http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/11/25/d41125020131.htm
The Daily Star, Vol. 5 Num 180
Thu. November 25, 2004
IT is certainly good news that BDR was able to seize a large cache of
arms and ammunition in Naikkhong-chhari of Bandarban district on Monday,
and kudos must go to the troops of the 40 Naikkhongchhari Battalion who
were able to accomplish the capture. Indeed, raids in the CHT region
have uncovered a significant amount of weaponry in the past year and a
half, and the rate at which the caches have been discovered and seized
must be considered a testament to the ability and diligence of those
involved.
No one, however, was arrested in connection with the raid, and it once
again remains unclear where the weapons came from and for whom they were
intended. BDR sources suggest that the arms and ammunition were being
stored temporarily in the forest hide-out prior to their being sent out
to different parts of the country. It is also possible that the arms are
connected to the unrest that continues in the CHT region. One downside
of not apprehending anyone in connection with the seizure is that
speculation will run rampant.
But one thing which is clear is that we cannot shut our eyes to the fact
that there are too many unauthorised weapons in the country. The
authorities seem adept enough at finding arms caches every once in a
while, but not at either preventing the smuggling in of the weapons in
the first place, or of apprehending those involved in the clandestine
trade.
Many questions remain unanswered about this latest haul, as is the case
with all the major hauls of the last few years, including the mammoth
arms seizure last April in Chittagong. It has been reported that in the
latest case, the criminals could not be nabbed due to lack of
coordination between the army, BDR, and police, and it seems as though
the first step which needs to be taken might be better coordination
between these entities.
This latest seizure reminds us that we still have not got to the bottom
of the April arms haul and that when weapons are seized like this,
invariably no one is held accountable. We hope that this latest incident
impresses on the authorities the urgent need to redouble their efforts
to apprehend those who are behind the arms trade and those who are the
recipients of the arms. This is a serious problem which cannot be swept
under the carpet.