The hill smells of conspiracy

The government has taken a strict stand to prevent ethnic conflicts and violence in the three hill districts. The advisors of the government issued a warning against those who disturbed the hills while visiting the two hill districts yesterday. The situation in the hills was at a standstill yesterday after four people were killed in communal clashes in Khagrachari and Rangamati on Friday. Section 144 continued in Rangamati yesterday. Anxiety, worry, suppressed fear prevails among the locals. Paharis and Bengalis are not coming out of their houses. The entire city of Rangamati is being covered under the cover of law and order security forces. Army, BGB, RAB and police are stationed at important places in the city. Although the law and order situation is under control, the anxiety among the people has not subsided. Meanwhile, the cremation of Junan Chakma, Rubel Tripura and Dhanranjan Chakma, who died in Khagrachari, was done separately in various religious ceremonies in the presence of family, social people and UPDF leaders and workers. A protest rally and mourning meeting was held yesterday in Udal Bagan High School grounds of Dighinala Upazila organized by United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) Dighinala Unit in Lerma Square to protest the killing of Dhanranjan Chakma. UPDF Dighinala unit coordinator Milton Chakma, central leader Chandan Chakma, Kripapriya Chakma on behalf of local residents, Dighinala Union Parishad Chairman Chandra Ranjan Chakma, Babuchara Union Parishad Chairman Gagan Vikas Chakma and others spoke in the rally.

In view of these incidents, the first day of the 72-hour road blockade called by the Jumma students has passed in Khagrachari. No long distance vehicles plyed throughout the day. No tourist could go to Sajek as the inter-road communication with the upazilas was closed. Many people are trapped in Khagrachari. Security was tight during the siege. No untoward incident was reported anywhere. It is to be noted that a Bengali youth named Mamun was beaten to death on charges of motorcycle theft in Noapara of Khagrachari Sadar last Wednesday. In protest of this incident, when the general students of Dighinala Government College took out a protest march on Thursday, there was a fire and a clash in the counter attack. Three people were killed and nine people were injured.

According to the related sources, due to the violence of Khagrachari last Friday afternoon, the people of small ethnic groups came to Rangamati town to protest and got involved in sabotage. At one point violence took form between Pahari and Bengalis. A chase ensued on both sides. During this time, various businesses and transport were affected. One person was killed. UPDF and Transport Owners Association are holding counter-blockade and strike in Rangamati in protest. UPDF is observing a 72-hour road and sea blockade in Rangamati to protest the violence.

On the other hand, the leaders of Transport Owners Association are holding a 72-hour strike in Rangamati in protest against the vandalism and arson of various transport buses, trucks, CNG vehicles of Rangamati due to the procession of small ethnic groups. Meanwhile, due to the blockade of UPDF and the strike of the Transport Owners Association, no shops and businesses have opened. The market is not sitting. Minor ethnic groups and Bengalis did not leave their homes. Similarly, no launch and boat plyed the Rangamati waterway. Vehicles did not ply on Rangamati-Chittagong, Rangamati-Khagrachari, Rangamati-Bandarban roads. However, no untoward incident occurred.

Rangamati Additional Superintendent of Police. Saiful Islam said, "The law and order situation in Rangamati is now normal. No untoward incident occurred anywhere. Law enforcement forces are in a tough position.