UPDF out to establish control in Rangamati

Plans protest against Rumel Chakma death

The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), the regional political party in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, is trying to establish its supremacy in the Rangamati area following the death of Rumel Chakma, alias Supen, an armed member of the front. The UPDF is opposed to the peace accord.
The front has called for a road blockade in the Rangamati area today, protesting the death of Rumel. Rumel died at Chittagong Medical College Hospital ((CMCH) while undergoing treatment on April 19. He was seriously injured during a raid by joint forces at Naniyachor Bazar in Rangamati district.
Talking to The Independent, Jagaran Chakma, a leader of the UPDF, said Rumel, a student, was innocent. "We don't understand why the joint forces detained him," he said.
But the Rangamati superintendent of police (SP), Sayeed Tarikul Hassan, said Rumel was a member of the UPDF's armed group. He was picked up by the joint forces on April 5.
"During the raid, Rumel fell from a hill trying to escape and was injured. He was immediately admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital where he died on April 19. We have taken security measures in Rangamati district to prevent any untoward incident in the wake of Rumel's death. Rumel was cremated in the presence of his family members on Friday," the SP added.
Local law enforcement agencies said Rumel was a member of the armed group of the UPDF. He was involved in setting fire to a goods-laden truck at Betchori in Naniyarchor upazila on January 23. Local administration sources said the Rangamati area is dominated by the Jano Shonhoti Samiti (JSS), and now the UPDF is trying to gain supremacy in the area following the death of Rumel.
Rumel was an HSC examinee and Pahari Chhatra Parishad Naniyarchar unit general secretary. The UPDF announced a day-long blockade of roads and waterways in Rangamati on Sunday, a demonstration in front of the Rangamati deputy commissioner’s office on Tuesday and boycott of Naniyarchar Bazar on Wednesday. The UPDF and the PCP alleged that while in custody, Rumel was severely tortured by the joint forces.

UPDF out to establish control in Rangamati

Plans protest against Rumel Chakma death

The United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), the regional political party in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, is trying to establish its supremacy in the Rangamati area following the death of Rumel Chakma, alias Supen, an armed member of the front. The UPDF is opposed to the peace accord. The front has called for a road blockade in the Rangamati area today, protesting the death of Rumel. Rumel died at Chittagong Medical College Hospital ((CMCH) while undergoing treatment on April 19. He was seriously injured during a raid by joint forces at Naniyachor Bazar in Rangamati district. Talking to The Independent, Jagaran Chakma, a leader of the UPDF, said Rumel, a student, was innocent. We dont understand why the joint forces detained him, he said. But the Rangamati superintendent of police (SP), Sayeed Tarikul Hassan, said Rumel was a member of the UPDFs armed group. He was picked up by the joint forces on April 5. During the raid, Rumel fell from a hill trying to escape and was injured. He was immediately admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital where he died on April 19. We have taken security measures in Rangamati district to prevent any untoward incident in the wake of Rumels death. Rumel was cremated in the presence of his family members on Friday, the SP added. Local law enforcement agencies said Rumel was a member of the armed group of the UPDF. He was involved in setting fire to a goods-laden truck at Betchori in Naniyarchor upazila on January 23. Local administration sources said the Rangamati area is dominated by the Jano Shonhoti Samiti (JSS), and now the UPDF is trying to gain supremacy in the area following the death of Rumel. Rumel was an HSC examinee and Pahari Chhatra Parishad Naniyarchar unit general secretary. The UPDF announced a day-long blockade of roads and waterways in Rangamati on Sunday, a demonstration in front of the Rangamati deputy commissioners office on Tuesday and boycott of Naniyarchar Bazar on Wednesday. The UPDF and the PCP alleged that while in custody, Rumel was severely tortured by the joint forces.