Protest against attacks on Chittagong Buddhists
Kamal Siriwardhana and Susantha Fonseka
Member of the Parbatya Bikkhu Sanga, Bangladesh (Sri Lanka Branch)
and student Peradeniya University student Dammapala Thera said Buddhists
in the Chittagong Tracts of Bangladesh are facing great injustice for
many years and have been targets of violence once again since February
19.
This follows protests by Buddhists against the illegal land grab done
by Muslim settlers in the Chittagon Hill Tracts(CHTs) with the support
of the Bangladesh military.
“Several people were killed and many were injured as a result of
violence. Also many houses and some temples were burnt down by Muslim
extremists during the past two weeks. Also hundreds of Buddhists,
victims of violence were arrested by the military. Because of that, ”
Ven Dhammapala Thera said.
The Thera was addressing a press conference at the National Library
yesterday to inform the local media and Buddhists clergy about human
rights violations and illegal land grabbing of indigenous Buddhists and
other communities by the Bengali Muslim settlers with the help of the
military forces in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) in Bangladesh.
It was organized by Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha, Bangladesh (Sri Lankan
branch). Chief incumbent of the Kotte Naga Viharaya, Venerable
Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera and Ven. Hagurangamuwe Maithree Thera and
Bangladeshi Buddhist clergy were also present.
Ven. Sobitha Thera said Sri Lankans should come to the rescue of
Buddhists from Muslim extremists. The Most Venerable Mahanayaka Theras
and Buddhists should extend their support to resolve this issue.
There will be a peaceful rally preceded by the submission of a
petition to the Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo this morning.
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