Khagrachhari: Another UPDF leader killed within 11 days

A Correspondent, Khagrachhari

Another leader of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Logang union of Panchhari upazila of Khagrachhari district, on Sunday.

The victim has been identified as Mithan Chakma, former president of the UPDF student wing, Pahari Chhatra Parishad, at Chittagong University.

The UPDF confirmed his death in a press release issued by its publicity and publication department.

Aongya Marma, UPDF district organizer, condemned the attack, describing it as an act of violence perpetrated by the Santu Group (PCJSS-Santu Larma) on the anniversary of the death of Manabendra Narayan Larma, a prominent figure in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

He further alleged that certain factions within the ruling establishment were using the Santu Group to prolong the ongoing conflict in the region.

Panchhari police station officer-in-charge, Mohammad Jasim, confirmed the gunfight and said,”We are investigating to know the details.”

The PCJSS has denied the UPDF’s allegations, suggesting the attack could be linked to internal conflicts within the region.

This marks the second violent incident in Panchhari in less than two weeks.

On October 30, three UPDF activists were shot dead by assailants in Latiban union, Panchhari.

The Prasit Khisa-led UPDF blamed the Democratic UPDF for the attack.

Another violent episode occurred on December 11 of the previous year, when four UPDF members were killed in Anilpara, Logang Union, with the UPDF accusing the Democratic Party of the same group.

The continued violence is escalating tensions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, as rival factions engage in a prolonged and complex conflict.