Tension mounts in Khagrachhari as Bangali settlers lock horns with Adivasi people

One month into the Langadu attack, tension has spread once again between the Advasi community and the Bangali settlers in Ramgarh upazila of hill district Khagrachhari as groups of Bangali settlers have reportedly rampaged through several Adivasi villages there. Ramgarh Sadar Union Parishad Member Karry Marma told Dhaka Tribune that panic had gripped the Adivasi community of the area after some Bangali settlers aggressively ran down Battachandra Para, Tilapara and the adjoining villages around 10:30pm on Friday. Many Adivasi people had instantly gone into hiding after the showdown on Friday night, he said. Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police had already been deployed in the area and those who were hiding had started to return to their respective villages since Saturday morning, added Karry. Ramgarh Sadar UP Chairman Md Shah Alam Majumder alleged that the tension had mounted after sounds of gun-shooting  was heard near Koladoba and Sonaigga areas. Bangali settlers living in those areas had claimed that armed Adivasi men had attempted an intrusion, but were pushed back by their resistance, added the UP chairman. Activists of United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) arranged demonstrations across the upazila on Friday, demanding to repeal the 15th amendment of the Constitution as they claim it does not ensure recognition of the indigenous communities of the country. The administration foiled the demonstrations at Ramgar Upazila Lake, Masterpara and Joutho Khamar areas on Friday morning, according to local sources. Ramgarh Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mamun Mia, however, denied foiling any such UPDF demonstration. A vested interested quarter were trying to unsettle the peace and friendly atmosphere in the area by spreading different rumours, he added. The law enforcement agencies and the local administration held a special meeting to discuss the law and order situation with the locals of Sonaigga area on Saturday. Additional Superintendent of Police (Ramgarh Circle) and BGB Battalion 43 Deputy Commander Major Humayun Kabir were present at the meeting.