Ethnic families flee homes for fear of life in Naogaon

A desolate Bhimpur village in Naogoan after the ethnic people left homes. The photo was taken yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

During a visit to the village by some journalists yesterday, some ethnic community people said, the families are fleeing homes following threats by Shitesh Bhattacharya alias Godai and his accomplices who were allegedly involved in the murder of ethnic leader Alfriead Sawren.

But Godai denied the allegation.

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Alfread was killed in front of his house at Bhimpur village during day time on August 18, 2000 for opposing land grabbing by some influential people.

There are 545 bighas of 'disputed' land in the village. Sources said these are government lands but some influentials said they own those.

Only Alfred's brother Upen Hemroon, his wife Rebeka Sawren and their minor daughter were found in the village during the visit.

Upen said most of the ethnic families have left homes due to lack of security after a temporary police camp, set up at the village after Alfred's murder, was withdrawn about 18 months ago.

Some of the families now fleeing homes are eyewitnesses to Alfread's murder, he said.

Upen Hemroon said he may also leave the village as he is being threatened.

He said Alfread had been fighting for the interest of ethnic people and allotment of government land to them.

Godai claims that he owns 250 out of the 545 bighas of disputed land.

Lawyer Mohsin Reza, engaged by Alfred's family, said trial of the murder case is being delayed due to absence of witnesses.

Ninetyone people have been accused in the murder case. They include Godai and another influential man, Hatim Ali.

Public Prosecutor (PP) Jaynal Abadin said proceedings of the case are is now stopped as Godai and some other accused have filed a writ with the High Court.