The Khagrachhari district administration yesterday lifted the nine-day-long restriction under Section 144, which had been imposed following the alleged rape of a schoolgirl. The Jumma Chhatra Janata also called off its blockade programme.

A report prepared by a government medical board in Khagrachhari says that doctors found “no evidence of rape” in tests on a 12-year-old schoolgirl, whose alleged assault triggered fierce protests in the hilly district.

Traffic is returning to normal in Khagrachhari after the road blockade enforced under the banner of Jumma Chhatra Janata was suspended late Tuesday, bringing relief to residents.

Wife due next month as family pleads for peace only, not a case

Protest leaders cite administration promises and Durga Puja observance

Section 144 still in force in Sadar, Guimara

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury yesterday alleged that the recent violence in Khagrachhari is being fuelled “by a neighbouring country and fascist groups”.

Women’s team footballers Rupna Chakma and Monika Chakma, men’s team’s goalkeeper Mitul Marma and boxer Suro Krishna Chakma, among others, voiced their concern over the increasing number of rapes and urged for peace to return to the hills.

Three people were shot dead and four others injured yesterday afternoon in Khagrachhari’s Guimara upazila during protests by indigenous people over the rape of a schoolgirl.