The report speaks for itself:

Report by an activist/

There is a sad news in Modhupur forest again. Yesterday, on 18 March 2007, one Garo activist in Modhupur forest was killed by Army (They call it “Joint Forces”). His name is Cholesh Ritchil, age 41, father of five children, 4 daughters and one son. He was a brave local leader and used to stand against the corruption of forest department. He also took strong participation in Eco-park movement in past years. Forest Department filed more than 30 cases against him. Fr. Subrata Baniface Tolentino, csc, a Holy Cross Priest in Jachatra Catholic Church, Modhupur told me this morning that Cholesh Ritchil was the symbol of braveness for protect the rights of indigenous peoples. So, many Bengalis, forest officers did not like him.

Cholesh Ritchil was arrested by Army with Police yesterday in the afternoon at around 1:30 pm at Kalibari bazar, Modhupur thana and brought to Kakraid army camp. Other Garos Protap Jambil, 36 years old, Tuhin Hadima, 19 years old and Piren Simsang were also arrested in same time. These four Garos were brought to Kakraid Army camp at around 2:00 pm, as Mr. Ajoy Mree said. Then they were beaten mercilessly in the camp. It is reported that Cholesh Ritchil was killed in the camp and other three Garos got seriously injured. Protap Jambil was sent to Mymensingh Medical College and can not walk now for wounds in the body. The dead body of Cholesh Ritchil was brought by the military/police in Modhupur thana health complex at around 9:30 pm at noght and then he was already dead.

The former MP Dr. Abdur Razzak (MP of Modhupur) called me last night and informed me that in this situation it is difficult to do something against these kinds of serious violations of human rights on his behalf. But he will try to do and do not accept this.

Bishop Paul Ponen Kubi csc, Bishop of Mymenesingh Diocese also called me to do smoething last night and this morning again.

MUST READ piece at Tasneem’s blog with pictures on Modhpur which has a full overview on the whole issue of eco-park and the marginalising of our Garo community

Some recent developments

Urging the caretaker administration to take immediate attention to this and ensure proper investigation and punishment for the death of Cholesh Ritchil.