Dhaka, Sep 21 (V7N) – The International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) and the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) have jointly called for the formation of a UN-led inquiry committee to investigate the root causes behind the recent violence in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, as well as the role of the military during these events.

In a statement released yesterday, the two organizations highlighted the need for an in-depth investigation into alleged human rights violations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), pointing to the concerning actions of military personnel during the attacks.

“The military's involvement during the violence raises significant questions. Video footage from Rangamati shows settlers armed with clubs and sticks walking behind military pickups without any intervention in the Fishery Ghaat area. This mob later attacked Jummo people and their properties," the statement read.

The rights bodies urged accountability for military personnel who opened fire on unarmed Jummo individuals, much like security personnel were held responsible for the recent violence during student protests.

The statement also addressed the anticipation that Indigenous peoples in the CHT would experience true independence following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. Their optimism was further strengthened by the remarks of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who in an August 25 speech reaffirmed the equal rights of Indigenous citizens.

However, they noted that protests have erupted from settler groups in both the CHT and Dhaka against the chief adviser's use of the term "Indigenous." They believe the ongoing unrest, including the alleged death of a Bengali settler on September 18, is a reaction to the interim government's supportive stance on the CHT issue.

CHTC and IWGIA called on the interim government to take immediate action to safeguard Indigenous people in the region. They also criticized "Operation Uttoron," alleging that it places the CHT’s civilian administration under military control, and demanded the withdrawal of the executive order related to it.

Additionally, the organizations called for the removal of temporary military and security camps in the CHT, except for the six bases stipulated in the 1997 CHT Accord, and urged the government to initiate steps for the dignified relocation of settlers from the region.

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