Expressing concern over the attack on Rangamati's indigenous communities by Bangalees on January 11, International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) urged the government to immediately effectuate the unimplemented clauses of the CHT peace accord of 1997 and prevent further communal attacks in the region.

In a press statement issued yesterday, CHTC also expressed deep concern that “on January 10 in Rangamati at least 30 people were injured when a rally of the Hill Students Council protesting the inauguration of a new medical college education program was attacked by ruling party's student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League and other organisations”.

Hours after the clash on January 10, the district administration imposed Section 144 in the municipality for an indefinite period from 11:30am but the next morning there were reports of attacks on indigenous youths in at least two places and unconfirmed reports of attack on indigenous homes in Bangalee-dominated areas.

CHTC said there had been “no practical and reliable analysis” of benefits to the Adivasi community as a result of establishment of a medical college.

“On the other hand, it is not unfounded to think that more non-Pahari teacher-student-staff from outside the area will come in to the CHT and the discrimination against the Paharis will increase further,” read the press release.

It also noted that lack of unbiased and reliable investigations into violence in the CHT contribute to the recurring communal attacks on the indigenous people.

“Any kind of protest activities of the Paharis faces obstruction from the local administration and extremist Bengali organizations or otherwise is subject to atrocious attacks,” it said.

CHTC said the “loss of Pahari land rights” was at the root of all the problems.

“The government will acquire land for the college, as a result of which the Paharis may be adversely affected,” read the statement, adding that government decisions in violation of the accord triggers protests by indigenous people, particularly the youth, who desired to express their objections on the basis of their constitutional rights.

CHTC also urged the government to amend the articles of the land conflict resolution commission act, incorporate both Adivasis and Bangalees in the police and village defence forces, bring to justice instigators of the communal violence, engage in dialogue with all the communities and provide suitable treatment and compensation to those injured or harmed.

CHTC comprises civil society members from home and abroad who look into the civil, political and land rights of the indigenous communities of the three hill districts and implementation of the accord.