Hill voice, 13 January 2025 Rangamati: An innocent Jumma was reportedly mercilessly beaten up, a house searched and locals threatened by a group of army numbering 10/12 personnel led by Subedar Mohammad Syde from Shaheed Atiar Camp (Barakalok) under 32 Bir Digholchari zone. The incidents were happened in the Barkalok village of Dumdumya Union under Jurachari Upazila of Rangamati District.

Yesterday on January 12, 2025 (Saturday) at around 7:30 pm, the incident took place under the leadership of Subedar Mohammad Syde of Shaheed Atiyar Camp (Barkalok) under 32 Bir Dighalchari Zone of Bilaichari Upazila.

According to local sources, around 6:00 pm yesterday, the army led by Subedar Mohammad Syde came to Barkalok bazar. Finding no other people there except the local shopkeepers, the army asked the shopkeepers why there were no many people that day, when it is usually crowded. The shopkeepers replied that it was too cold, so may be, everyone went home early. Then the army asked whether they knew Bhagya Chakma. After sitting in the shop for a while, the patrolling army left for Surjasen Chakma’s house.

Then, on the way to Surjasen Chakma’s house, the army found Bimal Chakma (Barpeda) and asked him where Surjasen Chakma’s house was and whether he knew him? As Bimal Chakma (Barpeda) did not know Surjasen Chakma, Bimal Chakama was severely beaten up by the army.

The victim Bimal Chakma (Barpeda) s/o Meghanath Chakma is a resident of Barakalok Para, Ward No. 2, Dumdumya Union of Jurachhari.

Then at around 7:45 PM, the army surrounded Surjasen Chakma’s house. Entering the house, they ransacked the house and vandalised valuables. As Surjasen Chakma was not at home during the search, the army threatened his wife that if he would not go to the camp in 3 days, he would have to face dire consequence. Saying this, the patrolling army returned to their camp.

Moreover, it is known that several people of Ward No. 2 and 3 of Dumdumya Union under Jurachari Upazila were being looked by the army. The persons searched are:- Sumit Chakma Bhagya; Surjasen Chakma and his son Mithun Chakma; Rabon Chakma (28) son of: Kalpa Chakma, address Harin Hat Chara, Baja Chakma (30) son of- Sonaya Chakma, Address- Harinhat chara; Amar Kanti Chakma (33) son of- Rubendra Chakma, Address- Pagujje Chuk Mong Chari; Mikel Chakma (28), son of- Sombabu Chakma, address- Harinhut chara; Lakshidhan Chakma (32), son of- Ananda Lal Chakma, address- Harin Hat chara; Bhadra Chakma (25), son of- Morotacha Chakma, address- Bamerchara Gobachari; Parandhan Chakma (26) son of- Daya Kumar Chakma, address- Harin Hat chara; Amardhan Chakma (35), son of- Motilal Chakma, address- Lambabak; Hudoy Chakma (30), son of- Dabaram Chakma, address- Harinhat chara; Sundar Muni Chakna, son of- Janak Dhan Chakma, address- Shalbagan Ward No. 1 of Bilaichari Union. It is said that Pramesh Chakma and the said persons are being sought from the villagers.

A local villager, who did not want to be named, said that the army have been conducting patrolling operations in the village for several days and harassing people at their will. He said that the villagers are spending their days in fear and anxiety.