Army, JSS (Santu) conduct joint raid in Mubachari

chtnews.com
News No. 88/2009, July 27, 2009

Two Jummas have been tortured during a joint raid into a village in
Mahalchari of Khagrachari district by Bangladesh Army soldiers and the
armed members of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu Group), according to
sources.

Army personnel from three zones – Naniachar, Mahalchari and Mainie –
conducted the raid today at around 8am.

The soldiers advanced from three directions and surrounded Mubachari
area, believed to be a stronghold of the anti-Larma faction of the
Jana Samhati Samiti.

Eight members of the Santu Group accompanied the army, eyewitnesses said.

“They were dressed in army fatigues and were carrying automatic
weapons,” an NGO worker told chtnews.com quoting villagers.

“The JSS men also made announcements in Chakma language through a hand
mike.” They urged their rival faction to surrender.” he added.

“If you come and give yourselves up, we will find you jobs.” the
announcement said.

The army and the JSS men beat up Sharat Kumar Chakma’s two sons --
Priti Purno Chakma (45) and Kironmoy Chakma (32) — accusing them of
being sympathizers of anti-Santu faction of the JSS.

The JSS men also ransacked the house of Kalo Baran Chakma (35) in the
village of Edho Khul Chara under Mubachari area.

The soldiers and the JSS men left the area around noon.