C T Online Desk: Eleven families belonging to the Bawm community have been forced to flee their homes in Ruma, Bandarban, due to torture and threats from members of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF).
They sought safety in Thanchi Sadar, reaching there around 12:30pm on Sunday.
A total of 32 members from these families found shelter in Thanchi Sadar Model Government Primary School, including 10 men, 13 women, and nine children.
During conversations with these families, it was revealed that they have been subjected to six months of torture and threats by the armed group KNF. In response, law enforcement authorities have initiated operations to apprehend KNF members.
Due to the significant presence of KNF members in the Baklai neighbourhood, frequent clashes with law enforcement forces have occurred. Consequently, these families residing in Baklai Para have faced threats from KNF.
The 11 families were the last remaining in the neighbourhood, having spent several months hiding in the forest. On Saturday, they contacted former upazila Chairman Khamlai Mro who facilitated their relocation to Thanchi Sadar.
Bhaoram Thon Bawm and Rorem Bawm, residents of the Baklai neighbourhood, shared their experiences of living in constant fear for six months with Bangla Tribune. They often had to spend nights in the forest due to the presence of KNF members. Fleeing their neighbourhood was their desperate attempt to safeguard their lives.
Karbari (neighbourhood head) Thomlian Bom of Baklai neighbourhood stated: “In our neighbourhood, there were a total of 37 families. However, due to the violence inflicted by the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) and subsequent military operations six months ago, 26 families were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in various locations.”
“As the 11 families, we had to resort to seeking refuge in the hills during the day. At night, we would return to our hiding spots with whatever little food we had managed to gather, ensuring that our children had something to eat. This arduous cycle persisted from October 2022 to May 2023. Throughout this challenging period, we faced immense difficulties, often experiencing hunger, inadequate nourishment, and sleepless nights,” he added.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Abul Mansoor confirmed that these families will stay at Thanchi Model Government Primary School until the situation in their neighbourhood normalizes. He assured: “As long as they are in the shelter, the administration will provide them with all necessary assistance.”
Previously, on April 20, a total of 50 Marma families from Mualpipara in Paindu union had fled their homes and sought refuge at the upazila headquarters, fearing the KNF. Many of them have yet to return home and are currently residing with relatives or in other neighbourhoods.
