Hill Voice, March 28, 2025, Bandarban: On March 26, 2025, when the members of the Sangrai Celebration Committee of Ruma Sadar in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban district went to meet at Ruma Cantonment to celebrate Sangrai, Major Mehdi Sarkar, 2IC of 36 Bir Regiment of Ruma Zone, threatened that action would have to be taken against the Marma community like the Bawm people.

Major Mehdi Sarkar, 2IC, alleged that extortion is being continued in Marma Para. But no one is informing the army. Therefore, repression and oppression must be carried out against the Marmas like the Bawms. At that time, Major Mehdi Sarkar asked about the number of families in Thandajhiri and Pantala Para of Ruma.

Then, on March 27, 2025, at around 11 am, a group of army comprising 24 personnel led by Major Monir from Ruma Cantonment, along with Agrabansha Orphanage Director Naindaya Bhante and Ward No. 8 member Aungsapru Marma of Paindu Union, suddenly arrived at Pantala Para of Ruma. The army personnel left after questioning the Karbari of Pantala Para.

The Marma community in the area is in extreme fear as the army has threatened to crack down on the Marma community like the Bawm community.

A former public representative, who did not want to be named, expressed his anger and said, “We have not taken up arms against the army like the KNF or demanded a separate state.” So, he questioned why the army would crack down on us.