Processions, rallies praising, protesting CHT accord

The seventeenth anniversary of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord was observed with processions, rallies and cultural programmes in different areas of the region yesterday.

A large number of people carrying flowers, posters, banners and placards joined a colourful procession arranged by Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC) yesterday morning, reports our Khagrachhari correspondent.                                                               

The indigenous people carrying drums, bows and arrows performed their traditional dances and rendered songs in their mother tongue.

Later at a discussion at the town hall auditorium, speakers said the government has already implemented 48 sections of the peace deal in last 17 years and so, CHT regions sees continued development activities.

Lawmaker from Khagrachhari constituency Kujendra Lal Tripura formally inaugurated the procession as chief guest while Khagrachhari Army Regional Commander Brig Gen Kazi Shamsul Islam, KHDC Chairman Chai Tow Aung Marma, Deputy Commissioner Md Masud Karim, and Khagrachhari municipality Mayor Md Rafiqul Alam attended as special guests.

At another discussion organised by Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghaty Samity (PCJSS--Manobendra faction) at Larma Chattar in the hill town, speakers blamed the government for slow pace in the implementation of the peace deal.

Meanwhile, Parbatya Chattagram Bangali Chhatra Parishad held a protest meeting at Shapla Chattar in the hill town yesterday demanding cancellation of what they said controversial peace deal.

Our Bandarban correspondent adds: Leaders of PCJSS yesterday reiterated their demand of early government steps for full implementation of CHT Peace Accord signed on December 2 in 1997.

As the peace deal has not been executed fully, the fundamental rights of indigenous people including their constitutional rights and right to land have not been established, indigenous leaders said at a large gathering organised by district unit of PCJSS on the premises of Puraton Rajar Math in Bandarban town.

Central PCJSS member KS Mong Marma addressed as chief guest at the meeting presided over by PCJSS district unit President U Chaw Sing Marma.

Thousands of indigenous people with colourful banners and
festoons attended the programme.

Later a large procession paraded the main roads of the town.