Aug 24, 2006

Chittagong Hill Tracts: Violence Continues against the Jumma People


Violence continues against the Jumma tribal people of Bangladesh. The military maintains a heavy presence in the Hill Tracts, operating de facto military rule. This is despite the 1997 Peace Accord which committed the government to dismantling all non-permanent army camps.
Violence continues against the Jumma tribal people of Bangladesh. On 12 July a Jumma shopkeeper was arrested by the army in Mahalchari. He was severely beaten and tortured, and was given electric shocks. The military maintains a heavy presence in the Hill Tracts, operating de facto military rule. This is despite the 1997 Peace Accord which committed the government to dismantling all non-permanent army camps.

Violence by Bengali settlers against the Jumma is also a problem, with settlers being financed and supported by the government and the army. A woman from the Marma tribe was gang raped by settlers on 30 June. At least five more rapes by settlers have been reported this year. Many more go unreported.