Longadu Fire: 3 months on, they're still homeless

More than three months after the burning down of indigenous people's houses in Longadu upazila of Rangamati, it now seems to be a forgotten tale of horror with victims still living in the open, in schools, Buddhist monastery and makeshift houses. 

All these days they have been living with the hope that they will be rehabilitated as promised by the local administration.

Longadu Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mosaddek Mehdi Imam said, “We have written to the higher authorities for rehabilitation of the victims. The process is underway.”

Meanwhile, in a visit to the affected area on Tuesday, this correspondent saw many indigenous people in Manikjowr Chara, Tintila village and Battya Para village living in schools and monastery where they had taken shelter following the arson attack by Bangalee local people over the murder of a local Jubo League leader.

Eleven families are living at Longadu Government High School while some others in temporary houses built with bamboo and wood beside their burnt-down houses.

Santi Moy Chakma, chief of Longadu Mouza, said the government is not sincere about rehabilitating the arson victims.

“Many representatives of the high authorities of the government came here and assured us of rebuilding our houses as soon as possible. But three months have gone. The rehabilitation work has not even begun.”

The government should rehabilitate the victims on their own land immediately, Santi Moy Chakma added.

Earlier on July 13, the administration gave Tk 6,000, two blankets, 30kg rice and two bundles of corrugated iron sheet to each victim family, said Mini Chakma, an inhabitant of Tintila village.

“Then they assured us again and again that our houses would be rebuilt soon. But they haven't done it yet. How long will we live like this!” said a frustrated Mini. 

While indigenous families want new home, Kelvin Chakma, a student of class seven of Rabeta Model High School, has been trying hard to shake off his shock and trauma from witnessing the violence carried out by Bangalees.

He does not go to school now. “It seems they can attack us again, anytime,” the boy said.

On June 1, the body of Longadu Jubo League leader Nurul Islam Nayan was found four miles from Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila along Dighinala-Khagrachhari road. He had travelled to Khagrachhari on a motorbike with a passenger.

The next day, on June 2, Bangalees brought out a procession at Longadu Battyapara and a mourning procession at Longadu Sadar.  When protesters were marching in procession, some rowdy Bangalees started setting indigenous houses on fire. The attack spread over four villages leaving 224 houses gutted.

The local administration has received Tk 25 lakh for rehabilitation purpose from the social welfare ministry, said the UNO, adding that the money would be distributed soon.

“I think the victims' rehabilitation will begin soon,” he said.