Hill Voice, 27 August 2025, Special Correspondent: There are reports of harassing and intimidating military operations by the Bangladesh Army from time to time, while the terrorists of the anti-CHT Accord UPDF (Prasit Group) are carrying out various atrocities in the villages of Jummas, including banning the purchase and sale of daily necessities, beating the villagers, and imposing fines in Dighinala and Panchari upazilas of Khagrachari Hill District. It is reported that due to pressure from both sides, the lives of the general public are being severely affected and the villagers are becoming restless.

According to multiple local sources, a joint army group of 80-90 soldiers from Dighinala Army Zone and Jarulchari Army Zone in Khagrachari went on an operation in Dhanpada village of Babuchara Union by vehicles on August 25. Then they went to Pakujjechari on foot from there and stayed there. Then on August 26, in the morning, more army personnel by 5 vehicles joined the Pakujjechari army group. These army groups are led by Lt. Md. Russell of Dighinala Army Zone and Warrant Officer Md. Mohidul Islam of Jarulchari Sub-Zone.

Local sources said that the army will conduct operations in Dhanpada, Pakujjechari, Ugudochari, Borgo Para, Diren Para, Duluchari, and Naraichari areas under Babuchara Union. The army’s operation has created widespread fear among the Jummas of the areas.

On the other hand, sources from the villagers said that for a long time, the Jummas of that areas, especially in Dhanpada, Pakujjechari, Borgo Para, Derenge Adam, Ugudochari, Duluchari, Naraichari etc., are in a state of distress due to various harassments and oppressions by the terrorists of the UPDF (Prasit) group. The UPDF has issued restrictions on the purchase and sale of goods and other daily necessities for the Jummas’ shops in that areas and is controlling it as per their will. If the villagers disobey the rules or restrictions issued by the UPDF, they are subjected to beatings, fines or various types of punishments and harassment.

Despite the army’s raids in the area, UPDF terrorists remain undisturbed in their hideouts, while ordinary villagers are unable to move around or carry out their daily activities out of fear.

It is reported that the Jummas of the Naraichari area are suffering especially. Many of them have already suffered economically. They have not been able to sell their crops and vegetables properly in the market. Even when they go to the market to buy something, UPDF terrorists are creating obstacles for them. They are not able to buy more than half a kilogram of nappies and two kilograms of rice. Educational activities are also being disrupted in the schools in that area. Because UPDF armed cadres are often stationed there. On the other hand, the army also stay in the schools when they go on operations. Students and teachers are afraid to come to school.

It is reported that a group of 100 to 150 army personnel have also started operations in various places of Chenge Union and Logang Union of Panchari Upazila since August 25. It is reported that the army are conducting a massive operation in many places including Jagapara, Tarabanye, Horolechari, Ugudochari, Napida Para under Chenge Union and Harubil, Baburo Para, Dhudhukchara, Rupsen Para, Hatimara under Logang Union. The zone commander of Khagrachari District Headquarters Army Zone, Lieutenant Colonel Md. Khademul Islam (24 BIR) is said to be leading this operation.

It is reported that there has been widespread panic among the people of those areas. It is worth mentioning that the people of those areas have been subjected to widespread harassment and oppression by the terrorists of UPDF (Prasit Group) for a long time. Due to the presence of UPDF terrorists in those areas for a long time, many villagers have been subjected to physical and mental torture. In fact, the UPDF has established a reign of terror in these areas due to the dismantling of mobile operations in those areas, disconnection of networks, kidnapping, ransom collection, forced disappearances, murder and extortion.

Currently, despite the army’s operation, as the UPDF (Prasit) terrorists are holding the people of the area hostage, they are out of the reach of the army. However, it is reported that the general public is in deep concern.

Recently, when it is observed that there are widespread supports for the pro-Accord Jana Samhati Samiti among the people in those areas, the UPDF became concerned and began intimidating the people in various ways. A local source said that the army are conducting tactical operations there to intimidate the people in favor of the Accord and show support for the UPDF (Prasit) terrorists.