CHT Indigenous Peoples Held Rally in Tokyo

The Indigenous people from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) residing in Japan held a powerful protest march in Tokyo yesterday under the banner of the ‘Japan Diaspora Chittagong Hill Tracts Adivasi (Indigenous) Jumma Forum .’ Their determination to fight for their rights was evident as they protested against the attacks by the military and Muslim settlers on the Indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.

The march began at Shibuya Jingūmae Park and concluded at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo.

In front of UNU (Photo by author)

The participants united in their cause and chanted powerful slogans on their way to the UNU, such as ‘Stop Killing Indigenous in CHT,’ ‘We Want Justice,’ and ‘Withdraw the Military from CHT.’ Their unity was a strong message to the world about their collective resolve.

Under the moderation of Reabata Chakma, one by one, Dipti Shankar Chakma, Kai Shing Marma, Purna Lal Chakma, Tom Eslikdsen, May Mong, Oga San, Keya Chakma, and P.R. Placid delivered their speeches in front of the UNU.

The speakers collectively condemned the attacks on Indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and on all minority communities, including Hindus in the plains, during the two months of the interim Yunus government.

Dipti Shankar Chakma said, “Under this government, Muslim extremist forces following Jamaat-Shibir and Pakistani fundamentalist ideals are growing. The police are letting thieves and murderers go free.” He demanded an end to the conspiracy of inciting communal riots and burning down Indigenous homes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Kai Shing Marma emphasized that the attacks on Indigenous people and minorities under the Yunus government must be stopped. He called for the Indigenous people’s right to live with the same rights as any other Bangladeshi citizen.

Purna Lal Chakma pointed out that Indigenous people have been waiting for justice for over fifty years. But to this day, they haven’t received it. Countless Indigenous women have been raped, many people killed, and villages burned, yet no justice has been served. When they seek justice, Indigenous people are labeled “separatists.” He warned that if the Indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) ever call for actual separation, the government will be responsible. He called for U.N. intervention to resolve the issue of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Tom Eslikdsen demanded an end to the oppression of Indigenous people by the military and settlers. He urged the United Nations to put international pressure on Bangladesh to address these atrocities.

P.R. Placid, the first Bangladeshi journalist living in Japan, expressed concern that if the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) was really separated from Bangladesh due to oppression, it would be a great loss. He wants to raise more awareness about the Indigenous people so that the people of Bangladesh can understand their plight.

May Mong and Oga San, in their speeches, condemned the government’s silence regarding the ongoing oppression and atrocities against Indigenous people.

Keya Chakma read the memorandum to clarify its contents.

Mr. Kawade receiving Memorendum (Photo by Sunita Chakma)

At the UNU, Mr. Kawade Nobuyuki received a memorandum from Purna Lal Chakma and May Than Nue Marma on behalf of the assembly and promised to deliver it to the United Nations on behalf of the Indigenous people.

Later, a gathering was held in front of the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo. Speeches were delivered by Prabhat Kusum Chakma, Deebas Chakma, Sayaka Watanabe Kankolongo, Orilika Tripura, and May Tha Nu Marma.

Each of their speeches was powerful and protest-driven. They called for an immediate halt to the attacks on Indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. They demanded compensation for the victims who were killed and injured by military gunfire in Khagrachari, as well as for the victims of arson committed by settler Bengalis in Dighinala, Khagrachari, and Rangamati. Besides they also called for justice and the prosecution of those involved in these incidents.

Later, Kai Shing Marma, Sayaka Watanabe Kankolongo, Seka Chakma, and Jibak Kumar Tanchangya submitted a memorandum to the Bangladesh Embassy.

In front of Tokyo Bangladesh Embassy (Photo by author)

It is worth mentioning that Muslim fundamentalists, whether in Israel in the Middle East or in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, always exhibit nationalism and communalism. These fundamentalists don’t consider who is guilty; they only focus on why harm was done to “our Muslims.” In reality, it’s not about Muslims or any other race; the guilty should be punished.

October 1, 2024, is such a very tragic day for two different regions in the world. One is in Israel in the Middle East, and the other is in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.

On this day, Iran launched 181 powerful missiles on Israel to retaliate against Nassrallah, the head of the terrorist organization Hezbollah. On the same day, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, settlers burned and destroyed Indigenous shops and houses to avenge the death of rapist Sohel Rana, who was killed in a public beating.

To combat fundamentalists, people worldwide must unite and fight, whether it be in Israel or in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The Indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts delivered this message to the world during yesterday’s protest in Tokyo.

October 3, 2024
Tokyo, Japan