Rangamati, June 24 (V7N) — Armed militants belonging to the proscribed United People's Democratic Front (UPDF - Prasit faction), a known anti-peace accord insurgent group, launched a brazen gun attack on a patrolling unit of the Bangladesh Army in the remote Maunpara area of Rangamati Sadar upazila. The assault occurred during a pre-dawn security operation based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of armed militants and stockpiled illegal weapons and ammunition in the area.

A senior official of the security forces, confirming the incident on condition of anonymity, said that following the attack, a contingent of approximately 180 security personnel cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive search operation. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate later confirmed the operation in an official press statement.

Background and Attack Details

According to reliable sources, on Monday, June 23, a patrol team of the Bangladesh Army was operating in Maunpara when a man identifying himself as Major Sudarshan, a commander of the UPDF (Prasit), issued a threat via mobile phone, warning the army to withdraw from the area. Instead, the army reinforced their position and initiated a containment strategy.

In the early hours of Tuesday, June 24, acting on confirmed intelligence about the presence of militants near Maunpara School, the army launched an assault operation. As troops moved in to encircle the militants, they came under sudden gunfire. A fierce exchange of fire ensued between the two sides.

During the clash, one army personnel — Md. Tariquzzaman Khan — sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand. He was promptly airlifted to Chattogram Combined Military Hospital (CMH) via helicopter for medical treatment.

Militants Apprehended, Arms Seized

Three UPDF (Prasit) operatives were apprehended at the scene. They were found in possession of an LMG (light machine gun), ammunition, and national identification cards. The arrested individuals were identified as:

  1. Monsukh Chakma (50), son of the late Bindu Kumar Chakma

  2. Sindhu Moni Chakma (23), son of Monsukh Chakma

  3. Antor Chakma (19), son of Sonamuni Chakma

A cache of weapons and materials was recovered from their possession, including:

  • 1 submachine gun (SMG)

  • 12 rounds of pistol ammunition

  • 46 rounds of rifle ammunition

  • Several sharp local weapons

  • Multiple mobile phones used for communication

Local sources reported that during the gunfight, a civilian from Ghagra Ulto Para, an indigenous resident, was shot in the leg and is currently receiving treatment.

Escalation of Armed Activities in the Hills

The UPDF (Prasit faction), which opposes the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, has recently intensified its militant activities across the hill tracts. Reports indicate that the group has increased extortion by nearly tenfold compared to previous years and is allegedly raising funds to procure heavy firearms from across the border, aiming to further its armed insurgency.

According to multiple sources, the group’s aggression spiked further after being excluded from subsequent meetings of the Hill Tracts Reform Commission following the initial round of dialogue. Since then, UPDF (Prasit) operatives have frequently entered Rangamati town to stage protest rallies and assert their presence.

For years, the group has been involved in extortion, illegal arms trade, and various acts of violence. They continue to terrorize local residents in a bid to establish territorial control and suppress dissent.

Authorities Respond

When contacted, Dr. Farhad Hossain, Superintendent of Police for Rangamati District, told this reporter:
"We are monitoring the situation in Rangamati very closely. Necessary measures have been taken to ensure public safety. Anyone found involved in criminal activities will face legal action under the prevailing laws."

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