Vested groups trying to destabilise situation in CHT: Advisers

Vested groups were trying to create instability with a view to putting the interim government in an awkward situation, said three advisers who visited the CHT on Saturday. 

They asked everyone to remain vigilant, said a spokesperson of the Chief Adviser. 

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives AF Hassan Ariff, and Adviser for CHT Affairs Supradip Chakma visited Rangamati and Khagrachhari on Saturday and discussed the law and order situation with local people and concerned officials days after four people killed in clashes in the region.

The advisers met with local political leaders, elite, business/trade body representatives, media representatives, law enforcement agencies, and district council representatives at Rangamati and Khagrachhari district headquarters and listened to the concerns expressed by the participants at the sudden deterioration of the situation following the murder of a person in mob beating at Khagrachhari on 18 September.

The advisers expressed their deepest sympathies for those who lost their lives, and they all stressed the importance of maintaining harmony, empathy and peaceful coexistence between all communities, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.

It was pointed out that the onus for maintaining harmony and peace in the area lay on the local leaders, who must henceforth perform their due role.

Law enforcement agencies working in the area were asked to show maximum restraint. 

Advisers assured the local people that a high-level committee would be formed to investigate all incidents that took place in the past three days and wrongdoers would be brought to justice.

They assured that no attacks would be tolerated in the places of religious worship.

The advisers said that no one should take the law into their own hands irrespective of the situation, and warned of stern actions in the event of anyone violating the instruction.

They said that treatment of all injured persons would be ensured, and if necessary, military hospitals would be made available for treatment of the injured people.

Committees comprising people from all communities should be formed at the village/union/upazila level to maintain harmony and peace, advisers insisted. 

Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, special assistant to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, was also present.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com