PCJSS-UPDF clashes turn CHT volatile
The recent incidents of killing and abduction, especially in the wake of violent clashes between pro-peace treaty Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) and anti-peace treaty United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), has made Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region tense again.
“Armed groups of both PCJSS and UPDF have become desperate to control hill areas and collect tolls from commoners. Involved in killing, abduction and extortion, they are trying to overthrow each other,” Rangamati Superintendent of Police Masood-ul-Hasan told this correspondent yesterday.
Six PCJSS men and one from UPDF were killed in a gunfight between the armed members of the two rival organisations at remote Fakirachhara Bastipara in Moidang union under Jurachharai upazila of Rangamati district on Friday.
On the same day, an activist of PCJSS was gunned down allegedly by the armed men of UPDF at Gaborchhara village in Rikhali union under Rajasthali upazila of the district.
As signatory to CHT peace deal in 1997, PCJSS wants its full implementation. PCJSS leaders are blaming the government for 'dilly-dallying' in implementation of peace accord.
UPDF, on the other hand, termed the peace treaty 'not sufficient for the jummo people'. They are demanding full autonomy in CHT for 'lasting peace' there.
PCJSS leaders at protest rallies on different occasions said armed activists of UPDF are killing PCJSS leaders and activists and extorting common people, particularly indigenous people.
They urged the government to ban UPDF to 'remove the main barrier in the way to implementing the peace deal'.
UPDF also blamed PCJSS for killing and kidnapping their leaders and activists and collecting tolls from common people.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments