The objectives of the peace accord signed seven years ago on December 2,1997 is yet to be fulfilled, said Larma, also chairman of the Parbatya Chattgram Janasanghati Samity (PCJSS).

Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on the eve of seventh anniversary of the accord, he put forward a six-point demand and called upon the government to meet them immediately in the greater interest of the country.

Meanwhile, the PCJSS will go for an agitation programme in the three hill districts today demanding full implementation of the accord, our correspondents reported.

Larma, who signed the agreement on behalf of the PCJSS, said fundamental clauses of the accord have not been implemented yet.

"People in the hill region are frustrated that the accord has not been implemented fully. If the government does not fulfil our demand, it will be responsible for any consequences there," Larma told the press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club.

The six-point demand includes full implementation of the accord immediately, removal of Wadud Bhuiyan MP from the chairmanship of CHT Development Board as, Larma said, he is the 'mastermind' behind burning down Mahalchhari villages in Khagrachhari last year.

Larma also demanded an end to 'Operation Uttaran', withdrawal of army from the CHT, appointment of an indigenous person as a full minister of the CHT affairs ministry, proper functioning of the CHT land commission and preparation of a voters' list comprising permanent residents of the CHT.

The other demands include election to the regional council and Hill District Councils and appointment of an indigenous to head the CHT Development Board.

The regional council has no powers and the local administrations do not naturally take it into account, Larma said. This shows how the government's how the government views the council, he added.

After coming to power, the alliance government has slowed down implementation of the accord, and so far it has only appointed chairman of the Taskforce for Rehabilitation of Returnee Refugees. The government agreed to do many things at meetings but never implemented them, the PCJSS chief said.

The CHT accord had ended two decades of bush war and sought to make the indigenous people happy by involving them in the local administration, but their participation in the decision-making process remains negligible.

The hill people are unhappy that army presence in the region continued despite the peace accord.

After the signing of the accord, many Bangla -speaking people moved to the CHT and settled there with the support of the administration, Larma said.

The ratio of indigenous people and the settlers is now 55: 45, he pointed out.

The PCJSS leaders present at the press conference included Mongal kumar Chakma, Shaktipada Tripura, Shaktiman and Chakma. Yusuf Alam of Parbatya Adi

Bangalee Parishad was also present.