UPDF enforces blockade in 3 hill dists today


Khagrachari, Jan. 7, 2007:The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) will enforce a dawn-to-dusk road blockade in three hill districts of Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban today.

The blockade aims to press their 7-point demand for holding a free and fair election.

The demands include resignation of Prof Iajuddin as caretaker chief, enrolment of permanent citizens of CHT in voter list, introduction of postal ballot system for Bengali settlers including army and para-military force members, stoppage of harassment in name of Operation Uttaran, stoppage of repression by security men on indigenous people, specially UPDF activists, stoppage of grabbing of land of indigenous people, inclusion of indigenous voters dropped from voter list, deployment of police in polling centres during election and establishment of separate Election Commission for CHT.

UPDF activists brought out a protest procession in the hill town yesterday. Processionists paraded the streets of the town chanting slogans in support of their demands.

Later, a protest meeting was also held at their party office at Narankhaiya. UPDF leader Pradipon Khisha presided the meeting.