Insights from Parbati Roy on Recent Hill Tracts Conflict
Report : Insights from Parbati Roy on Recent Hill Tracts Conflict
Parbati Roy, a part-time lecturer at the University of British Columbia, recently shared her experiences and perspectives with DW following the ethnic clashes between hill people and Bengalis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Background of the Conflict: The recent violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, particularly in Rangamati and Khagrachari, has resulted in several casualties. This conflict has deeply affected the indigenous communities, including Parbati Roy, who, despite living abroad, feels a strong connection to her homeland.
Personal Reflections: Parbati Roy grew up in the hills, where she shared her childhood with Bengali friends, engaging in various activities like studying, playing, and celebrating cultural events together. However, the recent incidents and the subsequent communal posts on social media by some of her Bengali friends have left her heartbroken.
Community and Solidarity: Roy recalls the unity during the anti-discrimination student movements and protests against authoritarian regimes, where indigenous people stood in solidarity with their Bengali friends. She emphasizes that during those times, the distinction between Bengali and indigenous identities did not matter.
Media Representation: Roy criticizes the national media for not adequately covering the hardships faced by the indigenous communities during such conflicts. She points out that the media often focuses on superficial aspects of indigenous culture, such as festivals or tourism, rather than the real issues they face.
Conclusion: Parbati Roy’s reflections highlight the need for greater understanding and solidarity between the Bengali and indigenous communities. She calls for more responsible media coverage and a collective effort to address the underlying issues of discrimination and violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
