Asia Indigenous Youth Platform (AIYP) Strongly Condemns the Brutal Communal Attacks and Calls for Urgent Action in Khagrachari Tragedy

Date: 29 September 2025
Ref: AIYP-02

Asia Indigenous Youth Platform (AIYP) Strongly Condemns the Brutal Communal Attacks and Calls for Urgent Action in Khagrachari Tragedy

Asia Indigenous Youth Platform (AIYP) expresses deepest sorrow and strongest condemnation over the brutal suppression and the communal attacks on Indigenous Jumma Peoples in Khagrachari, CHT, the arbitrary arrests and torture of ordinary Indigenous Community Members, and the gross violations of human rights taking place in the CHT region. The violent response, including the reported killing of at least 3 unarmed Indigenous youths and the severe injuring of many more, constitutes a shocking and intolerable abuse of power by the Armed Forces in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

On 27 September 2025, in connection with the ongoing movement demanding justice for the gang rape of a Jumma student of Class VIII, violent armed attacks were carried out by the settler Bengalis against peaceful demonstrators in Khagrachari district headquarters, reportedly in the presence of law enforcement agencies. On the same evening, settler groups again launched armed assaults on unarmed indigenous villagers guarding the Yongd Buddhist Vihar in Khagrachhari. On 28 September 2025, security forces escalated violence by shooting at peaceful protesters and setting fires in Ramesu Bazar, Guimara Upazila, while also conducting indiscriminate raids and subjecting residents to torture in the name of house searches.

It is important to note that since 23 September 2025, Jumma students and the wider public have been organizing anti-rape programs, rallies, and demonstrations in Khagrachari and across the country in demand for justice for the victim of the gang rape. However, instead of arresting the alleged perpetrators of the rape and those responsible for the armed attacks, law enforcement authorities have chosen to raid villages, intimidate residents, and torture innocent civilians. This constitutes a serious breach of human rights and state responsibility.

We strongly and unequivocally:

1. Condemn the brutal communal attacks on indigenous peoples, the excessive use of force by security forces, and the failure of the administration to protect innocent civilians.
2. Demand the immediate arrest and fair trial of the accused rapists and the armed Bengali settler attackers.
3. Call upon the interim government to urgently take steps to restore peace, ensure the safety and security of all citizens, and prevent further communal violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
4. Urge the administration to provide proper medical treatment to the injured, compensate the victims, and ensure that justice is delivered through a fair and impartial investigation.

The ongoing violence and indiscriminate repression are unacceptable. We emphasize that justice for the rape survivor, accountability for the attackers, and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples are essential for restoring peace and upholding the rule of law in Khagrachari, CHT.

We urge all relevant authorities, human rights bodies, and the international community to remain vigilant and press for an immediate end to these violations.

In solidarity, 

Supriya Rai
Chairperson
Asia Indigenous Youth Platform

Toni Chiran
Deputy Chairperson
Asia Indigenous Youth Platform

Hero Aprila
Deputy Chairperson
Asia Indigenous Youth Platform

Kaisanan Ahuan
Deputy Chairperson
Asia Indigenous Youth Platform

Click here to download the full AIYP Statement