Communal strife in Bangladesh has pushed thousands of people from Chakma and few other minority communities of the country to flee for India. Crisis has been reported to be most acute in Tabalchari area under Matiranga sub-division of Chittagong Hill Tracts after a section of plain settlers belonging to majority Muslim religious group attacked tribal villagers from Chakma (Buddhist) and Tripura communities. Local sources informed that the crisis emanated from kidnapping of a BNP leader named Kamaluddin. Achlong, Bagapara areas in Manikchari area under Khagrachari, five villages namely Sarveshawar Para, Boga Para, Manudas Para, Bhagawan Tilla and Bandar Singh Para were reported to be reduced to ashes. Areas having majority of Chakma, Mog, Tripura population are being specifically targeted. One casualty was reported early morning today across the border as well while unsupported reports of many more are running rife. The stream of asylum seeking Chakmas from Bangladesh started around 12 midday on Saturday. Till Sunday morning, thousands were found waiting across the Indo-Bangla border along Karbook area of Amarpur sub-division. Asked about the issue, Chief Secretary Dr. SK Panda said that the BSF has been asked to maintain strict vigil on the entire issue. He assured that situation is under control at the border as of now. None has been allowed to enter the Indian territory, the Chief Secretary said. Large groups of these asylum seeking people were found in front of at least 8 border gates on the other side of Karbook sub-division this morning. Sarat Bikash Para, Bhagwantila, Alendrapara, Mogpara, Prankumar Para, Golmanipara, Mathurampara erc areas. Asked about the stand of the state government on this issue, Tribal Welfare Minister Aghore Debbarma said that the issue is still an internal issue of Bangladesh. He urged the Bangladesh government to be more sensitive and responsive to the crisis. Reacting to the issue, Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre of Human Rights said, “We have urged the Government of India to direct Border Security Forces to provide shelter to the fleeing tribal refugees from Bangladesh until the situation improves for their return. We have also tried to prevail upon the Government of Bangladesh to take immediate measures to ensure safety and security of the affected tribals”. Suhas vehemently criticized the role of Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) in controlling the escalating situation. “Instead of arresting the arsonists arrested many innocent indigenous tribal people including Bakul Chakma, Supayan Chakma and Phani Bhusan Chakma, all members of the local Union Council. They were subjected to severe custodial torture”, he said.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Aug 2013 11:52:45 +0000