Bengali settlers attempt to grab Jum land in Longadu

On 16 May 2014 in the morning time a group of Bengali settlers of Bhaibonchara bazaar area of Longadu union under Longaduupazila in Rangamati Hill district made an attempt to grab Jum land owned by local Jumma people and already erected three houses on that land.

It is learnt that on that day at about 8:00 am at first a group of army numbering 10-12 from BameyLongadu sub-zone led by SubedarMostafijurRahaman made a round on that area. At that time, the army personnel ordered the local Jum cultivators to be present to their camp on following day with land owners’ documents.

Following the army patrol, a group of Bengali settlers numbering 20-30 went to that Jum land where the local Jum cultivators are growing Jum crops.

The Bengali settlers erected two houses on Jum land at Bhaibonchara area belonging to Mrs. DiptiChakma (65) w/o late ChittaRanjanChakma with Holding No. H12-A (4 acres) the land which is now being cultivated by Shanti RanjanChakma (30). The two land grabber Bengali settlers are identified as Mr. Razzak (30) s/o late Ali Newaz and Eusuf (32) s/o late Hakim Khan, both address- BhaibonChara Bazaar area.

On the other, of the same group, another Bengali settler named OliUllaha alias RikswaOala (55) also erected a house on the land of same area owned by Mr. TridipChakma, s/o late NoaramChakma with Holding No. H80 (5 acres). However, Milan Chakma (28) s/o late TridipChakma is now cultivating Jum crops on that land.

Besides, the Bengali settlers also cleared jungle in this area belonging to Mr. SupatiChakma (30) s/o unknown of the same locality.

Following the incident, there has been prevailing tension and concern among the Jumma people.