C T Online Desk: The Rapid Action Battalion has arrested 10 suspected militants and separatists along with a large cache of arms, ammunition and equipment in a 10-day operation in the remote areas of Bandarban and Rangamati.
The arrestees include seven members of the newly formed militant outfit Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya and three of the separatist organization Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF).
RAB started its drive on October 9 and made the arrests late on Thursday.
In a media briefing on Friday, RAB Legal and Media Wing Director Commander Khandaker Al Moin said the elite police unit had launched the drive to nab the top members of Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya.
Recently some young men had gone missing from their homes and joined the militant group, he said, adding that: “Most of them are still missing and are hiding in these dense remote areas.”.
“They were trained in handling heavy weapons,” he said.
Of the arrestees, Sayed Maruf Ahmed alias Manik, Imran Hossain alias Shaon, Kawsar alias Shishir, Jahangir Ahmed alias Jonu, Md Ibrahim Ali, Abu Bakar Siddique alias Bappi, Rofu Mia are members of Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, and Jouthang Sang Bom, Stephen Bom and Mal Som Bom belong to the separatist group KNF.
RAB also recovered nine guns, 50 rounds of bullets, cartridges, 62 cases, six hand bombs, one cartridge case, two cartridge belts and one locally made pistol along with other equipment and jihadi books.
“The arrestees confessed that they had an agreement with the separatist group to provide them with shelter and training in exchange for money,” said the RAB officer.
In 2021, the amir of Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya made an agreement with the CHT-based group KNF regarding militant training in the area till next year. As per the agreement, Tk3 lakh per month and food expenses of all KNF members were to be borne, according to the briefing.
“We are conducting drives in the remote hilly areas and deep forests where they (militants) are hiding. They are also changing their location sensing our presence,” he said.
More than 50 militants were being trained at camps in the CHT area, he added.
Regarding the tourist ban in Bandarban, the RAB official said the local administration had imposed a temporary restriction on visitors in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas, in effect from Tuesday, due to RAB’s security operation. “They will lift the ban once our operation is over.”
