The identities of the three individuals, killed in the violent clashes during a blockade in Khagrachhari Guimara upazila on Sunday, have been confirmed. All the deceased are from the indigenous Marma community, and residents of Guimara.
They are Athui Marma (21) from Debolchhari Chairman Para in Sindukchhari Union, Athrau Marma (22) from Sang Cheng Guli Para in Hafchhari Union, and Teiching Marma (20) from Ramesu Bazar Bottala.
According to local sources, on Sunday, during a tripartite gunfight between the security forces, Bengali settlers, and the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) in Guimara, at least three indigenous individuals were killed, and several others, including 13 soldiers, were injured.
The bodies of the deceased were sent to the hospital.
The clash broke out around 1pm in Ramesu Bazar, Guimara, in violation of section 144, and during the chaos, miscreants set several shops on fire.
Following the violence, the “Jumma Chhatra Janata” announced an indefinite blockade in the three hill districts – Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari – on their Facebook page. The announcement came after a protest against the rape of a schoolgirl in Khagrachhari.
On that day, several rounds of clashes took place. Khagrachhari Civil Surgeon Chaber Ahmed confirmed that 14 injured individuals have been admitted to the district hospital as of Sunday and Monday, with 13 undergoing treatment and one sent to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
District Police Superintendent Arefin Jewel stated that the situation is currently under control, with army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police forces patrolling the area from Monday morning.
Meanwhile, the “Jumma Chhatra Janata” informed on their Facebook page that the blockade on the Chittagong-Khagrachhari and Dhaka-Khagrachhari roads, which had been in place since noon on Monday, has been partially lifted. However, the blockade will continue until further notice.
The blockade was initially sparked by an allegation of gang rape against a hill schoolgirl in Khagrachhari on Tuesday night. Police detained a suspect, Shoyon Shil, in connection with the incident.
