25-yr of CHT Peace Accord: PCJSS wants it implemented in full

PCJSS leaders at a rally at Rangamati Hill District on Friday.

Rangamati, Dec 2 - Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS) Vice President and former lawmaker Ushatan Talukder said on Friday that there is no security of life of the people living in the hill tracts when he also demanded the full execution of the treaty.  

He came up with the remarks while addressing as chief guest at a rally organised to mark the 25 years of ‘Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord’ at Rangamati Gymnasium Ground. PCJSS organised the rally.

Urging all the ethnic minority groups to be united to realise their rights, he said the hill tracts accord is not an economic issue, rather it is a political issue, which will have to be faced politically in a peaceful manner.  

“The government is heading towards a wrong path with the hilly regions, the government created KNF to stand against the PCJSS”, he said.

Addressing the emergence of the militants in the hilly disrtricts, he alleged that the KNF is giving training to the militants who ultimately will hatch conspiracy against the country.

The full implementation of the peace accord has been impeded due to bureaucratic complexities and other tactics despite passing of 25 years of the deal, he alleged. 

The government lacks sincerity in implementing the deal inked with PCJSS, and for that the land commission is yet to start their works thoroughly, he said. 

He urged the government to be more sincere to implement the longstanding accord for the betterment of the people in the region.

With PCJSS Rangamati President Gongha Manik Chakma in the chair, Jubo Union Central President Khan Masuduzzaman, Chattogram Regional President of Bangladesh Adibasi Forum Prokriti Ranjan Chakma also spoke.

Marking 25 years of the treaty, a colourful procession was brought out from Rangamati College premises.

Brigadier General Imtiaz Uddin inaugurated the rally by releasing balloons and freeing pigeons at the college.    

Alongside the Rangamati, the anniversary was also observed in Khargrachhari.

Different programmes were arranged in the three hilly districts on Friday marking the anniversary.

A colourful rally, arranged by Khagrachhari Hill District Parishad, was brought out from the Zila Parishad premises following a discussion meeting on CHT treaty, peace and development.

On December 2, 1997, the PCJSS signed the peace deal with the then Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.

Then Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Abul Hasnat Abdullah signed the agreement on behalf of the government while Jyotirindriyo Bodhipriyo Larma alias Shantu Larma signed on behalf of PCJSS. - UNB