Khasi people seek security
The government should take initiative to ensure security of the indigenous Khasi people who are fleeing their homes out of fear of attacks by local Bangalees in Kulaura upazila of the district.
Khasi people said this yesterday to a group of rights activists that visited Meghatila punjee (village) in the upazila led by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon central committee member Father Joseph Gomes.
Father Joseph told this reporter that the life of the indigenous people in eight punjees in the upazila is getting harder as they are threatened of being evicted from their homes.
Bangladesh Adibashi Forum Sylhet Chapter President Gouranga Patro, KUBORAZ (an Inter Punjee Development Association for the indigenous people) General Secretary Bably Talang, and Khasi Students Union President Husia Tongper also talked to the correspondent.
Headman of Meghatila punjee Monika Khonglah said, "Bangalees are making our daily life miserable. They try to influence the administration to save the criminals. Before election they promise to be with us but the murder of Rimon on February 6 shows their real face."
The chairmen and local leaders double-cross and cheat us. They encourage the local people to create instability here, she added.
Nilima Raksam of Amuli punjee said students cannot go to schools and buyers do not come to the punjees for lack of security of life.
Joyanti Rema, an SSC examinee of Amuli punjee, said she cannot concentrate on her studies because of the insecurity.
Headmaster of Lokkhipur Mission High School Sagor Louis Rozari told this correspondent that students and teachers of the punjee cannot attend classes, and SSC candidates feel afraid while going to appear in the examinations.
Officer-in-Charge of Kulaura Police Station Md Shamsuddoha said the Superintendent of Police in Moulvibazar and local policemen asked the Bangalees to protect the indigenous people's rights and not to threaten them.
Earlier, the body of Rimon Mia, 25, a farmer of Mamoni punjee, was found with several bruise marks in the area on February 6.
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