'Ensure security of Santals'

Protests against the recent attack, looting and torching of Santals' homes at Gabindaganj in Gaibandha were held in Jahangrnagar University (JU) and Khagrachhari yesterday.

Teachers and students of the university demanded ensure security of the ethnic minority people and return of their lands that were acquired to cultivate sugarcane for the mill, reports our JU correspondent.

The demand was made at a press conference at the guest room of the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) where Prof Anu Muhammad condemned the government's massive drive to evict the indigenous community.

He also urged the government to settle the issue as soon as possible by giving the ownership of the lands of Santals.

Associate Prof Anisa Pervin Jolly, Moshiur Rahman, general secretary of JU Chhatra Front, Sampad Marandy, a third year student of Archeology department, were present at the conference. 

At least 15-20 people were injured during the November 6 eviction drive at Shahebganj Sugar Mills in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha that left two Santals dead.

Meanwhile, Santal people of Panchari upazila in Khagrachhari formed a human chain, protesting the barbarian attack on Santals' families in Gaibandha, reports our correspondent.

They orgainsed the programme under the banner of Santal Unnyan Sangsad and Parbatya Santal Students' Forum.

The protesters demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment to the attackers of Santals.

They also urged the authorities concerned to form a judicial commission to probe into the incident.

 Besides, they demanded rehabilitation of the families and appropriate compensation to the Santals as well.

Mintu Santal, president of Santal Unnyan Sangsad, and Manik Santal, general secretary of Parbatya Santal Students' Forum, spoke at the rally.