Even though the non-cooperation movement was set to begin from today, as announced by Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti last year, the indigenous organisation is yet to declare any programme.
“We have not announced any activities to stage the movement but will do so as early as possible,” PCJSS Assistant Information and Publicity Secretary Sajib Chakma told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
Asked whether such delay might weaken PCJSS or make the indigenous peoples frustrated, Sajib replied: “Actually it is not obligatory to start the movement from May 1. The movement can be started any time and in any form.
“Our preparation is under way. We hope to announce our activities after May 20, on completion of the anniversary programme of Pahari Chhatra Parishad.”
PCJSS chief Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma on November 29 last year threatened to wage a non-cooperation movement against the government if the latter fails to take concrete steps to ensure the full implementation of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord by the time. He later renewed the call on several occasions.
Some indigenous leaders, asking not to be named, said there were two reasons behind the delay in launching the movement.
Firstly, a discussion is still going on between the indigenous leaders and the government. If the movement begins now, it may adversely affect the process of executing the peace accord.
On the other hand, the movement may also turn into a clash between the indigenous people and the Bangali settlers of the three hill districts. Hence, the implementation process would be hindered.
Sajib said: “So far, we did not see any fruitful result from the discussions with the government. We also anticipate that the government will not fully implement the peace accord.”
The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), known as an anti-accord indigenous group, had also agreed to work with the PCJSS during the non-cooperation movement.
