A vested quarter backing UPDF, alleges Larma

Santu Larma

Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council (CHTRC), yesterday blamed 'a vested quarter' in the government for backing anti-peace treaty organisation United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) to hinder full implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace accord.
Popularly known as Santu Larma, Jyotirindra, also president of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), was addressing a meeting on the occasion of 29th death anniversary of Manabendra Narayan Larma.
PCJSS organised the memorial meeting at the hall room of District Shilpakala Academy in the town yesterday.
"Manabendra Narayan Larma organised our people and sacrificed his life for establishing the rights of indigenous people in the region. Dreams of the late leader will be fulfilled if the peace accord is implemented fully," said Santu Larma.
Terming Dipanker Talukder, state minister for CHT affairs ministry, and Bir Bahadur Ushoi Shing, chairman of CHT Development Board, as corrupt and opportunist, he said, "How could they say that the peace deal is almost fully executed?"
"Fourteen years have elapsed after the signing of the peace deal. But I don't see any remarkable development about the execution of the peace treaty. However, the government has done some tasks, such as withdrawal of 35 makeshift security camps with troops from hills and handing over a dozen of government departments to hill district councils (HDCs).
"UPDF is conducting destructive activities in hills and has made common people hostage to them. It is the first and foremost obstacle in the way to full execution of the deal. All sorts of anti-peace elements needed to be uprooted for paving the way for a successful implementation of the accord," said Santu Larma.
Dr Manik Lal Chakma, former chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council, was the chief guest at the meeting presided over by Gunendu Bikash Chakma, president of PCJSS, district unit.
Ushatan Talukder, member of CHTRC, Prakriti Ranjan Chakma, convenor of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, CHT chapter, Bijoy Keton Chakma, Madhabi Lata Chakma, Sunirmol Talukder and Bidhayak Chakma addressed the meeting, among others.