CHT peace elusive despite thousands of sacrifices

Peace still remains elusive despite the loss of lives of thousands of Bengali residents and around 400 members of law enforcement agencies, including army personnel in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) since 1980.

The protracted conflict has also displaced communities and fuelled allegations of killings, abductions and extortion.

Decades of bloodshed have left a painful legacy across Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban. Yet, despite recurring violence and persistent insecurity, the full human cost of the conflict-and the extent to which those responsible have been brought to justice-remains difficult to establish.

A report citing police, military and local administrative sources puts the toll at thousands of Bengali civilians and 400 security personnel killed since 1980. The absence of a consolidated record of deaths, missing persons, investigations and court proceedings, however, complicates efforts to establish the scale of the tragedy and ensure accountability.

The road blockade enforced by the Sajek Gano Odhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association on the Sajek-Rangamati road continued for the second day on Friday. 

Protesters started the blockade by sporadically burning tyres at various points. Although traffic remained suspended due to the blockade, the situation was normal, police said.

Local groups are enforcing the blockade demanding the withdrawal of JSS-Santu Group armed members from Sajek and protection of residents.

Historical killings demand scrutiny
The report identifies several major incidents involving alleged attacks on Bengali residents, including the killing of 437 people in Bhushanchhara, Rangamati, on May 30, 1984; 33 people in Ramgarh on December 22, 1986; and 35 people in Pakuakhali, Langadu, on September 9, 1996.

It also cites allegations of killings and the burning of homes in several locations between 1986 and 1992. Violence in Mahalchhari in 2003 reportedly resulted in the destruction of more than 700 houses, while clashes in Rangamati and Khagrachhari in 2010 left people dead and homes damaged.

New allegations of killings and abductions
Recent figures released by the Parbatya Chattogram Nagorik Parishad (PCNP), a regional organisation, indicate continuing concerns over violence and insecurity in the hill districts.

Abu Bakkar Siddique, president of the PCNP's Rangamati district unit, said that the organisation reported around 240 alleged human rights violations between January and June this year, including 47 abductions and 16 killings. It attributed the incidents to armed regional organisations and factions associated with the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF).

The organisation also alleged that more than 70 children and adolescents had been forced by armed groups to participate in armed conflict or organisational activities. It further claimed that 14 women had been abducted and subjected to abuse. The allegations require independent investigation, particularly to establish the circumstances of the reported incidents and the protection available to those affected.

Beyond killings and abductions, the PCNP claimed that more than 1,520 extortion incidents had occurred over the preceding year.

According to the organisation, timber traders, pharmaceutical companies, transport operators and ordinary residents were among those allegedly targeted for money or ransom.

The organisation also alleged that a UPDF faction led by Prasit occupied around 20 acres of land and constructed houses in Manikchhari, Khagrachhari, between May 27 and 30.

In another allegation, members of a JSS faction led by Santu attacked the Jangal Bilash resort in Lama, Bandarban, on March 23 and demanded Tk 300,000.

These claims require corroboration through land records, ownership documents, police complaints and other relevant evidence. The organisations and individuals named in the allegations should be given an opportunity to respond.

The PCNP further accused armed groups of smuggling illegal firearms and drugs through border areas and attempting to recruit young people into armed activities. 

The 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord was intended to address the region's longstanding conflict and establish a framework for peace. Nearly three decades later, continuing allegations of armed violence, abductions, extortion and rivalry among regional organisations raise questions about civilian security and the implementation of the agreement. Such an assessment could help establish patterns of violence across districts and periods, identify whether particular communities have faced disproportionate harm and determine where failures in investigation or prosecution may have denied victims justice.

Around 3,000 tourists stranded in Sajek Valley in Rangamati were evacuated under army and police escort on Thursday after gunfire erupted during a road blockade, leaving seven security personnel injured and disrupting transport and daily life in the hill region.

Five army personnel and two police members were injured, while no tourists were hurt, Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib said.