The Hindu : International : `Chittagong accord remains on paper'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 03, 2004

International

International

`Chittagong accord remains on paper'

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, DEC. 2. The chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, Joytirindra Bhodhipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma, has alleged that the Khaleda Zia Government does not have any intention to implement the CHT peace accord, "rather, it is supporting anti-indigenous forces" in the hill district. Mr. Larma, who heads the Parbatta ChattagramJana Sanghati Samity — PCJSS — that led the prolonged bush war for autonomy, said the objectives of the peace accord signed seven years ago were yet to be fulfilled. Speaking at a press conference here commemorating the seventh anniversary of the accord, Mr. Larma put forward a new six-point charter of demands and called upon the Government to meet them immediately in the "greater interest of the country." Mr. Larma, who signed the agreement on behalf of the PCJSS, said the fundamental clauses of the accord have not been implemented yet.

`People frustrated'

The PCJSS went on an agitation programme today in the three hill districts demanding full implementation of the accord. "People in the hill region are frustrated that the accord has not been implemented fully. If the Government does not fulfil our demand, it will be responsible for any consequences there," he told the press conference held at the National Press Club. The six-point charter includes full implementation of the accord immediately, removal of Wadud Bhuiyan, a ruling BNP MP from the chairmanship of CHT Development Board, as Mr. Larma alleged that he was inciting violence against indigenous people.

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