Indigenous youths in Khagrachhari place 16-pt demand

It also demanded withdrawal of Bangalee settlers from what it called lands of indigenous people in Gamaridala, Mohalchhari, Matiranga, Laxmichhari, Dighinala, Panchhari, and Ramgarh.

Several thousand indigenous youths from Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Bandarban attended the council, held at Sanirbar Bazar in the district town.

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Participants at the council carried banners reading slogans for withdrawal of army, settlement of land disputes and government steps for development of CHT.

DYF President Dipankar Chakma presided over the council. It was attended by, among others, UPDF (United Peoples Democratic Front) Chittagong unit leader Animesh Chakma, its Khagrachhari convenor Ujjal Smriti Chakma, Hill Women Federation President Sonali Chakma, Jatiya Mukti Council for CHT Secretary Amir Abbas Tapu and Jumma Saranarthi Kallayan Samity President Pravakor Chakma.

The speakers criticised activities of army in CHT and said they are not friend of Jumma people.

After the council, the DYF brought out a procession in the town. Police intercepted it when the processionists reached Chenghi square.

At least 10 people were injured in a clash when DYF activists tried to break the police barricade.