Jumma (ethnic group)
The term Jumma, also called Pahari by Bengalis, usually refers to the indigenous tribal peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. They include the Chakma, Arakanese, Marma, Tripuri, Tanchangya, Chak, Pankho, Mru, Bawm, Lushai, Khyang, and Khumi.
With the exception of the relatively well-integrated Chakma and Tanchangya, most of the peoples referring themselves Jumma are native speakers of Tibeto-Burman languages, unrelated to the Bengali language spoken by ethnic Bengalis. They are religiously and culturally distinct as well, with most being Buddhists, some Hindus, and some being converted Christians and Muslims. In addition, they have retained some traditional religious practices.
Ethnicity
There are eleven ethnic groups in Chittagong Hill Tracts who are termed as Jumma People. Chakma is the largest ethnic group living mainly in north CHT. Marma are the second largest ethnic group living mainly in south CHT. There are also Tripuri, Mru, Tanchangya, Bom, Chak people, Khyang, Lushei, Khumi.According to the census of 2022, the tribal population of the Rangamati District, Khagrachhari District, Bandarban District totaled 920,248. Population of ethnic minorities are: Chakma 454,925, Marma 209,783, Tripura 133,372, Mro 51,724, Tanchangya 42,943, Bom 12,311, Khyang 4,176, Khumi 3,341, Chak 2,725, Pankho 1,458 and Lushei 216.
History
Pakistan Period
During the construction of the Kaptai Dam, more than 18,000 families and 100,000 tribal people were evicted by then Pakistani president Ayub Khan without appropriate resettlement facilities or compensation. More than 40,000 Chakma tribals emigrated to Arunachal Pradesh, India. Consequently, the Jummas began a grudge against the government due to their distress.Bangladesh Liberation War
In 1971, most of the Jummas were neutral or in support of Bangladeshi independence, with the exception of the majority of the Chakma people, who were against the independence of Bangladesh under the leadership of Chakma circle chief Raja Tridev Roy.Independent Bangladesh
Between 1978 and 1990, the ruling government saw the Jummas as traitors and a potential risk for an independent Bangladesh. Allegedly, 400,000 Bengali homeless people were relocated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts with homes, arable land, and food rationing. It causes tension between Bengali settlers and tribal groups. Between 1979 and 1997, over 15 major conflict took place between Bengali settlers and minority tribes where government agencies have allegation to support Bengali settlers. Due to the outbreaks of violence, communal and social unrest, many Jummas fled to the Indian states of Mizoram and Tripura, or to Myanmar.In 1996, peace negotiations were initiated by then Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and a peace accord was finalised and formally signed on 2 December 1997.