Hartal underway in Rangamati

A daylong hartal, called by Parbatya Jubo Front, a platform of Pahari Bengali youths, in being observed in Rangamati district on Thursday demanding the release of three forest officials kidnapped from Langadu on November 6. M Shahjahah, general secretary of the central committee of Parbatya Jubo Front, said they will enforce the shutdown in the district from 6:00am to 5:00pm to press home their demand. He, however, said Junior School Certificate and Junior Dakhil Certificate examinations will remain outside the purview of the general strike. At a press conference in the district town on Tuesday, the organisation of Pahari Bengali settlers announced to enforce the hartal on Thursday if the three kidnapped forest officials were not rescued by Wednesday, according to a news agency.