Letters for Kalpana

It has been 18 years since Kalpana Chakma, former organising secretary of Hill Women’s Federation, went missing. She was allegedly abducted by a military official and two members of the village defence party from her house in New Lalyaghona of Baghaichhari, Rangamati on June 12, 1996. Kalindi Kumar Chakma, her older brother, is still vying to get the justice that had been denied to his sister and his family. The federation yesterday hosted an event in Upajatio Thikadar Kalyan Shamiti Bhaban, where Kalindi was handed over some 5,000 letters from people around the world expressing solidarity for her loss. These letters were gathered as a part of Write for Rights, a campaign by UK-based human rights organisation Amnesty International. The letters were given to Kalinda by CHT Commission who acted as a mediator organisation. There were letters from France, England and many other countries. Some of the letters were written within the folds of colourful handmade cards. There were letters from adults and children who have been touched by the tragic fate of Kalpana. In the event, several human rights activists, a few media personnel and locals were present. It was an emotional moment for Kalindi who gracefully thanked those who have been involved with Write for Rights and those who have been supporting him and his family throughout the years. While addressing the event, he said the grief of losing his sister was still there, but he was grateful to find that many people empathised with his suffering. Rangamati police and Chittagong Zone Criminal Investigation have yet to make progress in the investigation of Kalpana’s abduction. The report they presented was not accepted by the magistrate in Rangamati court since the investigation of the key accused was insufficient. The reinvestigation report for the case is due to be submitted today.