UPDF refutes JSS claim that Shukra Sen Chakma is JSS member

chtnews.com
News No. 176/2009, November 08, 2009

The United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) has vehemently denied allegations that Shukra Sen Chakma (32) was abducted by its members.

Refuting JSS claim that Mr. Chakma is a member of the JSS, UPDF’s Rangamati District Unit Organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma told chtnews.com “this is an absolute lie”.

“The fact is that Shukra Sen Chakma is a member of the UPDF. He and another UPDF member, Laxmi Kumar Chakma, were abducted by JSS members on 2 September from Rangamati town when they went there to appear before the court.” Shanti said.

He went on to say: “Later, they were released from Rangapani, a stronghold of the JSS Santu faction, on payment of a ransom of Taka 210,000. However, after the release the JSS put Shukra Sen Chakma under house arrest.”

“What our supporters have done is that they have rescued him from house arrest.” Shanti Chakma said.

The statement claiming Shukra Sen Chakma as their member has been published in today’s (Sunday) Daily Star.

It needs to be mentioned here that the incident of the release of Shukra Sen Chakma and Laxmi Kumar Chakma was reported in the chtnews.com on September 15, 2009.

In News No. 129/2009 chtnews.com said “The UPDF members -- Shukra Sen Chakma (32) s/o Chitra Mohan Chakma of village Dhamaipara, Panchari under Jurachari Upazila and Laxmi Kumar Chakma 929) s/o Brisha Ketu Chakma of village Morongchari under Barkal Upazila – were released on September 13 from Rangapani, a stronghold of the Santu loyalists.”

It further added: The Santu loyalists tortured them badly while in captivity – Laxmi Kumar’s one hand and Shukra’s one leg are believed to have broken.

“Although they have been released, they are still unable to receive medical treatment as one of the conditions for their release was to become Sramanas (Buddhist novices) in Swargapuri Temple in Rangapani.”