They said those who are opposing the project, want to destroy the peace in the area and do not want the development of Modhupur.

The meeting was organised by a section of local Bangalee and indigenous people at Chuniya cottage premises of Dokhla forest range office recently.

Rev Eugene E Homrich of St. Paul Church attended the meeting as chief guest while Michle Simsung, chairman of Bangladesh Tribal Welfare Association, Modhupur branch, was in the chair.

Rev Eugene E Homrich said the wall was needed for their peace and protection.

"The Garos are being educated now. They don't need to make protest against the government plan," he added.

Rev Eugene E Homrich said as peace-loving citizens, we are to obey the law of the country.

The speakers said the indigenous people would give all possible assistance to complete the construction of the wall.

They urged the government to implement the project immediately and punish those who are opposing the project.

The meeting was addressed by William Dajel and Helim Jatra, local tribal leaders, Md Zakir Hossain, chairman of Auronkhola UP, Md Yakub Ali, chairman of Shelkuri UP and Abdus Samad, commander of Muktijoddha Sangsad.

It is recalled that a group of indigenous people earlier organised rally and staged demonstration against the implementation of the project.

They said if the wall was constructed they would be imprisoned within it like the animals of the zoo.

The Tk 10 crore ADB-funded project started in 2000 and was supposed to end within this fiscal year.

The project included construction of 61,000 foot wall, 10 picnic spots, three cottages and two bird sanctuaries.

Only some 18,000 foot wall has so far been constructed. The rest of the work has been stopped in the face of the protest.