Residents of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), both tribals and Bangali hill people, are spending their days in insecurity and apprehension, as the law and order situation is deteriorating day by day. With rising crime and political turmoil, they are afraid that clashes might break out any time between rival groups here, sources said. In particular, the failure of the law enforcement agencies to solve the biggest ever incident of abduction in Rangamati hill district in CHT, even though four months have passed since the kidnapping, have disheartened locals. Over 60 tribals were abducted in Rangamati on February 16 this year. More than 50 of them are still in custody even though four months have passed, said the sources in the law enforcement agencies.
Sources said a total of 62 supporters of Jana Sanghati Samity (JSS) were abducted from Loungdu area in Rangamati, when they were returning from a function on February 16. Later, the kidnappers released 10 of them, but the remaining 52 are yet to be released or rescued. Of these hostages, 26 hail from Baghaichari, 25 from Loungdu, and one from Borkol area of Rangamati.
JSS leaders alleged that the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) is holding the 52 persons hostage and the JSS has officially informed the district administration and police of Rangamati. However, neither the JSS nor the family members of the victims have file any case in this connection, as the kidnappers have threatened to kill the captives, if any case is filed.
Sources added that the JSS is paying money to the abductors so that food is provided to the victims. But, nobody is willing to go on record in this matter. Though the JSS has blamed the UPDF for the biggest ever abduction here, the UPDF has denied the allegations. Law enforcement agencies have already confirmed that the UPDF was involved in the abduction. The abductors have held negotiations with the JSS and have taken cash, money and other necessary materials for the hostages.
The CHT unit of the JSS has criticised the administration for not arresting UPDF leaders and for not finding the hostages. To press for these demands, they have also organised a demonstration programme, and submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through the deputy commissioner (DC) of Rangamati. They also demanded that the UPDF be banned in CHT. They said the UPDF is a terrorist organisation and has not obeyed the CHT treaty.
JSS spokesperson Sajib Chakma said, “It is unfortunate that the law enforcement agencies have failed to nab the abductors and rescue the victims. The role of the administration in this regard is mysterious. We demand that the abducted victims be rescued and the abductors nabbed.”
UPDF spokesperson Michel Chakma denied the allegations levelled by the JSS that the UPDF was involved in the abduction, and said, “We have heard about the abduction of 52 people.
-With The Independent input
