Rangamati Correspondent, CHT News
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
In a public meeting held in Bandukbhanga, under the Sadar Upazila of
Rangamati, two armed commanders of the JSS (Santu Larma faction) clearly stated
that they would collaborate with the Bangladesh Army against the United
Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF). They said they would hobnob with the army.
They also declared that the ongoing conflict would continue. “Either
we will remain, or the UPDF will,” they said.
These statements were made by two armed commanders of the Santu
group, named Deba and Foren, during meetings held on August 15 and 17, 2025, in
Mog Para and Sakrachari of Bandukbhanga Union. A 15-member armed group
accompanied them during the meetings.
The army operations, raids, and harassment that is taking place
recently in UPDF-controlled areas such as Kaukhali, Laxmichhari, Panchhari,
Guimara, and Matiranga have something to do with these statements of the Santu
Group commanders. These events clearly suggest that the army is cooperating
with the Santu group.
However, this understanding between Santu Larma and the military is
not new. In order to maintain control over the Regional Council, he has
historically maintained close ties with the army and has consistently acted
against political movements.
In January and February of this year, the army conducted extensive
operations in the Jamchuk-Marichuk Mon area of Bandukbhanga to
"rehabilitate" armed members of the Santu Larma group.
Later in June, a joint operation by the army and the JSS (Santu
group) took place in Furomon, a UPDF stronghold in Rangamati. During that
operation, a villager was seriously injured by gunfire.
At various times and locations, the army has conducted operations in
UPDF-organized areas to assist the Santu group.
This close collaboration between the army and the Santu group is no
secret to the public. As a result, the Santu group does not enjoy popular
support.
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