Khagrachari, Oct 16 (V7N) — Despite the Hill Peace Accord signed 27 years ago between the National Committee for Chittagong Hill Tracts and the People’s Solidarity Association, tensions surrounding the identity and land rights of the hill communities remain unresolved. The longstanding conflict reflects deep divisions between indigenous groups and Bengali settlers, with occasional violence disrupting efforts for harmony.

The conflict over land rights continues to fuel controversy, with Bengalis questioning why they should be deprived of land ownership despite residing in the region for generations. Meanwhile, indigenous groups insist on their historical rights to ancestral lands, leading to periodic clashes and resentment from both sides.

In the past, violent ethnic uprisings led to the burning of homes and shops of both Bengali settlers and indigenous communities. Livelihoods were severely impacted, with neither side finding respite despite interventions by the administration. The cycle of violence flared recently when clashes erupted in Khagrachari and Rangamati, resulting in the death of four indigenous people.

The latest conflict began on September 19, following the killing of a Bengali named Mamun. In response, tensions escalated, and violence spread to Rangamati on September 20. Both indigenous people and Bengalis—many of whom remain unaware of the complexities of the peace agreement—suffered during the violence. Law enforcement agencies are now investigating those responsible for the clashes, while the administration attempts to restore harmony between the two communities.

Following the peace accord, other armed groups emerged in the hills, with some factions demanding autonomy or the withdrawal of the army. Groups such as the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) continue to pursue these demands. There are also fringe elements pushing for separate states, such as "Independent Cookieland." However, the government and army argue that complete peace has not been achieved, as some groups have not yet surrendered their weapons.

In this volatile environment, a protest took place outside the residence of Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, led by prominent figures like Rani Yen Yen, an advisor to the Chakma Circle and recipient of the US State Department’s Global Champion Against Apartheid Award, along with leaders from the Pahari Chhatra Parishad.

On September 18, the Anti-Conflict and Anti-Discrimination Pahari Chhatra Andolan organized a ‘March for Identity’ in Khagrachari with an eight-point list of demands. This protest reignited the debate over the recognition of tribal identities, with some groups demanding revisions to the peace accord to better reflect the aspirations of the 45 ethnic communities in the region.

The push for indigenous recognition intensified after the 2007 UN resolution that promised special benefits for indigenous peoples worldwide. Many groups argue that their identity has not been adequately addressed in the existing agreement, further complicating the situation.

As tensions continue, the local administration has called for dialogue to address the concerns of both the hill communities and Bengali settlers. Many residents now urge a revision of the Hill Peace Accord to accommodate the evolving needs of all stakeholders while ensuring peace and harmony in the region.

With emotions running high and violence simmering beneath the surface, the challenge for the authorities lies in balancing competing interests and fostering understanding between the two communities. Without meaningful progress, the risk of future unrest looms large over the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

END/BT/AJ