**Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti**
**Definition**
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) is a political organization representing the indigenous peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh. Founded in 1972, it has played a central role in advocating for the rights, autonomy, and cultural preservation of the region’s tribal communities.
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## Overview
The Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), translated as the United People’s Party of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, is a political and social organization established to represent the interests of the indigenous peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh. The CHT is a geographically and culturally distinct region located in the southeastern part of Bangladesh, bordering India and Myanmar. The area is home to several indigenous ethnic groups, collectively known as the Jumma people, who have historically faced political marginalization, cultural assimilation pressures, and land disputes.
Since its inception in 1972, the PCJSS has been the primary political voice for the indigenous communities of the CHT, advocating for their rights to self-determination, cultural preservation, and regional autonomy. The organization also played a pivotal role in the armed insurgency against the Bangladesh government during the late 20th century, which culminated in the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997.
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## Historical Background
### Pre-Independence Context
The Chittagong Hill Tracts have long been inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Mro, and others. During British colonial rule, the region was administered separately from the Bengal plains under the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation of 1900, which recognized the distinct identity and customary laws of the hill peoples.
Following the partition of British India in 1947, the CHT became part of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The indigenous peoples of the region expressed concerns over their political and cultural rights under the new state, which was dominated by Bengali Muslims.
### Formation of PCJSS
After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the indigenous peoples of the CHT faced increasing challenges, including the influx of Bengali settlers encouraged by the government, which threatened their land rights and cultural identity. In response, the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti was founded in 1972 by Manabendra Narayan Larma and other indigenous leaders to unify the hill peoples and advocate for their rights.
The PCJSS sought recognition of the distinct identity of the hill tribes, protection of their land and resources, and political autonomy within Bangladesh. The organization also demanded the withdrawal of Bengali settlers and the recognition of indigenous customary laws.
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## Political Activities and Armed Struggle
### Insurgency and the Shanti Bahini
In the mid-1970s, as peaceful political efforts failed to yield results, the PCJSS established an armed wing known as the Shanti Bahini (Peace Force). The Shanti Bahini launched an insurgency against the Bangladesh government, seeking autonomy for the CHT and protection of indigenous rights.
The conflict between the Shanti Bahini and the Bangladesh military lasted for over two decades, resulting in significant casualties, displacement, and human rights abuses on both sides. The insurgency was fueled by grievances over land dispossession, cultural assimilation policies, and the settlement of Bengali populations in the region.
### Government Response
The Bangladesh government initially responded with military operations aimed at suppressing the insurgency and consolidating control over the CHT. The government also promoted the settlement of Bengali populations in the region to alter its demographic composition.
The conflict led to widespread displacement of indigenous peoples and allegations of human rights violations, including forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and destruction of villages.
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## The Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord
### Negotiations and Signing
After years of conflict and failed negotiations, the Bangladesh government and the PCJSS entered into peace talks in the 1990s. These negotiations culminated in the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord on December 2, 1997.
The accord aimed to end the insurgency and address the political, social, and economic grievances of the indigenous peoples. It provided for the recognition of the distinct identity of the hill peoples, the establishment of a regional council with administrative authority, and the withdrawal of military camps from the region.
### Provisions of the Accord
Key provisions of the Peace Accord included:
– Recognition of the CHT Regional Council to administer local affairs.
– Demilitarization of the region and withdrawal of temporary military camps.
– Rehabilitation of displaced indigenous peoples.
– Protection of land rights and customary laws.
– Promotion of indigenous languages and culture.
– Establishment of mechanisms to resolve land disputes.
### Implementation Challenges
Despite the accord’s signing, implementation has been slow and contentious. Some factions within the indigenous communities and Bengali settlers have opposed aspects of the agreement. The government has been criticized for delays in demilitarization and inadequate protection of indigenous rights.
The PCJSS remains a key stakeholder in advocating for full implementation of the accord and continued recognition of indigenous rights.
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## Organizational Structure and Leadership
### Leadership
The PCJSS was founded by Manabendra Narayan Larma, a prominent indigenous leader and politician who served as a member of the Bangladesh parliament. Larma was assassinated in 1983, but his legacy continues to influence the organization.
Subsequent leaders have continued to guide the PCJSS in its political and social activities, balancing advocacy, negotiation, and community mobilization.
### Membership and Support Base
The PCJSS primarily represents the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and other indigenous groups of the CHT. It functions as a political party, social movement, and cultural organization, with a membership base drawn from the hill peoples.
The organization maintains a presence in local governance structures and continues to engage with national political processes.
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## Social and Cultural Advocacy
Beyond political activism, the PCJSS has been involved in promoting the cultural heritage and social welfare of the indigenous peoples. This includes efforts to preserve indigenous languages, traditional customs, and religious practices.
The organization also works to improve education, healthcare, and economic development in the CHT, often collaborating with non-governmental organizations and international agencies.
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## Contemporary Issues and Challenges
### Land Rights and Demographic Changes
Land disputes remain a central issue in the CHT. The influx of Bengali settlers during and after the conflict has altered the demographic balance, leading to tensions over land ownership and usage.
The PCJSS continues to advocate for the protection of indigenous land rights and the reversal of illegal land acquisitions.
### Political Representation and Autonomy
While the Peace Accord established the CHT Regional Council, debates persist over the extent of autonomy and political representation afforded to the indigenous peoples. The PCJSS seeks greater devolution of power and meaningful participation in governance.
### Human Rights Concerns
Reports of human rights violations, including harassment of indigenous activists and communities, continue to surface. The PCJSS highlights these issues in national and international forums to garner support for indigenous rights.
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## Impact and Legacy
The Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti has been instrumental in bringing the issues of the Chittagong Hill Tracts to national and international attention. Its role in the peace process and ongoing advocacy has contributed to greater recognition of indigenous rights in Bangladesh.
The organization’s efforts have also inspired indigenous movements in other parts of South Asia, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation, political autonomy, and social justice.
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## Conclusion
The Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti remains a vital political and social force in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Its history reflects the struggles of indigenous peoples to assert their identity, rights, and autonomy within the framework of the Bangladeshi state. While significant progress has been made, ongoing challenges require continued dialogue, implementation of peace agreements, and respect for the cultural and political rights of the hill peoples.
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**Meta Description:**
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) is a political organization representing the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, known for its role in advocating for indigenous rights and regional autonomy.