News No. 133/2012, Thursday,
December 20, 2012
TWO activists of the United
Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) have been shot dead by armed members belonging
to Santu group in Longudu Upazila of Rangamati district.
According eyewitnesses’ accounts, four UPDF members were
holding a meeting with local villagers at Dhanpudi Bazzar at Moddyo Harikaba
when an armed gang led by Jongi Chakma, a Santu group commander, carried out
the attack, killing Bidya Ranjan Chakma, 43, and Nazru Chakma, 24 on the spot.
Another UPDF member was injured in the attack, which took
place at 2:45pm today, while the fourth man, Bhubon Chakma, escaped
unhurt.
Dhanpudi bazaar, with only 6-8 shops, all belonging to
Jummas, is an islet in the lake
Kaptai.
The Santu men are believed to have carried out the attack
from the nearby jungle which stretches over about 3 kilometers.
“When they (Santu group) opened fire Biddya and Nazru
jumped into the Kaptai lake and began swimming, but the armed men went after
them in a boat and killed them in the most brutal manner.” a witness who wished
not to be named told chtnews.com.
Biddya Ranjan Chakma, son of Mokka Chakma, originally
coming from Kattoli Bengichara in Longudu, lived in Naniachar with his family,
while Nazru Chakma son of Din Mohan Chakma hailed from Bame Harikaba village.
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