August 26, 2003
UNB, RANGAMATI
Aug 25: A former guerilla leader of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) was shot dead in broad daylight in Kawkhali Upazila today (Monday).
He was gunned down by a group of armed assailants who allegedly belong to a group opposing the CHT peace accord, sources here said.
The victim, Krishna Shangkar Chakma (38) of Betchhori village, was fired upon near Kawkhali bridge when he was returning home from the weekly hat (market) at 9am.
Witnesses said a gang of about 15 people surrounded him and fired several shots, leaving him dead on the spot.
The murder created a panic in the area as many people fled to other areas.
Krishna Shangkar was a member of now disbanded Santi Bahini? the armed wing of PCJSS? which later laid down their arms following CHT peace accord.
As soon as the news of the murder spread, hundreds of local tribal people rushed to the home of Chakma Raja Barrister Debashis Roy and submitted a memorandum demanding restoration of peace in the area.
Meanwhile, PCJSS in a statement today (Monday) strongly protested the murder of their leader and alleged that the anti-peace group has so far killed 70 of their leaders and workers.
They also strongly protested the attacks and arson in Ramharipara and Krishmachhara villages in Naniarchar Upazila by the anti-peace group on Saturday.
The PCJSS also alleged that the attackers had set ablaze 10 houses and kidnapped some 16 villagers.