A Year After Khagrachhari Violence
They still wait for succour
The victims of February 23, 2010 violence here are still waiting for their proper rehabilitation promised by the authorities.
Cash and other materials provided to the victims so far proved too little compared to the damages they suffered.
On February 23 last year, a clash between Bengali settlers and local indigenous people left one dead and 50 others injured. Besides, at least 37 houses of indigenous people and 29 of the settlers were torched in different areas of the district town.
"All that I had accumulated by toiling over the last 20 years was burnt in front of my eyes that day. Now I am a beggar. The authorities promised to rehabilitate us but we are yet to see that happen," said Ripru Mog, a farmer of Satbhiya Para, where several houses were burnt during the violence.
His wife Nunu Mog said, "In the name of rehabilitation, they gave Tk. 5,000 cash, 20kg of rice and 5 bundles of corrugated iron sheets to each affected family. But that is too meagre to restart our life.”
Demanding ensured security they said they cannot go to their land to reconstruct house fearing reprisals by the settlers there.
"Although I rebuilt my house with government help but it is impossible to live in it during the monsoons", said Nihar Bindu Chakma.
Sumon Chakma, an SSC examinee of the area said in tears," All my books were burnt during the violence but I did not get any support from any corner of the administration."
"Like me, studies of many students of the village have come to an end due to the financial crisis after the violence", he added.
Kawaching Marma, a farmer of the area said, "I could not cultivate my lands as I lost all my money during the violence."
"Today I cannot even manage my family expenses", he added.
Demanding punishment of the criminals and justice, Chowa Marma alleged that police do not arrest the culprits moving freely under their nose.
"A total of six cases were filed in connection with the violence and charge sheet in four of them have been completed", said Md. Abu Kalam Siddiq, Superintendent of Police in the district.
Kongchi Marma, member of local union parishad said, "The innocent victims, mostly farmers and day-labourers, are still suffering as the rehabilitation promised to them remains a far cry".
Contacted, Anisul Haque Bhuiyan, deputy collector of Khagachhari said that the authorities recently sent a proposal to the ministry concerned describing the conditions and needs of the victims.
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