CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS: Leaders Demand Unconditional Release of Activist
The Parbattya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti is a political organization representing the multilingual indigenous Jumma people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. Although Peace Accords were signed between the PCJSS and the Bangladeshi government to pave the way for democracy, peace and development, the reality shows otherwise. As leaders and activists of PCJSS continue to be arrested, the PCJSS organized a protest on 23 November 2017 to demand the unconditional release of its arrested members.
Below is an article from the DailyStar
Leaders of Parbattya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) Bandarban unit yesterday demanded the unconditional release of its arrested leaders and activists.
They brought out a protest procession in the town demanding withdrawal of all false cases filed against them.
The PCJSS leaders also submitted a memorandum to the home minister through the deputy commissioner in Bandarban.
As the historic Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord has not been implemented since its signing nearly two decades ago, the overall law and order situation in the hills is getting worse day by day, the PCJSS leaders said.
They also warned of a massive agitation programme in CHT if their leaders and activists are not released immediately.
On November 20, a Bandarban court sent PCJSS's 15 leaders and activists to jail rejecting their bail prayer, in connection with a case filed for collecting illegal toll.
Mohammad Abdul Alim of Rajbilla area in Sadar upazila, who drives a motorcycle on rental basis, filed the case with Sadar Police Station on November 15.
The arrestees include PCJSS central committee Secretary of Cultural Affairs and Education Joli Mong Marma, its Secretary of Land Affairs Ching Hla Mong Chak, Parbattya Chattagram Jubo Samiti Bandarban unit President Mostu Marma, and Pahari Chhatra Parishad President Ajit Tongchangya.
PCJSS Bandarban unit Secretary Kyawba Mong Marma said at least five cases were filed against their leaders and activists between June 2016 and November 2017.
