Fierce gunfight by rival activists in Rangamati

A fierce gunfight between PCJSS and UPDF took place during the abduction yesterday morning. The rival activists fled away when security forces reached there.

Those abducted are Krinch Lila Chakma, 30, Kanika Chakma, 28, Arun Bihari Chakma, 33, Jagra Dewan, 47, Sadhan Purnaya Chakma,32, and Arun Bikash Chakma, 28, security forces said.

PCJSS supports the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace agreement signed during Awami League government in 1997 but UPDF opposes the accord. Sources in security forces said, at around 6.40 am yesterday, a gang of armed UPDF activists entered Horirumpur village.

In bid to resist the abduction, armed activists of PCJSS opened fire on the kidnappers, ensuing a gunfight, which continued about 90 minutes, the sources said.

Security personnel said they recovered 158 shells of bullets after the gunfight in which 303 rifle, SMG, 9 mm Machine Gun and other firearms were used.

Security forces arrested a villager from the spot.

Army beefed up patrol in the area as tension mounted after the incident.

On Monday, at least four activists of Paharai Chhatra Parishad (PCP), student front of PCJSS, were abducted allegedly by UPDF from different areas of Khagrachhari town, PCJSS said. The abducted persons were students.

The abduction took place following a clash between UPDF and PCP at Khagrachhari Government College on Sunday centring a freshers' reception. UPDF leaders in Khagrachhari however said their activists were not involved in the abduction.