Clashes Return to the Hills: Who’s Pulling the Strings of Unrest?
- Update Time : 05:22:06 am, Sunday, 10 August 2025
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The picturesque Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), known for its lush green hills, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, is once again facing unrest. Despite its natural beauty, the region’s remote and complex terrain has increasingly become a haven for criminal activity, fueling violent clashes between rival regional groups.
The roots of the current tensions go back to 1997, when disagreements over the CHT Peace Accord led to a split in Santu Larma’s JSS and the formation of the UPDF. Both organizations later fractured again, giving rise to JSS (Reformist) and UPDF (Democratic). In addition, groups like the KNF, MNP, and ALP have been active in the area.
Violence has persisted over the years. Data shows that in the last five years, 34 people were killed in political and factional clashes in Rangamati alone. Between last August and this April, there were 59 reported gunfights among these factions across the three hill districts, claiming 24 lives.
Many residents live in fear—not just of being caught in crossfire, but also of being targeted on suspicion of supporting a rival faction. One local man, who was shot and injured, recounted:
> “I was summoned, but I didn’t go. Because I refused, they shot me.”
Former members of various groups and other locals told Somoy Sangbad that these organizations are fighting for dominance, attempting to eliminate each other, and dragging civilians into their disputes. “One side says you belong to their rivals, the other side says you’re on the opposite side. Ordinary people are stuck in the middle,” a resident explained.
Despite the challenges, law enforcement officials claim the situation is being kept under control through coordinated efforts.
Rangamati Superintendent of Police Dr. S M Forhad Hossain said:
> “There are political and ideological disputes, as well as economic interests at play. The police, army, BGB, and Ansar work together to find solutions.”
Authorities say their priority remains bringing those involved in criminal activities under the law to restore peace in the hills.
