Northeast Desk, 21st September: Representatives of the Chakma community in India have written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to consider downgrading diplomatic relations with Bangladesh in response to the ongoing violence against indigenous hill peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs). The letter, dated September 19, highlights a series of attacks allegedly perpetrated by the Bangladesh Army and illegal settlers from the plains.
The memorandum, undersigned by prominent Chakma leaders, including Suhas Chakma, Founder of the Chakma Development Foundation of India, Nirupam Chakma, former Mizoram Minister and National Commission of Scheduled Tribes member, and Rasik Mohan Chakma, Chief Executive Member of Chakma Autonomous District Council in Mizoram, calls for immediate action to protect the lives and properties of indigenous peoples in the CHTs.
The letter specifically requests the Indian government to refrain from engaging in dialogue with Dr. Mohammed Yunus, Chief Caretaker of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, until the attacks are halted and the safety of the indigenous communities is ensured. The memorandum accuses the Bangladesh Army of collaborating with illegal settlers to drive out indigenous populations, with reports of homes, shops, and places of worship being targeted.
“Attacks on indigenous peoples and their places of worship, including Buddhist temples, are continuing in Rangamati, CHTs,” the letter states, drawing attention to recent violence in the region. The memorandum also references media reports from Bangladesh that document the destruction of over 1,090 properties belonging to minority communities following the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
In light of the organized violence against indigenous groups, the Chakma leaders argue that international intervention is needed, calling on the Indian government to lead efforts in ensuring the protection of religious minorities and hill tribes in Bangladesh.
The letter further outlines the events of September 19, when over 100 houses and shops were reportedly burned in Khagrachari district, with the Bangladesh Army allegedly preventing local tribes from defending their properties. Reports indicate that several indigenous people were killed or injured in the violence, with five unidentified bodies found at Khagrachari hospital.
The Chakma community’s plea seeks urgent diplomatic action, urging the Indian government to suspend meetings with Bangladesh until the situation is resolved, and to push for stronger protections for the indigenous populations of the CHTs.
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