Kaukhali Correspondent, CHT News
Thursday, September 3, 2026
An estimated 10 acres of land belonging to Usipru Marma and Angsathwai Marma in Bottoli Leguchhari, a border area between Kalampati and Ghagra unions of Kaukhali Upazila in Rangamati, are allegedly being forcibly occupied by Muslim settlers identified as Md. Mati, Md. Nazim, Md. Mona, Md. Shafik, and Md. Russel.
All five Muslim settlers are residents of Kashkhali village in Ghagra Union. Md. Mati is reportedly the principal person involved in the alleged occupation, while the others are said to be assisting him.
The landowners, meanwhile, are residents of Bottoli Leguchhari Para in Ward No. 3 of Kalampati Union.
According to local sources, Bengali settlers began attempting to occupy the land collectively after the fall of the Awami League government in 2024. Although they initially withdrew in the face of resistance from the landowners and local hill residents, they have allegedly returned with groups of people over the past two to three months and resumed attempts to occupy the hill.
Despite objections from the landowners and local residents, the settlers have allegedly issued various threats, including threats to kill them. They are also reportedly cutting down trees and bamboo from gardens cultivated by the hill residents on the disputed land and taking them away. Local residents say this has been happening almost every day.
The landowners, Usipru Marma and Angsathwai Marma, are reportedly living in fear due to the alleged death threats. They have called for immediate intervention by the administration to ensure their safety and protect their land.
Local residents have also alleged that attempts are being made to forcibly occupy land belonging to Marma residents in the Kashkhali and Magrachhara areas, allegedly under the leadership of settler Md. Shafik.
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