Staff Correspondent, Khagrachhari : Amid a large military & law enforcement presence, the road blockade that initially started protesting the rape of a Marma girl but spiralled into attacks on and clashes with the military & law enforcement was partially eased on its fourth day. With that said, tensions remain high.
Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Police and other law enforcement agencies have been patrolling the region since morning to maintain order after at least 3 people were killed & 20 people were injured in the violence including 13 army personnel and three police officers.
According to reports, the 12-year-old girl was raped by three Bengali youths on the night of September 23 while returning home from private tuition in the Singinala area of Khagrachhari around 9:00 pm.
So far, the police have arrested one suspect, Shayan Shil, who has been placed on a six-day remand by a Khagrachhari court for further interrogation. Two others remain at large.
Home Affairs Advisor Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has lent weight to the ongoing situation today by saying that “Indian instigation” may be behind the ongoing unrest in Khagrachhari.
“India or the fascists are instigating these incidents. We are taking all possible measures to ensure they can’t succeed,” he added. “At present the situation is more or less under control.” Addressing Sunday’s violence, Jahangir said: “Some criminals opened fire from the top of a hill. Many of them came from outside, but I don’t want to name the country.”
Meanwhile, the indefinite road blockade organised under the banner of Jumma students and local residents entered its third day on Monday, bringing normal life to a near standstill.
Replying to local journalists today at a nodal point in Khagrachhari – an Army Lieutenant stated that the situation was stable & the Army was patrolling the district and has set up checkpoints to ensure the safety of all.
Liberty News’ local correspondent reports that even though the situation is calmer than the last few days filled with clashes, the Home Advisor’s statement clarified that geo-political elements from neighboring countries may very well be at play in Khagrachhari at present.
LND/SBR
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