ICC Note:

Tensions between Christian Santals and local police remain high following a land dispute that broke out into violence last week. According to witnesses, police and Muslims attacked and ransacked the homes of many Christian Santals in the Gaibandha District. Recently, the Christian Santals refused aid from the government because of distrust following the attacks. Christians and tribals often face discrimination and abuse in Bangladesh from the Muslim majority community. The issue of land rights is especially tense as Bangladesh’s Muslim population pushes into the country’s tribal areas. 

11/17/2016 Bangladesh (Asia News) – Christian Santals, violently attacked last week by local police in a land dispute in Gaibandha District, have refused aid that some government representatives offered them.

On Monday, some government representatives visited Gobindoganj to hand out basic necessities, but the victims rejected the aid. “The police killed two brothers,” one of the victims, anonymous for security reasons, told AsiaNews. “We saw their blood flow. How can we ever accept government aid?”

“Local political activists tried to extort statements in favor of the government,” local Christians explained. “They called us in one by one and told the media and activists to praise the police and the government.”

Violence broke out 6 November over a land dispute. Police and local Muslims attacked tribal Santals, mostly Catholics.

Witnesses say that police had arrest warrants for 300 people who fled to avoid jail. Others defended themselves with bows and arrows injuring some policemen. Tribal homes were ransacked and looted. The attack culminated with the killing of two Christians and the wounding of six more.

Yesterday, two of the wounded were moved to a local prison, after they were admitted to the Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Their treatment by the police has sparked a wave of indignation, as the wounded were handcuffed and tied to the stretcher carrying them.

Christians say they have lived in fear since the day of the attack. The conflict and the continuing tension affect some 2,500 Christians. Children have stopped attending school, lack food and winter is coming. “I have no clothes, and at night I cannot sleep because of the cold,” said Jewal Murmu.

The Missionary Sisters of Charity brought the little aid that has arrived. Subash Murmu said that he received a lungi for himself and a sari for his wife. The sisters also handed out rice, but their help is not enough. “In these conditions we cannot work and earn a living,” he said.

Meanwhile, the government seems hard-pressed over the recent spate of attacks against religious minorities. Yesterday the cabinet committee on law and order issued a warning to law enforcement officials to act forcefully against officers who fail to contain the attacks against minority groups.

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