From yesterday until today, Michael Chakma’s statement has been the most discussed topic regarding the Indigenous people of Bangladesh’s hill tracts on social media. Every time I open Facebook, that’s the subject I see
.
After Michael’s full statement was published, many Facebook bloggers are saying, “Michael Chakma’s statement is correct. Now we understand the matter. Michael Chakma is not at fault.”
I listened to it twice at 3 a.m. I’ve now listened to it three more times. A total of five times. If necessary, I’ll listen to it a few more times. No problem. Unfortunately, I don’t agree with those who are saying that Michael Chakma’s statement is correct.
I accept that before these Bengalis came to the Chittagong Hill Tracts as settlers, we “had no conflict” with them. But from the day they came as settlers until today, we have had “conflict” with them.
Do I still need to explain what “not yet” means to you?
No, right?
The word “not yet” is mentioned in his entire statement. Therefore, the issue has not been resolved.
Tell me, “Do we still have conflict with the settlers or not?”
“We do.”
Then, can we just say there isn’t any conflict now?
Michael Chakma is a good person. I’m not talking about his personal matters. But I, like many others, have objections when he doesn’t choose the right words on sensitive regional issues.
Those Facebook bloggers who are saying “correct” after listening to his entire statement are not neutral. We need to rise above this. JSS is our people. UPDF is our people. They are none other than us. JSS says I’m right, you’re wrong. UPDF says the same thing.
Everyone says they are right. Isn’t that so? Everyone is correct. I’m not searching for wrong. But three decades have passed in tears for this right vs. wrong debate.
Those younger than us have called for a new “unity.” A wave of freedom is rising for the Indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts globally. Somewhere, in some parts of the world, including India, there are protests and rallies in support of Indigenous people.
So, our task now is to be neutral and call “wrong” is wrong and “right” is right. If we can do that, neither group will go down the wrong path. They will come onto the right path. Then, the division will decrease.
But if we remain biased and call wrong “right,” the fight between JSS and UPDF will not stop. We must first take a neutral stance to bring them onto the right path.
No matter how small or big we are, if we don’t remain neutral, JSS and UPDF will never unite, and the tears of the hills will never stop. The people are now the judge. Without a neutral judge, it’s impossible to resolve the conflict forever.
Now, you tell me, will you be neutral or not?
We had, we have now and we will have problems with the Muslim settlers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
