Third anniversary of CHT accord observed

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, DEC. 3. The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace accord which ended two decades of insurgency in the hills has entered the fourth year of its signing amid fresh controversy over the pace of its implementation process.

The residents observed the third anniversary on Saturday after ``war of words'' between the Government and Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), political wing of the former ``Shanti Bahini'' rebels on the state of the accord's implementation.

The Government, PCJSS under former rebel chief and CHT regional council chairman, Mr. Shantu Larma, and the ruling Awami League held separate programmes in the hill districts to mark the occasion.

Despite the differences, both sides agreed on the speedy implementation of the landmark accord to reach its fruits to the hilly people. The Chittagong Hill Tracts Ministry last month said the land commission was expected to function soon with the enactment of a law in Parliament. The cabinet approved the draft in October. The Asian Development Bank in a recent statement announced a $30 million loan for the hills.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : Four PML leaders expelled
Next     : Schedule for Pak. local bodies polls announced