Hill Voice, 19 May 2024, Special Correspondent: Two indigenous youths were allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint from the Naf River in Haikong Model Union area of Teknaf Upazila under Cox’s Bazar district.
The victim families and locals claim that, the youths were abducted by members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Rohingya Muslim armed group.
The identities of two young victims are – (1) Chaila Mong Chakma (30 years), son of- Ucha Mong Chakma, Village-Lamba Ghona, Ward No. 4, Haikong Model Union and (2) Kamongthoae Tanchangya (19 years), son of- Mongthaing Ching Tanchangya, Village- do.
Yesterday (May 17), Chaila Mong Chakma’s mother Chuching Cha Tanchangya herself filed a complaint at Teknaf Model Police Station and appealed for rescuing the abductees. At the same time, she submitted a written a complaint to the Lt. Col. Mohammad Mohiuddin Ahmed, CO of Teknaf BGB Battalion and appealed to rescue the abductees.
An indigenous rights activist wishing not to be named, said the abductees are still alive and their abductors have detained them in Myanmar. According to him, if the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) force the abducting Rohingya group, it is possible to rescue the kidnappees.
Teknaf BGB Battalion CO Lt. Col. Mohammad Mohiuddin Ahmed told the media that efforts are being made to discuss the matter at the concerned levels.
It is learnt from the complaint filed by Chuching Cha Tanchangya at Teknaf police station that, Chaila Mong Chakma and Kamongthoae Tanchangya were kidnapped on May 16, 2024 around 7 am when they went to collect crabs in the Naf river at Gate No. 5 next to the house island of Haikang Model Union in Teknaf.
It is mentioned in the complaint that, as my son and the neighbor were not returning home on time after collecting crabs, all our family members started looking for them. While seeking, we learnt from the people that, Myanmar citizens belonging an organization named ARSA, kidnapped both Chaila Mong Chakma and Kamongthoe Tanchangya.
The reason behind the abduction of the two has not been known yet. However, according to a source, believing them as member of Arakan Army, ARSA members have abducted the two youths
Meanwhile, the victim’s family members are said to be in deep worry and fear.
