Khagrachhari Tense
Roadblock starts as police intercept protesters
Police intercept the leaders and activists of Democratic Youth Forum (DYF) in Youngda Bodda area in Khagrachhari town yesterday to foil their bid to besiege the headquarters of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission's office in the district town.Photo: STAR
Democratic Youth Forum (DYF), a front organisation of United People's Democratic Front, enforced a 21-hour road blockade programme in Khagrachhari district immediately after police foiled its bid to besiege the headquarters of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission in the district town yesterday morning. Law enforcers intercepted the leaders and activists of DYF members when they were marching toward the land commission's office at around 8:00am to lay a siege to the office. The siege programme was announced on Saturday to press the demands for cancellation of the hearing process of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission and withdrawal of the commission's chairman Justice (retd) Khademul Islam Chowdhury. According to a press release signed by DYF Office Secretary Nicolas Chakma, road blockade will continue from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday and from 6:00am to 6:00pm on Monday. During yesterday's road blockade programme, the DYF members took out processions in the town and at other places of the district. They blocked roads by burning tyres and vandalised at least six vehicles. At least five policemen were injured in an attack by DYF activists in Shantir Bazar area of the town. According to the acting police superintendent, law enforcers had to fire at least 18 rubber bullets to disperse the pickets. Vehicular movement came to a halt on the first of 21-hour road blockade programm. Khagrachhari bound vehicles remained stranded at different places of the district until 6:00pm. Additional Police and Rab members have been deployed at different points in the town to avoid any untoward incident. Despite the protest, the commission continued hearing at its Khagrachhari head office yesterday. Additional Divisional Commissioner Nurul Islam was also present. Leaders of Nirbachita Jumma Janapratinidi Sangsad (a platform for the elected representatives of Jumma people) at a rally here on Saturday also demanded cancellation of the hearing process of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission and withdrawal of the commission's Chairman Justice (retd) Khademul Islam Chowdhury. They also demanded recognition of the traditional land law of the hill people and amendments to CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments