and terrorists would be searched door to door.

Update of Baghaihat attack

On 23 February 2010, the Muslim settlers set an MSF primary school on fire. A group of Bangladesh army personnel from Baghaihat zone were patrolling the area during this attack.

More army to be deployed in CHT, says Home Minister

On 23 February 2010, Home Minister Ms. Sahara Khatum said that government would consider, if needed, to deploy more army in CHT. She said that government has enough preparation to combat any evil forces whether they were Shanti Bahini, religious extremist group or any group.

[On 19-20 February 2010, the Bengali settlers backed by Bangladesh army attacked the indigenous people at Baghaichari leaving at least 6 indigenous people dead. The aim of the attack was to drive out the indigenous Chakma Buddhists and grab their land. The Bengali settlers destroyed and desecrated a Buddhist temple. Two Buddhist monks are inspecting the damage.]

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http://www.angelfire.com/ab/jumma/news/20100223_khagrachari.html(more detail)