Kaukhali Correspondent, CHT News
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Bangladesh Army and the PCJSS (Santu Group) have reportedly been conducting coordinated armed operations in Kaukhali Upazila of Rangamati District, according to local sources.
Sources said that on the morning of July 2, 2026, an army team moved from the Ghagra Champatali Camp to Adam's Kiyong (Buddhist monastery) in Kojoichhari. Under the army's security cover, an armed group from the PCJSS (Santu Group) then entered Moner Koroi Chap Adam village in Kojoichhari and established a position there. The army later returned to its camp, while members of the Santu Group reportedly remained in the area.
Local residents alleged that the Bangladesh Army and the PCJSS (Santu Group) were operating in coordination. They claimed that the group's activities were being carried out with army support and were contrary to the national interest. Although many residents said they were reluctant to speak publicly, they stated that they do not support the Santu Group.
The reported joint operation has generated concern among local residents, who called on Santu Larma to immediately halt what they described as activities against the national interest.
According to local accounts, on the night of June 27, armed members of the PCJSS (Santu Group) entered Nuo Adam and Levapara in Ghagra Union. The following morning, they allegedly abducted two women who had gone to collect firewood near the site of the former army camp in Levapara and demanded a ransom of 600,000 Bangladeshi taka. The two women were reportedly released after the incident circulated on social media and drew public criticism.
Residents also referred to an earlier incident on May 5, alleging that armed members of the PCJSS (Santu Group), with the assistance of the Bangladesh Army, traveled from Debatachhari village in Wagga Union, Kaptai Upazila, to Chouchalabil village in Rangunia Upazila, Chattogram, via Bogapara in Ghagra Union. They further alleged that, under the supervision of the Champatali Army Camp, the group later established a base at Chalyatali near the Rangunia border and has since carried out armed activities in different parts of Ghagra Union.
Local sources further claimed that on June 12, members of the PCJSS (Santu Group) entered Nuo Adam and carried out armed activities but were met with resistance from local residents, forcing them to withdraw to their base after reportedly sustaining losses.
--------