Another Khagrachhari rape triggers fresh protest

Hill Women's Federation brings out a procession in Khagrachhari town yesterday demanding arrest and punishment of the culprit who raped indigenous girl Nomer Bala Tripura. Photo: STAR

Leaders of Hill Women's Federation (HWF) yesterday demanded immediate arrest of the culprit who allegedly raped indigenous girl Nomer Bala Tripura at Murapara under Guimara upazila in Khagrachhari district.
In a protest meeting in front of Muktamancha in Khagrachhari town, the speakers said Mohammad Alamgir, 20, of Muslimpara village under Guimara upazila, raped Nomer Bala Tripura, 19, of Monajoy Karbaripara in the same upazila, when she was returning home on Sunday noon.
They alleged that some police officials gave shelter to the accused in exchange of bribes. They also criticised Sindukchhari Union Parishad Chairman Suinui Prue Chowdhury for trying to 'resolve the matters socially'.
Referring to rape and murder of another indigenous woman Panay Mala Tripura on September 3 at her Craijongpara jhum field under Mohalchhari upazila in Khagrachhari, they said settlers repressed indigenous women as part of their blueprint.
Among others, HWF District Unit President Rina Dewan and Pahari Chhatra Parishad district unit Secretary Aprushi Marma spoke at the meeting presided over by Hill Women Federation central committee Secretary Konika Dewan.
Earlier, a protest procession organised by HWF paraded the main roads of Khagrachhari town, where hundreds of indigenous people participated.
When asked about the incident, the officer-in-charge of Guimara Police Station said, “A case was filed on Sunday night accusing Alamgir. Police is investigating the matter and the accused will be arrested if the allegation is found true."