Reports say one terrorist has been killed when villagers resisted an attack on a UPDF house in Sajek under Rangmati district.
The terrorists, 15 in number and led by Chinu Marma, encircled the house at Choinoichara village in the small hours last night and then set it on fire after looting valuables.
When the villagers came to know of the incident, they blocked the road and fought the terrorists. One of the terrorists was killed in their own "friendly fire", sources said. However, the name of the deceased could not be known immediately.
The terrorists also beat up five villagers during the attack. They have been identified as Kina Chan Chakma (45) s/o Rangahulo Chakma, Chikkakala Chakma (30) s/o unknown, Kalacheda Chakma (22) s/o late Budu Chakma, Bhagyojit Chakma (25) s/o Bannya Chakma and Ripon Chakma s/o Bharat Bijoy Chakma.
Besides being tortured, the victims were also made to carry the dead body up to the river bank of Sajek and were tortured there again.
The terrorist attack is believed to have been carried out to foil an election meeting called by UPDF. The meeting is scheduled to be held today.
The terrorists are remnants of an armed group patronized by a regional party whose headquarters are based in Rangamati.
Members of this armed group have recently ganged up with the military and the local leaders of the Awami League to make sure their favourite candidates win in the upcoming Baghaichari Upazilla elections.
They have been terrorizing, intimidating and coercing the innocent villagers in Baghaichari for the last few days.
On 14 January, the terrorists looted away cash Take 35 thousand and other goods from three shops in Ugalchari of the area. Three persons were wounded when they resisted the terrorists. They are Mohiuddin (20), Nazrul Islam (24) and Abbas Uddhin (30).
A local newspaper published from Chittagong treated the incident but stopped short of revealing the identity of the terrorists.
The army also did nothing either to prevent the looting or to nab the terrorists after the incident.
chtnews.com
News No. 03/2009, January 20, 2009
