Jumma (term)

The term ''Jumma'' (from Jhum cultivation, ), also called ''Pahari'' () by Bengalis, usually referred to the indigenous tribal peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. They include the Chakma, Arakanese (Rakhine), 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

Below is the population distribution of the Jumma people in Chittagong Hill Tracts, represented in pie chart. The Chakma community forms the majority, followed by the Marma and Tripura people.

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.

Culture

The largest cultural festival of these people is ''Baisabi''. It's the new year festival of the Jumma people. The name has been taken from first three syllables of the new year festival of three major ethics groups in the Chittagong hill tracts: ''Baishu'' of Tripuris, ''Shangrai'' of Marmas and ''Biju'' of Chakmas. The festival is celebrated for three days and typically fells on 12 to 14 April, along with Bengali New Year.

See also

* Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict
* Indigenous peoples of Bangladesh
* Ethnic groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
* Demographics of Bangladesh

References

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Ethnic groups in Bangladesh
People from Chittagong Division
Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict
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