Ten Jummas hurt in settler attack in Mahalchari

At least ten Jummas were injured in a settler attack in Mahalchari under Khagrachari district yesterday, 27 November.

Sources from Khagrachari said the attack took place at around 3:30 pm near Mahalchari Police station when the Jummas were on their way to participate in a funeral in the village of Tholipara. The settlers were led by Jasim Uddin from Chongrachari cluster village and were armed with stick and dao (a kind of knife).

Four of the injured were admitted to Khagrachari hospital. Their condition has been stated to be critical.

The incident is a sequel to a series of other incidents. On 24 November, settlers led by Jasim Uddin, a fish trader, caught two UPDF supporters – Tissu Chakma (18) of village Bodanala and Tikon Tripura (18) from Sinkukchari -- and handed them over to the army. This created resentment among the Jumma villagers, who decided not to allow them to fish in their area.

Yesterday, at around 1pm when a group of settler fishermen went there to catch fish the Jumma villagers told them that they would not allow them to fish until the arrested UPDF supporters were set free. A heated altercation took place between the two sides, leading to a minor scuffle.

After coming back, the settlers incited their fellow brothers and attacked the Jummas near the police station without slightest provocation. These Jummas were not in any way involved in the previous incidents.

The Jummas tried to resist the attack but with little success. The police intervened only after the attack was over. Army personnel were also deployed later on.

At least ten Jummas were reported to have been injured in the premeditated attack. Four of them were admitted to Khagrachari hospital. They have been identified as Ulhapru Marma(42) son of Ushapru Marma of village Mahamunipara, Chinginala, Mahalchari; Kamol Marma (25) son of Ushapru Marma of Village Mahamunipara, Chinginala, Mahalchari; Mrs. Shuimrasang Marma(60) wife of Mr. Lailapru Marma of Village Khaiyongsa para; and Kangja aung Marma(34) son of Mr. Chailapru Marma of Village Khaiyangsa para. Mr. Kangja aung Marma is an employee (Bloc Supervisor) of Agriculture institute.

A few settlers also reportedly sustained minor injuries, but their identity was not revealed fearing criminal actions. None of the attackers has so far been arrested.

chtnews.com
News No. 172/2008, November 28, 2008