Hill Voice, 14 January 2025, Rangamati: Allegations have been surfaced regarding extensive army patrols and search operations in Balukhali, Mogban and Jibtali unions under Rangamati Sadar Upazila.

The Hill Voice correspondent reports, on January 12 at around 12:30 PM, a 17-member army group led by Subedar Md. Azhar from Rajmoni Para Army Camp in Balukhali Union took position at Kaindya Lower Secondary School. At 6:30 pm, they searched Arsentu Chakma’s shop and its surrounding areas in Kaindya Doujori Para village. At around 7 PM, they moved to Kaindya Bosanta Government Primary School for spending the night.

The following morning (January 13), the army made another harassing patrol at 9 am in Agojyachari Para and returned to the school again. Later, they left the school at 1:30 pm and returned to their camp.

Meanwhile, on January 12 (10 am), the army dividing two groups conducted extensive operation in Gorgojjachari, Goruhaba, Khukichara and nearby areas. One group consisting of 11 is led by Gabagona army camp commander of Mogban union Subedar Md. Gafur and the another is of 14 from the Jibtali army Sub-Zone of 10 Bengal led by a Subedar.

Following these searches, the army dividing two groups stationed at the Perachuchara Health Clinic and at the Para Kendera (UNICEF funded pre-primary school) near Cholai Prue Marma’s shop in Ward No. 5 of Jibtali Union at around 4 PM. Then at 6 pm, they further resumed harassing patrols and searches around Goruhaba Mukh and other nearby areas.

After spending the night at the clinic and the Para Kendra, the army returned to their respective camps in the morning of January 13. Reportedly, this harassing patrols and searches caused fear and panic among the local Jummas, disrupting their normal life.