Khagrachhari, July 28 (V7N) – A member of the Democratic Youth Forum, a close ally of the UPDF Prasit Group, was killed in an armed attack by the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (JSS) Santoo faction militants in Panchhari, Khagrachhari district.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in Ugudochari village of 2 No. Chengi Union, where about 20 militants led by JSS commander Piklu Chakma launched an attack on Khuku Chakma, 41, a member of the Khagrachhari branch of the Democratic Youth Forum. Initially, Khuku was shot in the leg but was later detained while injured and killed, according to a press release issued by Shyamal Chakma, General Secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum Central Committee.

Khuku Chakma was a resident of the Christian Para in Betchari Union under Kamalchhari Upazila. The Democratic Youth Forum’s central committee president, Jiko Tripura, condemned the cold-blooded killing and held self-proclaimed godfather JSS president and Regional Council chairman Santoo Larma responsible for inciting intra-community violence. Tripura criticized the perpetuation of conflict by various groups as a means to destabilize the legitimate movement of the hill people and noted that Santoo Larma has remained in power through undemocratic means for the past 27 years.

Meanwhile, Panchhari Police Officer-in-Charge, (OC) Jasim Uddin reported a separate gunfight at around 2 PM on Sunday in Babura Para area of Logang Union. No casualties have been confirmed in that incident.

Tensions escalated further following a large-scale gun battle on Friday night in Narachhari area of Babuchhara Union in Dighinala Upazila, involving several hundred rounds exchanged between regional groups. Although reports claimed four deaths in clashes between JSS and UPDF, the UPDF has denied such casualties. Representatives of the JSS Santoo faction have yet to comment publicly on the matter.

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