'KNF man' killed, weapons recovered

Bandarban Hill District.

Bandarban, Apr 22: An alleged member of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) was killed on Monday, in a clash with state security forces who are carrying out an anti-terror combing operation in Bandarban district. 

Although ostensibly the KNF advocates for the rights and betterment of the indigenous Kuki Chin tribal people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, it maintains a separate armed wing, the Kuki Chin National Army (KNA), that has engaged in acts of terrorism in the hills. 

The incident happened on Monday afternoon, in the Munlai Para area of Ruma Upazila. 

According to a press release issued by the Army's PR wing, the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR), weapons and equipment were recovered from the area during the operation. Although they are unable to offer his name, the ISPR asserts he was a KNF member. 

That is the only detail on offer. There is no age, name, residence, family, employment history or anything else. Just 'KNF member'. 

The body has been taken to Ruma Health Complex. As word spread of the killing, it created panic among the people of the area. 

Security sources and locals said that a joint operation by the army was launched on Monday morning in Munlai Para and several surrounding areas. During the operation in the afternoon, a KNF armed member was killed in a clash in Munlai Para area. Several KNF members are reported to have been injured. Later, the area was searched and the body was recovered along with weapons. The operation is still going on. 

Meanwhile, the joint forces have arrested 72 KNF members and their associates in the ongoing anti-terror operation. 

On the second and third of this month, KNF armed members raided three branches of Krishi Bank and Sonali Bank in Ruma and Thanchi Upazilas and looted weapons and money. Following the incident, the army-led joint forces launched an operation to suppress terrorist activities and arrest KNF members. - UNB