Rangamati, Oct 5 (V7N) — Tension continues to escalate across the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) as two rival armed factions — the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) — prepare for a possible armed confrontation over a massive arms consignment reportedly brought to the Indian border for smuggling into Bangladesh.

According to multiple security and intelligence sources, the weapons shipment has been held for over a week near the Indian border adjoining Baghaichhari upazila. The cache reportedly includes more than 30,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and at least 23 automatic rifles, including AK-47s, M16s, SMGs, and Chinese rifles. The consignment was allegedly procured by the anti-Accord faction of the UPDF to expand its militant activities and destabilize the region.

A 135-member armed unit of UPDF, led by Senior Commander Ranjan Moni Chakma (alias Adi) and Assistant Commander Dr. Priti, is reportedly deployed along both sides of the Bangladesh-India border to secure the shipment. Their base is located near the N.Haba BSF camp in Mizoram and the Pittichhara area under the jurisdiction of the Gendachhara BGB outpost in Sajek Union, Baghaichhari. Local residents said the militants have stocked large quantities of rice and other supplies, indicating long-term preparations for armed operations.

In response, a rival JSS armed group of more than 100 fighters, led by Monimoy Chakma, Saiman, and Barun Chakma, has taken position in nearby Sialdah and Pittichhara to intercept or seize the weapons. Over the past week, the two groups have engaged in several fierce gun battles in the Amchhari, Gendachhara, and Udalchhari areas. According to local sources, two UPDF members were killed and four others injured during the latest clash on Sunday morning.

Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance in the area. Rangamati Superintendent of Police Dr. Farhad Hossain told Voice7 News that all security forces are working jointly to prevent instability in the hills. “We are keeping the situation under strict observation. Anyone attempting to disrupt peace or carry out terrorist acts will face the highest legal consequences,” he warned.

A senior security officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that if the shipment successfully enters Bangladesh, the region could face a resurgence of violence. “UPDF has several strongholds in Bhuyachhari, Durdurichhara, Thalkumbo, Lokkichhari, and Shilchhari. Their primary camp at Shilchhari serves as a storage facility for firearms and ammunition, and no civilians are allowed access. A dedicated training center is also operating in Thalkumbo,” the official said.

These camps are located in remote hilly terrain, about 30 kilometers northeast of the Machalong Army Camp, 18 kilometers from the Lokkichhari Camp, and 20 kilometers from Shaheed Lt. Mushfiq Tila Camp. Security sources confirmed that the army has bases at Naraychhari and Pangkho Para on the opposite side in Dighinala upazila, providing a strategic advantage if operations are ordered.

Officials said coordinated military action is pending approval from higher authorities. A combined drone-assisted reconnaissance and targeted strike could effectively dismantle the militant network, they added.

Intelligence sources also revealed that UPDF’s operations had slowed in recent months due to an ammunition shortage. However, the group allegedly secured nearly Tk 6 crore in ransom from a private mobile operator for the release of kidnapped staff, along with Tk 34 lakh in monthly payments as “protection money.” The funds are reportedly being used to finance the latest arms purchase.

Moreover, under the banner of its student wing, Jumma Chhatra Janata, the UPDF has begun collecting “donations” from villages under the pretext of helping victims of recent violence in Guimara. A significant portion of the money is allegedly being diverted to buy weapons and ammunition.

Security analysts warn that if the shipment crosses into Bangladesh, renewed violence could engulf the hill tracts, threatening civilian lives and regional stability.

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