Indigenous people decide not to observe Boishabi this year

Indigenous people led by Marma Unnyan Sangsad and Marma Students Council brought out a procession in Khagrachhari town yesterday protesting attack on them allegedly by Bangalees in some areas of the district on March 29 and April 3. PHOTO: STAR

Boishabi festival, marking beginning of the Bangla new year, falls on April 12-14.

The indigenous people also took out a procession in Khagrachhari town yesterday protesting recent attacks on them in different areas. They blamed a section of ruling BNP leaders for the attacks.

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The procession brought out from Marma Unnayan Sangshad premises at Pankhaiyapara parade streets of the town. The processionists chanted slogans demanding security of indigenous people, withdrawal the Bangalees and Army from hills and punishment to those responsible for the March 29 and April 3 clashes in Gamaritili, Komolchhari, Maichchhari and Mohalchhari in the district.

After the procession, Marma leaders submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Deputy Commissioner demanding immediate steps for security in the hills.

The decision not to observe the Boishabi was announced at a press conference by Democratic Youth Forum (DYF), an organisation of indigenous youths, held at Marma Unnayan Sangshad.

DYF President Dipankar Chakma, its secretary Mithun Chakma, Hill Women Federation President Sonali Chakma and its secretary Rina Dewan addressed the press conference.

They said the festival will not be observed as life and property of indigenous people are not safe any more.

At least 60 indigenous people were injured in the clashes on March 29 and April 3 and two women were raped, they alleged.

On Tuesday, leaders of Sachetan Jum Samaj, an indigenous organisation, at a press conference at Khagrachhari alleged that most of the clashes took place as a section of Bangalee settlers enjoying backing from ruling parties tried to grab lands of hill people. They demanded immediate settlement of land disputes.

Sources in the areas said panic prevails among indigenous communities though army and police are on patrol there.

Khagrachhari Deputy Commi-ssioner and Police Superin-tendent visited the areas on Tuesday and talked to leaders of Bangalee and indigenous communities in an effort to foster communal harmony.