The routes armed groups use to smuggle weapons into Rangamati

STAFF CORRESPONDENT, RANGAMATI

Rangamati, surrounded by the vast Kaptai Lake and dense hills, has become a key area of concern for security forces. Each fold of the hills conceals both natural beauty and fear – with armed groups using the remote terrain as safe havens, officials say.

According to local residents and security personnel, insurgents have been smuggling weapons into Rangamati for years by evading patrols and using the region’s difficult geography. These weapons are reportedly traded for money and then resold to various armed groups in the hills and beyond.

Security officials have identified four primary cross-border routes used by the groups.

The first route reportedly starts in Myanmar, crosses India’s Mizoram border, and enters Bangladesh through Bandarban’s Thanchi, passing through Lulungchhari, Chakpatighat and Basantpara before reaching Rangamati town.

The second runs from Bandarban Sadar to Rangamati’s Rajsthali upazila via Bangalhalia, Kaptai’s Raikhali Bazar, and Boroi Chhari to Kawkhali.

The third reportedly stretches from Myanmar, through Mizoram, into Rangamati’s Barkal upazila via Shuknachhari and Talukdarpara, then to Baghaichhari’s Sarowatli and onwards to Baghaichhari Sadar.

The fourth route is believed to move from Myanmar’s Pukjing and Manpara border areas through Mizoram into the Sajek tourist zone’s Longkar Point in Baghaichhari.

Officials say arms traders purchase the weapons from these entry points and sell them at high prices to hill-based armed groups, while some are bought by plainland criminal networks.

Authorities say these weapons are being used by militants in extortion, murder, abductions, and violent clashes for territorial control.

Amid this situation, security forces continue to engage in frequent confrontations with these groups.

On 2 January, a member of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF–Prasit faction) was killed in a gunfight with security forces during a special operation in Langadu upazila’s Kattal Bill area.

Officials recovered an MR rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition, fake army uniforms, 12 mobile phones, two national ID cards, five bags, 10 blankets, and several documents.

Security forces also located armed camps in the Paglichhri and Jamchuk hill areas under the Bandukbhanga range. 

However, they could not detain anyone during the raid, according to a 4 January report by the Hindustan Times.

On 7 March, troops uncovered a secret hideout of the UPDF in Ghagra union’s Hajachhari area under Kawkhali upazila.

Although members of the group fled before security forces arrived, a large quantity of ammunition, uniforms, binoculars, walkie-talkies, computer hard disks, and extortion receipts were recovered.

On 16 March, in Safchhari union of Rangamati Sadar, members of the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS) led by Santu Larma shot dead Nirmal Khisa (32), a sub-post director and collector of the UPDF-Prasit group.

On 19 March, four members of the Jumma National Army (JLA) were reportedly killed in a clash with the Kuki Chin National Front (KNF) at Mitingachhari in Rajsthali upazila, according to a statement on KNF’s Facebook page. Law enforcement agencies have not confirmed the incident.

On 28 April, security forces arrested a UPDF member, Suresh Chakma (40), also known as Bidyut Chakma, from Shokinachhara area of Sajek union in Baghaichhari upazila.

One LG firearm, two rounds of ammunition, 10 extortion receipt books, a mobile phone, cash of Tk 2,480, and two account ledgers were seized.

On 6 June, a shootout between PCJSS (Santu group) and UPDF (Prasit group) in North Bongoltali area of Baghaichhari upazila left one man dead and a child seriously injured.

On 15 June, armed members of the Mogh Liberation Party (MLP) killed a Bengali youth, Abdul Hakim (26), at Fultali village under Raikhali union in Kaptai upazila. Hakim was the son of the late Bahar Ali from Khontakata Ghoniakhola.

On 20 June, two UPDF collectors, Subel Chakma (42) and Bindumoy Chakma (42), were arrested by security forces during an operation on the Marishya-Dighinala road in Baghaichhari upazila.

Officers recovered a pistol, cash, extortion receipts, and sharp weapons including machetes.

At that time, Lt Col Masud Rana, commander of the Baghaihat army zone, said the group had long been holding locals hostage and engaging in extortion.

“Based on intelligence, we conducted a special operation and detained them. Similar actions will continue to ensure public safety,” he had said.

On 23 June, security forces detained three armed members of the UPDF-Prasit group following a gunfight in Moinpara area of Safchhari union, Rangamati Sadar.

One army soldier sustained a minor hand injury. 

Authorities recovered an SMG rifle, 12 pistol bullets, 46 rifle rounds, and several locally made weapons from the detained.

On 29 July, the army exchanged fire with the UPDF-Prasit group in Harendrapara area of Sajek union, Baghaichhari upazila.

Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, three homemade guns, one pistol, an AK-47 magazine, 49 rounds of ammunition, four walkie-talkies, a GPS device, camera pens and buttons, UPDF flags and armbands, 10 books, and extortion receipt books.

On 11 October, two UPDF members – post commander Karma Chakma and associate Lelin Chakma – were detained from the Bogachhari area of Burighat union in Naniarchar upazila.

Security forces seized a pistol, a magazine, three bullets, a walkie-talkie, two mobile phones, and extortion receipts from them.

Local residents and public representatives are reportedly cooperating with security forces but avoid speaking openly due to fear of reprisals.

Officials say many provide information anonymously to avoid being targeted by armed groups.

Rajsthali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Imran Khan said law and order issues are regularly discussed in monthly coordination meetings.

“To curb drugs and terrorism, search operations are being conducted in border areas through BGB checkpoints and joint army operations,” he said.

Amena Marjan, UNO of Baghaichhari upazila, said her office immediately informs law enforcement whenever intelligence on militants is received.

“Regular cases are being filed against arrested terrorists, and border security has been strengthened,” she said.

Rangamati Superintendent of Police Dr S M Farhad Hossain said joint operations between the army and police are ongoing.

“Based on confidential information, we are conducting operations against illegal arms holders. The police are taking action wherever credible information is found,” he said.

Brigadier General Mohammad Nazmul Haque, Region Commander of the 305 Infantry Division, said in a recent interview that armed terrorism in the hills will not be tolerated.

“I have given the last warning to the UPDF’s armed members. From the Rangamati region, I can assure you – the armed terrorists will be driven out of the hills,” he said.