The Daily Star, Vol. 4 Num 252
Wed. February 11, 2004
Our Correspondent, Rangamati
In yet another incident of political violence, armed youths allegedly
belonging to Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) abducted
seven people known to be supporters of United People's Democratic Front
(UPDF) from a wedding ceremony in Shabekong area of Nariachar upazila on
Monday.
Army and intelligence sources said an armed gang of more than 20 raided
the house of Doyal Chandra Chakma at around 2:00pm as villagers gathered
at a wedding ceremony there. They abducted Jogotjyoti Chakma, Ranga
Bapon Chakma, Sachindra Chakma, Rup Dhan Chakma, Protimoy Chakma, Dhon
Gula Chakma and Jytimoy Chakma -- all aged between 25 and 35, at
gunpoint.
The sources however could not confirm whether they were abducted for
ransom or taking revenge.
Shabekong area is a stronghold of the UPDF, a tribal organisation
opposing the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace accord signed between
the government and the PCJSS in 1997.
Several bloody clashes between the two rival organisations left four
UPDF men killed and 10 others abducted in Naniarchar upazila last month.
Additional Superintendent of Police Khairul Alam said they received
information about Monday's abduction yesterday, and police backed by
army immediately started a rescue operation in the area.
He however said success of operations to net criminals in the
forest-clad hilly areas is very limited.