Santals firm to get back lands, still cry for justice

No steps have been taken for rehabilitation of Santal families evicted from Sahebganj cane farm in Gobindaganj upazila, nor is there any initiative for their rehabilitation, even two months after their eviction, complained Santal residents in Madarpur village.

 A clash ensued between farm labourers, police and Santals in Sahebganj cane farm area of Rangpur Sugar Mills on November 6 last year. Houses of Santals were torched and looted.

Three Santal men were killed and six went missing during the clash. Thirty people, including nine policemen, sustained injuries.

“We cannot forget the fateful day of eviction, and we are determined to get back our forefathers' lands,” said widow Amena Hembrom, who took shelter near Madarpur church.

Shocked by their eviction, many Santal families went to other places, but they are still hopeful of getting back their forefathers' lands, she added.

“I am still living near Madarpur church with my family in a makeshift shed, and have been suffering for want of job and adequate food. I lost all my belongings during the eviction,” said Tedu Tudu of Madarpur.

“We have no source of earning because we do not get work. How long can we depend on the NGOs and other voluntary organisations? We urge the government to resolve the issue of Santal's lands,” said Shawrini Kisku of Madarpur.

A one-member judicial probe committee headed by Chief Judicial Magistrate Mohammed Shahidullah has been conducting an investigation. He visited Joypurpara and Madarpur on Tuesday for the third time and recorded the statements of the members of evicted families and the officials, employees and contractors of Rangpur Sugar Mills.

“The policemen involved in the eviction should be brought under the rule of law, whether the Santals get their lands or not,” said Dipok Kumar Pal, Coordinator, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities, Gaibandha unit.

“Construction of cluster villages three-kilometres from Sahebganj cane farm is going on for the shelterless Santals,” said Deputy Commissioner Abdus Samad.