Section 144 to be lifted if blockade called off: Khagrachari DC
NEWS DESK
Khagrachari Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate ABM Iftekharul Islam Khondakar on Tuesday said the Section 144 imposed in the district would be considered for immediate withdrawal once the blockade programme of the local Jumma population is lifted and the situation returns to normal.
He added that protesters need to end the blockade for their demands to be addressed.
A five-member probe committee, led by the Additional District Magistrate, has been formed to probe recent incidents, the DC said.
Speaking during a visit to the affected areas in Guimara, the DC and administration officials met with victims and distributed relief materials. He expressed condolences to families of those injured or killed in the violence and assured support for compensation, medical treatment, and rehabilitation.
Khondakar also said discussions have begun with representatives of the protesters. Seven of the eight demands submitted by them are currently under process and will be resolved at the negotiation table.
The DC’s visit was attended by Khagrachari Hill District Council Chairperson Shefalika Tripura, Superintendent of Police Md. Arefin Jewel, and other officials.
During the blockade, violent clashes on Sunday in Ramshu Bazar and surrounding areas of Guimara left three people dead. Shops, homes, and offices were set on fire, and several hill and Bengali residents, including army personnel, were injured.
The unrest followed an incident on the night of September 23, when an eighth-grade student was raped while returning home from a private tuition in Singinala, Ward No. 1 of Khagrachari municipality.
The victim’s father filed a case at Khagrachari Sadar police station against three unidentified suspects.
Police have arrested one accused, Shoyon Sheel, 19, while two others remain absconding.
Subsequently, on September 27, the administration-imposed Section 144 in Khagrachari municipality, Sadar Upazila, and Guimara for an indefinite period.
