A large-scale security operation has broken the grip of armed criminal groups in Jungle Salimpur in Sitakunda, but authorities now face a complex task: restoring state control over government land without triggering a humanitarian crisis for thousands of residents.
The rugged hill settlement, long described by officials as effectively outside government authority, had for years been dominated by organised criminal groups controlling land, extortion networks and illegal arms activities.
Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Ahsan Habib Palash said the area had turned into a stronghold of armed groups involved in land grabbing, extortion and illegal weapons manufacturing.
During the joint operation, law enforcement agencies recovered a large cache of illegal firearms, ammunition and explosives.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Palash said the seizure included three firearms — a foreign pistol, a locally made pistol and an LG shotgun.
Authorities also recovered 27 pipe guns, 30 pistol magazines, 57 metal pipes used for weapon manufacturing, 61 cartridges and 1,113 rounds of ammunition.
Eleven crude bombs and a lathe machine used to produce illegal firearms were also seized during the raid.
Officials said the area had become a major criminal hub where illegal arms were manufactured and stored.
To stabilise the situation and prevent criminals from regrouping, authorities have set up two temporary police camps at nearby schools and deployed around 360 personnel.
Law enforcement officials said the operation has now entered its second phase, aimed at establishing full administrative control and dismantling remaining criminal networks.
Rehabilitation challenge emerges
With security forces moving to reassert control, the government is also confronting a major social challenge.
Thousands of families live across the hilly settlement, many of whom officials say were brought there or exploited by land grabbing syndicates.
Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Zia Uddin said the administration is preparing to advance development plans while ensuring the welfare of residents.
He said several major projects are planned in the area, including an iconic mosque, a national data centre, the relocation of Chattogram Central Jail and a night safari park aimed at boosting tourism.
Officials acknowledged that any abrupt eviction could trigger a humanitarian crisis.
As a result, the administration is adopting a gradual approach, focusing first on restoring state authority while identifying genuine landless residents eligible for rehabilitation or resettlement support.
Land verification begins
Authorities say the next phase will involve verifying land ownership and distinguishing private holdings from government land.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Sakhawat Jamil Saikat said officials are examining land records to separate legitimate deeds from illegal occupation.
He said the process forms part of a broader effort to dismantle hill-cutting and land grabbing networks while protecting vulnerable residents.
Residents face uncertainty
Despite the visible presence of law enforcement personnel, uncertainty persists among residents.
During visits to the area on Tuesday, security forces were seen maintaining positions across parts of Jungle Salimpur and Alinagar, while some families began leaving the settlement.
Local residents said the area has long served both as a refuge for impoverished families and as a hideout for criminal groups.
Authorities estimate that more than 100,000 people live across the rugged hills and forested slopes of Jungle Salimpur.
Jamal Uddin, a 65-year-old village doctor, said many residents had spent their life savings building homes there.
“Most people here are low-income earners who invested their savings simply to secure a place to live,” he said. “Criminal syndicates exploited this situation and made large profits.”
Another resident, Ferdous Begum, said many families remain uncertain about what lies ahead.
“Situations like this arise here from time to time,” she said. “After a few days everything usually returns to what people here consider normal.”
Development plans face complex realities
Officials say Jungle Salimpur now stands at a critical turning point.
Authorities argue that restoring government control is essential to curb illegal land occupation and environmental damage caused by uncontrolled hill cutting.
At the same time, the administration must balance enforcement with humanitarian considerations as it determines the future of thousands of residents.
Officials say the government’s approach will focus on restoring lawful administration while protecting vulnerable communities as plans for the area move forward.
