have expressed concern over the postponement of the October 19 meeting of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Land Dispute Resolution Commission.

In a joint statement, they called for a high-level, independent, and impartial investigation to determine who are blocking the commission's scheduled meetings in the three hill districts and why the meetings are being repeatedly postponed.

They also insisted that any influential quarter within the government abetting these obstructions must be identified and held accountable.

The signatories strongly condemned the decision to defer the meeting "in the face of threats issued from a group under the banner of Rangamati Shachetan Nagorik Shomaj".

They denounced what they described as the authorities' appeasement of anti-peace elements and the administration's muted response, seen by observers as permissive.

They said although the Land Commission was formed 24 years ago to resolve land disputes, it has failed to make meaningful progress.

After the 2016 amendment to the relevant law, a few meetings were held and several decisions were taken, but those remain unimplemented.

Over 26,000 land dispute applications are now pending, they said.

The statement further alleged that no effective steps have been taken to make the commission operational.

The signatories also protested the continuous violence, land grabbing, arson, communal attacks, sexual violence and false cases against indigenous people in the hills.

They said it must be remembered that no government or influential quarter can evade accountability to the people of the CHT or the rest of the country.

"The July uprising has reaffirmed that message," the statement added.

The signatories include rights activist Sultana Kamal, Nijera Kori coordinator Khushi Kabir, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman, Naripokkho founder Shireen Huq, Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam, ALRD Executive Director Shamsul Huda, writer and researcher Pavel Partha, Supreme Court lawyers Subrata Chowdhury and Tobarak Hossain, and BELA Chief Executive Taslima Islam.