Shanti Bahini facts for kids
The Shanti Bahini was a group formed in Bangladesh. Its name means "Peace Force." It was the armed part of a political group called the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti, which means the United People's Party of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
What Was the Shanti Bahini?
The Shanti Bahini was created in 1972. It was the armed branch of a political party that represented the local people living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts area of south-eastern Bangladesh.
Why Was It Formed?
The main goal of the Shanti Bahini was to protect the rights of the indigenous (local) people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. These people felt their rights were not being respected by the central government. Because of this, the Shanti Bahini fought against the government for many years.
The Conflict and Peace
The conflict between the Shanti Bahini and the government lasted for a long time. However, in 1997, a peace agreement was signed. This agreement happened on December 2, 1997, between the government and the political party that the Shanti Bahini belonged to. After this peace deal, the Shanti Bahini stopped using weapons and fighting. Even though most members agreed to the peace, a small group disagreed with the deal and continued to oppose it.
Images for kids
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Members of Shanti Bahini in Khagrachari on 5 May 1994.
