Rangamati, Aug 06 (V7N) - In Rangamati, a severe confrontation between thousands of members of two regional hill groups erupted over control of the city's streets, resulting in a tense and volatile atmosphere throughout the area. The clash, which started around 1:30 PM and continued until 3:30 PM in the Rajbari district of Rangamati city, involved hundreds of fighters from the JSS and UPDF factions. The army, deploying over a hundred soldiers, initially attempted to mediate between the groups. When these efforts failed, the troops intervened forcefully, dispersing both sides after half an hour.
The UPDF, led by Proshothik and opposed to the Hill Tracts Accord, planned a rally in Rangamati's Rajbari area with thousands of hill youths to demand accountability for alleged killings by the Awami League government, advocate for the inclusion of all parties in an interim government, and call for the release of political prisoners.
The JSS, led by Santur Larma and based in Rangamati, could not tolerate the large presence of UPDF activists in their territory. The JSS tried to resist as the UPDF moved from the water to the streets, but eventually had to retreat in the face of the UPDF's advance. The UPDF then took to the streets, pursuing more than a hundred JSS members. The Bangladesh Army, with hundreds of soldiers, positioned themselves between the two groups and tried to separate them for an hour. To restore order, the army chased both sides away. The JSS members retreated to Rajbari Kalyanpur, while the UPDF members boarded boats through Rajbari Sawmill and departed via Kaptai Lake.
Rangamati's Additional Superintendent of Police, Maruf Ahmed, reported that the situation is now under control, with increased security in the city and ongoing monitoring of the overall situation.
Witnesses indicated that Rangamati is a key stronghold for the JSS, where high-ranking leaders, including Santur Larma, are based. The JSS's influence had been further strengthened by the recent victory of their supported candidate in the Rangamati Sadar Upazila Council. The sudden arrival of the UPDF, led by Proshothik Bikash Khisa, with thousands of activists in over a hundred engine boats to seize Rangamati city without prior notice surprised both the JSS and local authorities. There are concerns that further attacks on JSS strongholds by rival groups may occur.
A witness stated that the army's prompt intervention prevented major casualties, noting that without their involvement, the clashes could have led to significant bloodshed.
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