Dhaka, Feb 18 (V7N) – The ongoing military operation against the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) will continue until the armed group is completely wiped out, said retired Lieutenant General Abdul Hafiz, special advisor to the interim government.

Speaking at the District Commissioners' Conference on Tuesday (February 18) at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, Hafiz emphasized the need for sustained operations to eliminate terrorist activities in the region.

Hafiz stated that KNF’s terrorist activities have significantly impacted tourism in several upazilas of the CHT, leading to job losses among local youth. This, in turn, has pushed some towards extremism.

"The question arose about how to overcome this situation. We have made it clear that the operation against the Kuki-Chin is ongoing," he said.

So far, seven soldiers have been killed, and many others injured in the operation, Hafiz revealed. Despite the losses, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating the group entirely.

Additionally, he reported that three-fourths of the 6,000 weapons looted in August have already been recovered. The remaining arms will be retrieved in phases, and the security situation is expected to stabilize through the ongoing ‘Devil Hunt’ operation.

The government has reiterated its stance that peace and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts remain a top priority, with military efforts continuing until the KNF is fully dismantled.

END/MSS/AJ