ASK expresses grave concern over the clash that erupted between the hill-tribes and Bengali settlers over a trivial matter in Khagrachari.

ASK believes that vested interested groups have worked for a long time to create mistrust between the hill-tribes and the Bengali settlers. They have kept this mistrust alive, and are now, once again using it to hinder the implementation of the Peace Accord. The recent escalation of tension at different parts of Khagrachari and Rangamati and the assault on Santu Larma and Raja Debashish Roy has further complicated the situation.

We believe both groups should respect each others legitimate rights. To do so, both groups must show utmost tolerance and the government have to take fair and effective role. We must remember that the establishment of peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is not only beneficial to the Bengalis and the hill-tribes who live there but is also a great achievement for the whole country. We have to keep in our mind that those who are against the peace in the hill tracts are neither friends of the hill-tribes nor of the Bengalis. And above all, they are always trying to push the country into a state of chaos and instability.

We urge the people who are involved in this sensitive issue to behave in a way that demonstrates patience, tolerance and intelligence.