Kamalanagar, 23rd September 2024: On Sunday (22nd September 2024), a massive protest rally was organized by Chakma Civil Society Organizations and political parties of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) to protest against the recent violent attacks on ethnic minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. The rally, held in Kamalanagar, the headquarters of the CADC, saw the participation of thousands of people, including Buddhist monks, political leaders, and students, calling for immediate intervention of the Government of India to stop the atrocities perpetrated against indigenous communities in CHT.

The violence, allegedly carried out by illegal settlers with reported support from the Bangladeshi Army, has resulted in widespread destruction. Over 100 houses, including several Buddhist temples, were set ablaze. Dozens of civilians were brutally killed, and many others were left injured. Hundreds of families, belonging to the minority communities, have been rendered homeless as their homes and properties were destroyed in the attacks.

In a memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and submitted through the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Chawngte, the organizations strongly urged the Government of India to intervene to stop the violence. They also demanded for the constitution of an impartial and independent Inquiry Commission to thoroughly investigate the indiscriminate firing that led to the deaths of innocent tribal people, the arson of homes and religious institutions, and the extensive destruction of property in the CHT; immediate withdrawal of the magisterial powers granted to the Bangladeshi Army in the CHT to prevent further atrocities against the indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities by the military; full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord of 1997 to bring lasting peace to the region; and to provide adequate compensation for the victims of communal violence, including assistance to rebuild homes and restore their livelihoods.