72-hour blockade called protesting attacks on Jumma people

Indigenous Jumma people residing in Dhaka staged demonstrations and held a rally Friday at the University of Dhaka's TSC, calling for a 72-hour blockade of roads and waterways in three hill districts of Chattogram Hill Tracts.

The protest was in response to recent arson attacks and indiscriminate military firing in Khagrachari, with demonstrators demanding justice for the victims.

The protest began at 10am at the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture, where indigenous students and citizens denounced the arson incident in Dighinala on Sept. 19, along with the alleged military violence in the region. Protesters called for punishment of those responsible and raised concerns over escalating communal tensions, reports UNB.

On September 18, a local youth in Khagrachhari died after crashing into an electric pole while attempting to flee from an alleged mob beating. The incident sparked unrest as settler Bengalis reportedly chased Jumma people in the Pankhaiyapara area.

The next day, a group of settler Bengalis marched in Dighinala, chanting slogans against the Jumma community, leading to clashes and the burning of Jumma-owned businesses and homes. At least 30 houses and businesses were torched, according to local sources, states a press release by the organisers.

Later that night, military forces allegedly opened fire indiscriminately in multiple areas of Khagrachhari, killing two people: Junan Chakma from Jamtali and Rubel Chakma from Paltanjay Para. The violence left at least 40 people injured, with many still receiving treatment in hospitals, it added.

During the protest, demonstrators decried further attacks by settler Bengalis on indigenous people in various parts of Rangamati. They reported the vandalism and looting of homes and religious sites, including the Bonrupa Maitri Monastery, where one indigenous person, Anik Kumar Chakma, was killed.