A member of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF–Prosit faction) was shot dead in Khagrachhari on Wednesday morning, over longstanding rivalries to establish dominance in the area among regional armed groups.
The victim, Newton Chakma, 47, son of Sonadhan Chakma, was a resident of the Joint Farm area under Sadar Union in Mahalchhari upazila.
The incident occurred around 9:30am in Akbari area along the Khagrachhari-Rangamati road. The incident has triggered fear and tension among local residents.
Police said originally from Mogban Union in Rangamati district, Newton Chakma had been in charge of the Akbari area for the UPDF-Prosit faction.
According to party sources, an armed group of around eight members carried out a sudden attack while Newton Chakma was engaged in organisational activities.
He died at the scene after being shot, while another individual accompanying him managed to escape unharmed.
A central organiser of the UPDF (Prosit faction), Angya Marma, alleged that the attack was premeditated and carried out by members of a rival group.
However, the allegation was denied by the United People’s Democratic Front (Democratic). Its central organiser, Amar Jyoti Chakma, said the group had no involvement and the killing might have resulted from internal conflict within the opposing faction.
Officer-in-Charge of Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station Md Kai Kislu said police responded promptly and are working to bring the situation under control.
The body is being sent to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital for post-mortem, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Local residents believe the killing is part of a longstanding conflict among regional groups over dominance and influence in the hill tracts.
The latest incident has intensified fear across the area.
