JSS Santu faction kidnaps one in Jurachari

chtnews.com
News No. 24/2010, February 14, 2010

The armed Jana Samhati Samiti militants (Santu faction) have kidnapped a supporter of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) in Jurahcari in Rangamati district, sources say.

The incident took place yesterday about 7:30pm. According to an independent source, a group of about 15 Santu loyalists led by Hridoy Kumar Chakma (60), Promesh Chakma and Joti Chakma abducted Kalpa Ranjan Chakma (35) son of Ram Chakma from his home in the village of Daney Panchari under Jurachari Sadar Union.

The JSS men were armed with automatic weapons and aggressive in their behaviour.

Kalpa Ranjan Chakma is the president of the Village Committee in his village and actively supports the United Peoples Democratic Front.

One of the kidnappers, Hridoy Kumra Chakma, is an accused in a murder case and is now on bail.

The JSS members also beat up five other villagers for providing support to the UPDF, which has become the leading party championing the cause of the Jumma people, routing the JSS from most of the areas held by it earlier.

The victims have been identified as Shankar Chakma (35) son of Debendra Chakma, his wife Maharani Chakma, his son Sorit Chakma, Birongo Chakma (33) son of Shashi Moni Chakma and Balaram Chakma (30) son of Ananda Kumar Chakma.

Shanti Dev Chakma, UPDF’s Rangamati District Unit Organiser, condemned the kidnapping as cowardice and urged Santu Larma to shun violence and come to the negotiating table.

“These kinds of violence only serve the interest of the oppressors of the Jumma people and should be condemned by all those who claim to support the cause of the Jumma people.” he said in a telephone interview with chtnews.com.

He also urged the Santu loyalists not to harm Kalpa Ranjan Chakma and release him immediately.