Tragic Armed Attack Took Lives in Khagrachhari
Sajid Sami Chowdhury, Chittagong Bureau Chief
December 12, 2023 — An upsetting attack in Khagrachhari’s Panchari district resulted in the terrible deaths of four noteworthy persons, including Bipul Chakma, ex-president of the PCP (People’s Council of Parbatya).
Last night’s attack in Anil Para village of Logang Union, Panchari Upazila, has left three people missing, raising more fears. Yesterday night, Monday (December 11, 2023), this murder happened in Anil Para village of Logang Union of Panchari Upazila. Bipul Chakma, the Democratic Youth Forum’s central organizing secretary, Sunil Kanti Tripura, vice-president of the Hill Students’ Council, Liton Chakma, and Ruhin Bikash Tripura, a UPDF member, were all killed. While the leaders were gathered, assailants struck, killing four people.
Nitidatta Tripura, Harikamal Tripura and Prakash Tripura could have been kidnapped in the middle of the unrest. According to local statement, the above mentioned seven leaders and activists, together with Bipul Chakma, went to the Logang area yesterday for organizational purposes. They were staying the night at a man’s house in the village of Anil Para. Between 9:30pm and 10:00 pm, an armed group of newly masked miscreants attacked the residence and carried out an armed attack in Thangare, which was supported by the state’s government.
They murdered Bipul Chakma, Sunil Tripura, Liton Chakma, and Ruhin Bikas Tripura one by one in cold blood. The terrorists fled after killing them. The deceased Sunil Tripura’s house is in Surendra Roaja Hedman para of Baranal Union of Matiranga Upazila, Liton Chakma’s house is in Dronacharya Karbari para of Vaibonchara Union of Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila, and Ruhin Bikas Tripura’s house is in Padmini para of Panchhari Union.
UPDF leader Angya Marma blamed the event on the democratic UPDF. However, Democratic UPDF President Shyamal Chakma denied the charges, claiming that there are various organizations in the hills that may be responsible for what happened. The community mourns and calls for immediate action and justice. The hunt for both the perpetrators and the missing people increases, raising concerns about regional safety and stability.