Ensure rehabilitation of arson attack victims

Int'l CHT Commission urges govt

29 June 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

The International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission has urged the government to ensure rehabilitation of the people affected by recent violence in Baghaichhari and stop further settlement of Bangalee migrants in the area. It also recommended ensuring security and providing due compensation to the people affected by arson attacks in Baghaihat and Khagrachhari in February this year, which left three people dead. Two of them were indigenous people. The commission made a seven-point recommendation following an investigation into the arson attacks in Rangamati and Khagrachhari. The recommendations were sent to the prime minister in a letter signed by three co-chairs of the commission -- Eric Avebury, Sultana Kamal and Ida Nicolaisen. The commission also called for launching a high-level independent enquiry into the attacks, critically examining the allegations that the violence took place in presence of security forces and law enforcement personnel, and ensuring their punishment. Other recommendations include phased withdrawal of temporary military camps as per the CHT peace accord, and amendment to the CHT land dispute settlement commission act 2001. The commission also recommended reaching an agreement with the leaders of indigenous community to settle land disputes, and ensuring freedom of expression of all, including citizens' groups, journalists, victims and witnesses of violence.