Bormachari Correspondent, CHT News
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Preparations are underway to build an army camp on land belonging to the Arya Kalyan Bana Vihara in Bormachari, under Lakshmichari Upazila of Khagrachari district, after allegedly seizing the monastery’s property. However, the monastery authorities, devotees, and local residents are strongly opposing the construction of this camp.
According to sources, for several days now, a group of army personnel has been occupying the vihara’s land, setting up tents there. This has caused anger and resentment among the local people.
Due to the presence of the army, local residents are facing obstacles in conducting their religious activities. Recently, the Kathin Chibar Dan ceremony organized by the Vihara could not be properly completed. Out of fear of the soldiers, many—especially women—did not attend the event.
Local people believe that, fearing public resistance, the army might bring in construction materials at night and quickly build the camp structures. According to their information, the soldiers have already purchased generators, solar panels, batteries, and large cooking pots from Nannupur Bazaar.
However, the locals have declared that under no circumstances will they allow the establishment of a camp next to the Vihara. They said that the soldiers roam around with armed groups, shelter and protect them, but harass and oppress innocent civilians. They never arrest the real criminals.
Meanwhile, Vihara sources have reported that today, soldiers cut down trees and bamboo from the Vihara’s garden and destroyed palm saplings planted by the Vihara. When the abbot, Jyotish Bhante, protested, the soldiers expressed regret but did not withdraw from the Vihara land.
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