Three innocent Jummas arrested in CHT

Khagrachari, March 27, 2009: Three innocent Jummas were arrested by army on 15th March from Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir (Buddhist Temple) complex in Karallyachari under the Khagrachari district of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Md. Wahid an Army Officer along with his personnel from 13 Brigade arrested them at 9am while they were working in the Buddhist temple complex. They are (1) Mr. Shanti Ranjan Chakma, 45, s/o Late Ram Charan Chakma, (2) Mr. Amar Singh Chakma, 40, s/o Mr. Biro Sen Chakma and (3) Mr. America Chakma, 45, s/o Mr. Kalabiza Chakma. They are from Karallyachari village.

Later, the army was handed over to the Mahalchari police station.
However, no case has yet been filed against them, Mr. Sunil Jibon
Chakma, Ex-Chairman of Kyang-Ghat Union Council, reported.

The newly-elected Chairman of the Mahalchari Upazila, Mr. Sona
Ratan Chakma contacted with the Army Headquarter of Mahalchari zone and requested to release the innocent Jummas. But, his request was in vain.

A meeting was held in the morning at around 10 am at Karallyachari where to discuss the incident. The army representatives and village leaders was present in the meeting. But the effect of the meeting is unknown.

During the state of emergency in 2007 and 2008, the army and settlers repeated attempts to capture the Buddhist Temple complex which is 8 acres of land and its adjacent areas. The local administration imposed section 145 in the areas prohibiting the gathering of people and banning uplift work in the Temple.

Sources: www.chtnews.com