Call for UN-supervised probe into attacks on hill people

Relatives of the victims have called for a United Nations-supervised investigation into the recent violent attacks on hill people in Khagrachari and Rangamati towns, and Dighinala upazila. 

The demand was made during a press conference held at the National Press Club on Sunday (September 29) at 11:30 am.

Kukumani Chakma, an eyewitness and victim of the attacks, read a written statement at the event. 

He reported that four people were killed and hundreds injured during the 48-hour assault, all of whom were hill people. 

He added that two of the critically injured are receiving treatment in Chattogram. 

In addition, 105 shops in Dighinala and at least 100 businesses in Rangamati were affected. The attackers, reportedly Bengali settlers, also vandalised the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council office in Rangamati, setting nine cars and a motorcycle on fire. 

They also attacked, looted, and damaged the Buddhist religious institution Maitri Bihar in Rangamati. The administration imposed Section 144 in Rangamati and Khagrachari only after the attacks concluded.

Kukumani criticised the government for its slow response, noting that despite forming a seven-member investigation committee on Thursday, no arrests have been made. 

He also pointed out that fear continues to grip the hill people, while those who live-streamed the attack on social media are reportedly being pursued by the police.

He alleged that the settlers were incited to attack the hill people through announcements made over loudspeakers. Following these calls, hundreds of Bengali settlers from Boalkhali, Jamtali, and Gau Bazar attacked the hill people. During the violence, the army reportedly appeared and sided with the settlers, using blank gunfire to drive away the hill people. The settlers then looted and set fire to shops owned by hill people at Battala and Larma Square in Dighinala.

In a protest response, thousands of hill people took to Dighinala Babuchhra Road, condemning the attacks and arson. 

However, a group of soldiers reportedly dispersed the peaceful protest on the Maini Bridge by firing blank rounds. Later, two army vehicles arrived and pursued those who did not flee. During this time, a man named Dhanranjan Chakma was apprehended by the army, beaten, and fatally injured. He was struck with the butt of a gun, and his lip was severed with a bayonet. He later died on his way to the hospital, said Kukumani.

The relatives of the victims made five key demands to the interim government:

1. A UN-supervised investigation committee should be formed to probe the communal violence in Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Dighinala, and the perpetrators should face exemplary punishment.

2. Adequate compensation should be provided to the families of the deceased and injured, and to the owners of damaged homes and businesses, based on the findings of the investigation committee.

3. Immediate medical treatment should be arranged for those injured in the attacks.

4. Military and civil officials responsible for the violence, appointed by the Hasina government, should be dismissed and held accountable under both civilian and military law.

5. Political initiatives should be undertaken to restore peace and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including the withdrawal of military rule and settlers from the region.