Hill Voice, January 17, 2023, Bandarban: Two militant members of Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, a new Islamic militant organization who took shelter and military training in the camp of Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), widely known as Bawm Party, have reportedly died in the KNF hideout in the remote hills of Bandarban.

One of the two militants killed was identified as Md. Aminul Islam alias Al Amin (23), one of the seven youths of Comilla who left their homes motivated by Islamic extremism. He has died in a militant hideout in the remote hills of Ruma Upazila of Bandarban.

Imran Bin Rahman alias Shithil reported the death of Al Amin to RAB after he (Shithil) was arrested.

During the interrogation, it was revealed to the RAB that Al Amin fell ill due to starvation and died on 25 November 2022. After that, he was wrapped in a blanket and buried in the remote Luangmual Para of Ward No. 6 of Remakri Prangsa Union of Ruma Upazila of Bandarban.

Based on his information, last Sunday (January 15), administration and law enforcement forces raided Luangmual Para of Remakri Prangsa Union. Al Amin’s father Md. Nurul Islam was also taken along with.

Nurul Islam was taken to Ruma upazila by helicopter from Bandarban on Sunday. From there he was taken on foot to the deep forest where Al Amin’s grave is located. At that time, Ruma Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Mohammad Mamun Shibli led team of the army, RAB and police personnel.

The arrested Imran Bin Rahman alias Shithil was also taken with the team. He identified Al Amin’s grave. But no dead body was found when the grave was dug up, only a blanket and cloth were found. But some sandals, clothes and pots were scattered around the grave.

It is suspected that KNF members may have removed Al Amin’s dead body to hide evidence of providing shelter and military training to Islamist militants.

Al Amin’s father Md. Nurul Islam is of opinion that his son has been killed. His son realized the mistake and wanted to return home. For that other militants might have killed him. It is learnt that Md. Nurul Islam is preparing a case in this regard.

On the other hand, Joher Mohammad Abdur Rahman alias Zahir (33), another militant member of Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, was killed in an attack by rival armed groups on KNF camp established at Rengtlai Pahar (Kuki Moun) in Bortholi Union under Bilaichari Upazila of Rangamati on 6 June 2022. But his graveyard has not been found yet.

On 11 January 2023, Nizamuddin alias Hiran along with 4 other militants were arrested by RAB and the arrested Hiran gave information about Zahir’s death.

A year and a half ago, two friends, Nizamuddin alias Hiran and Joher Mohammad Abdur Rahman alias Zahir, left home from Noakhali inspired by Islamic militancy. Among them, Zahir was shot dead in June last year.

During interrogation, Hiran told RAB that another armed group of hills attacked the KNF camp where they were taking military training at Rengtlai Pahar (Kuki Moun) in Bortholi Union on 6 June 2022. Along with KNF members, Zahir was killed while resisting the armed attack of the rival armed group.

It is known that 17 members of KNF including the Islamic militant members were killed in the June 6 armed attack by the rival group. Faced with massive losses, the KNF and Islamic militants were so frightened that they fled to and took shelter at Sippi Hill (also called Ramettong Hill) next to the army camp near Ronin Para of Rowangchari Upazila leaving daily essential items like rice, potatoes, salt, clothes and other items lying around.

It should be noted that Zahir’s pseudonym in the militant group was Dr. Ahmed. It is learnt that deceased Zahir’s house is in Bijaynagar of Sonaimuri police station in Noakhali. He is the father of two children. In August 2021, Zahir left home saying he was going to Turkey. Three months later called his family and said he was in Turkey. After that he used to call regularly for several months. Suddenly he stopped communicating. Later, RAB informed the family members that Zahir died in Bandarban a few days ago.

A few days ago, Zahir’s father Rafiq Ullah went to Bandarban and identified his son after seeing the picture from RAB. However, he still did not find his son’s dead body.

Seven youths from Comilla, including Al Amin, a 4th-year graduate student of Victoria Government College, Comilla, went missing together on August 23 last year. Later some of them returned home or were arrested.

After the arrest, the militant members told the law enforcement forces that more than 50 youths from different areas, including them, left their homes after getting involved in the Jihadi activities of the new militant organization Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindil Sharqiya.

They were receiving training in exchange of money at the KNF hideout in Bandarban hills. Based on information that there are at least 55 militants in the hideout, a joint operation by the Army, RAB and SSF began last October, which is still ongoing.