Hill Voice, 15 February 2025, Rangamati: There have been allegations that the army have increased patrolling and search operations in Mogban, Jibtali, Balukhali and Bandhukbhanga unions under Sadar Upazila of Rangamati district.

Local sources reported that patrols and search operations are ongoing daily, especially in the Gargajyachari, Guruhaba, Kukichara, Perechuchara, Perachara, Ogoachari Marma Para areas of Mogban, Balukhali and Jibtali unions.

It is learnt that on 6 February at 10 am, a 10-member army patrolling group led by Camp Commander Subedar Md. Rahim from the Gabaghona army camp went to inspect an abandoned camp site controlled by Jurachari Zone in the Gargajyachari area. Then, Dipankar Chakma (53) of Gargajyachari village, s/o late Surya Kumar Chakma was forcibly taken to Kukichara Para. Then, they asked Ajay Chakma (62) of Kukichara Para for directions to Balukhali. Later, the army patrolling group has taken Dipankar Chakma to Gyana Lal Chakma’s shop and released him.

Then, on 12 February, at 3 pm in the Perachara area, a shepherd, while grazing his cows, returned home in panic after seeing about 60 army personnel stationed in the jungle. On that day, the army personnel were divided into two groups and conducted a massive search in the surrounding Jumma-inhabited areas until midnight, questioning and harassing the villagers. However, it was not confirmed from which camp the army group came.

In addition, while Jurachari Zone Commander Md. Ishaq was stationed at Rajmoni Para Camp, a 17-member army patrolling group led by Subedar Md. Azad from Rajmoni Para Army Camp on February 14, 2025, stationed at an abandoned school in Gargajyachari area at 2 pm. Later, they conducted patrol operations in the surrounding areas from there.