RAB intensify anti-militancy drive in CHT, 10 arrested

BANDARBAN, Oct 21 (UNB): The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Friday briefed the media about the details of the recent operation in the hills of Bandarban and Rangamati that saw the arrest of 10 militants and separatists.

The main purpose of the drives by the elite force was to capture those who are taking shelter and taking training there after tracing their location, Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of RAB's legal and Media Wing told the briefing.

The RAB spokesman disclosed that the arrestees included seven members of newly launched militant outfit Jama'atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya and three members of the armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) from Bandarban and Rangamati.

They were arrested on Thursday night, said Commander Moin. RAB started their drives in these areas on October 9.

The arrestees were identified as Sayed Maruf Ahmed alias Manik, 31, of Sunamganj, Imran Hossain alias Shaon, 31, of Pirojpur, Kawsar alias Shishir, 46, of Jhenaidah, Jahangir Ahmed alias Jonu, 27, of Sylhet, Md Ibrahim Ali, 19, of Barishal, Abu Bakar Siddique alias Bappi, 23, of Sylhet, Rofu Mia, 26, of Sunamganj, and the members of the separatist group Jouthang Sang Bom, 19, Stephen Bom, 19, and Mal Som Bom, 20, of Bandarban.

"The arrestees confessed that they had an agreement with a separatist group (KNF) to provide them shelter and training in exchange for money," said the RAB officer.

In 2021, the Amir of Jamatul Ansar fil Hindal Sharqiya had an agreement with the CHT-based armed group KNF regarding militant training in the area till next year. As per the agreement, Tk 0.3 million per month and food expenses of all KNF members were to be borne, according to the briefing.