UPDF a govt-backed armed body, Shantu Larma alleges

"Actually UPDF is an organisation of the government, which is being used to eliminate Jumias (indigenous people) and Proshit (UPDF chief) acts from behind the scene," Larma told the two-day Headman Conference -2005' that concluded yesterday.

It was held on the premises of Chakma Rajbari (residence of Chakma circle chief).

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"You must unite to resist them if you want to do something good for the people", he added.

Larma, also Chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, attended the programme as chief guest.

One hundred and fifty Headman (Mouja chiefs) from 179 Moujas in Chakma Circle attended the conference, organised by the Circle Office with financial support from UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). Presided over by Raja Devashish Roy, the conference was attended by, among others, Deputy Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Moniswapon Dewan,

Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Dr Maniklal Dewan, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Gazi Mohammed Zulhash, Additional Deputy Commissioner

Fazlul Huque and President of Headman Association B K Dewan as special guests.

Santu Larma said that indigenous people living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are on the verge of extinction.

"We must stop it but government's sincerity in this regard is lacking. If the situation does not change, we must think anew," he said.

"You should be aware of the peace accord so that you can act properly, particularly regarding land management".

The PCJSS signed a landmark peace agreement with the then Awami League government in 1997 which stopped insurgency in the CHT.

Moniswapon Dewan told the conference that the traditional Headman system should be strengthened and they must get officials' cooperation.

"The reality and administrative structure in the hills are different from the rest of the country".

Ventilating their problems, some of the Headmen alleged harassment by the administration, which affect their work.

They alleged that they can not get any work done at the Deputy Commissioner's office without giving bribe. The speakers from among the headmen included Shantasheel Chakma, Anupam Dewan and Sujit Dewan.

They demanded enhancement of their allowances and privileges given by the government. Now, a Headman gets only Tk 300 a month, which is too meagre, they said.

Devashish Roy sought co-operation from officials for smooth running of the traditional systems run by Headman.

Government officials posted in the hills should get trior training and briefing on the traditional systems here, he said.

On Tuesday, an workshop on 'Capacity Building of Headman and Karbaries' was held on the Rajbari ground to resolve problems faced by them.

UNDP organised the workshop to strengthening traditional institutions in the CHT.

UNDP Resident Representative Yorgen Lissner, Michael Hyne and local UNDP staff attended the workshop.