Protesters, administration hold meeting in Khagrachhari, Section 144 stays

They have raised an nine-point demand during the meeting

The district administration has held talks with representatives of the Jummo Chhatra Janata, who have been maintaining a blockade in Khagrachhari over alleged rape of a Marma teen, but no decision has been taken to lift the blockade or revoke Section 144.

The meeting, held in the presence of Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Advisor Supradip Chakma, saw the protesters present an nine-point list of demands.

Later, in a statement, the protesters said the civil administration had verbally agreed to accept all of their demands except the withdrawal of Section 144 restrictions.

They also said the Army had assured them of an “end” to harassment and arrests.

The administration, however, said the curfew would remain in force until the blockade is called off, they added.

“We welcome this meeting as a formal beginning of dialogue with the government and administration,” the statement read.

“But we must make it clear that our rights and demands will not be settled through words alone.”

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Md ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandakar said, “We have spoken with the protesters. They requested the withdrawal of Section 144.

“We told them that if they lift the blockade, we will lift Section 144. Talks have only just begun. Let’s see.”

Alongside the advisor and the DC, Hill District Council Chairperson Shefalika Tripura and Police Superintendent Md Arefin Jewel attended the meeting from the administration.

The protesters were represented by Kripayon Tripura, Bagish Chakma, Shadok Chakma, Pintu Chakma, Monika Chakma and Toshita Chakma.

DEMANDS

• The administration must be legally bound to stop any attacks, arrests, baton charges or communal assaults during and after the course of discussions.

• The two remaining suspects in the rape case must be arrested immediately and given exemplary punishment through fair trial; the already-detained suspect must be tried swiftly with the verdict published in a government gazette. The victim must receive adequate financial compensation and full rehabilitation.

• An independent, impartial, and judicial investigation must be ensured into the incidents of killing, looting, arson, and gunfire that occurred in Khagrachhari and Guimara on Sept 27 and 28; the report must be submitted within 10 days.

• Full state-funded compensation must be ensured for losses caused by attacks and arson on unarmed civilians; the medical treatment of all injured persons must be fully borne by the district or state authorities.

• Any attackers who infiltrate and inflict harm with the intent to break the peaceful blockade must be prosecuted immediately and justice must be ensured.

• All individuals arrested in connection with the movement must be released immediately and unconditionally; a transparent and independent investigation must be conducted into the attacks on Sept 27 and 28, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

• The families of the dead must be compensated with Tk 2 million each; those seriously injured must receive Tk 1 million, others injured must receive Tk 200,000, and those whose homes, shops or properties were damaged must receive Tk 500,000.

• The tag of “UPDF-linked” used in the ISPR statement to describe the Jummo Chhatra Janata platform and its coordinator Ukhynu Marma must be withdrawn immediately. At the same time, swift legal action must be taken against those spreading rumours and misleading propaganda about the hill region online.

• Section 144 must be withdrawn immediately.