Election 2008Jamalpur

Indigenous people to vote against militancy

25 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Mostofa Manju, Jamalpur

Ronika Marak who lives in Dhengargorh village under Sharifpur union of Jamalpur Sadar upazila will vote the person who can bring peace in the area." She said this to this correspondent when he visited their village Wednesday to know their thoughts relating to the ensuing parliament election. Indigenous Garo, Coch communities have been living by the bank of Banarasshakhali canal in Dhengargorh village for long. At present 26 indigenous families live in the village known as "Garo Para". Talking with this correspondent they said though the election was knocking on the door no candidate has yet come to them to seek vote. They have endless problems. Their village does not have electricity. All of them became members of Palli Bidyut Samity about 10 years back by paying subscription. There is not a single mud road for communication with the village. Once the election is over none come to enquire about their condition. Asked whom they would vote for many remained silent. Some others expressed their indignation. Pronali Sangma (3) said, "We are evaluating who is good and who is not. We will vote the person who is good, simple, would help the poor, build roads and would not embezzle poor people's money would get our vote." Sumon Khuby (28) said, "We will vote for him who will work for this village. We will not vote bad people". New voter Jewel Sangma (20) said, "We want to vote the person who will help poor and look after all." Housewife Bhakti Chakma (28) said, "Voting is on the 29th. None has yet come to us to seek vote. We have not yet seen any candidate." Teritus Tarsius A Sangma (71) is the leader of the indigenous people of the village. He is a war-wounded freedom fighter. He was a bodyguard of Sector No 11 commander Col Abu Taher during the liberation war. About election this time he is clear in expressing his thoughts. He said, "We will not vote militants, corrupt people, terrorists, extortionist and their patrons. We will evaluate and discuss among ourselves before casting our ballots. If I do not like any of the candidates I will cast "No" vote.