CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION IN THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS: BRIDGING PEACE THEORY AND UN PRACTICE

Colonel S M Abdur Rouf, afwc, psc, G (Retired)

Authors

Colonel S M Abdur Rouf, afwc, psc, G (Retired) AFWC Wing

Keywords:

Conflict Management; Conflict Transformation; Insurgency; CHT Peace Accord; Peacekeeping

Abstract

Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) has long been experiencing insurgency and low intensity conflict situation. Despite signing of Peace Accord in 1997, a comprehensive solution to the problems could not be reached, and continued violence kept threatening the peace potential in the area. Erstwhile insurgent groups still maintain strong military wings; even the looming risk of “insurgency revival” could not be ruled out. A host of unresolved issues made the situation more complex over the period; discontents persist over the core issues. Arguably the management of CHT conflicts was not necessarily been successful as evident from the continued violence and instability. There are incompatible goals of the conflicting parties (Government and the ethnic minorities) that are yet to be resolved. This warrants conflict transformation, which deals with the incompatible goals in transforming relationship between the conflicting parties. Addressing the root causes, it simultaneously tackles attitudes, behaviours, and problems of the parties for a sustainable solution. This study explored conflict transformation theories wherein “Transcend/Peace Approach” found to be relevant for CHT situation. It also examines the relevance of UN peacekeeping lessons in the conflict transformation of CHT. However, the paper does not seek to establish a one-size-fits-all approach. Some common approaches with UN are assessed to be compatible for transforming the CHT conflict. Few functional recommendations are provided that may bring in peace and stability in the CHT.

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