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locally made weapons, injuring 10 soldiers, including three officers. BGB personnel were also attacked, with one vehicle vandalised.
The statement added that around 11:30am, armed members of UPDF (main) opened fire from a hill west of Ramesu Bazar, targeting both Bangalees and hill people engaged in clashes as well as army troops trying to control the situation. An estimated 100-150 rounds were shot from automatic weapons, leaving several locals injured.
The army later advanced, forcing the group to flee, while outsiders linked to the UPDF set fire to Ramesu Bazar and nearby houses. Additional forces were deployed, and the situation was brought under control by around 4:30pm.
According to the ISPR statement, communal tensions in Khagrachhari had been rising since September 23, following the alleged rape of a schoolgirl in the Singinila area. Police, with army assistance, arrested suspect Shoyon Shil the next day. Legal proceedings are ongoing.
However, despite the arrest, UPDF-linked organisations staged protests, rallies and a half-day hartal in Khagrachhari on September 24–25.
The ISPR alleged that social media propaganda from both domestic and overseas bloggers fuelled communal incitement during this period.
“The events of September 19-28 clearly indicate a greater conspiracy to destabilise the Chittagong Hill Tracts and incite communal riots,” the statement read, adding that evidence has been preserved with law enforcement agencies.
The army urged leaders of all political parties and communities in the region to act with restraint, and called on the public to cooperate with security forces in restoring peace.
Meanwhile, the home ministry in a statement yesterday evening expressed deep sorrow over the incident in Guimara.
It claimed three people were killed in an attack by “miscreants”. Thirteen army personnel, including a major, as well as three policemen, including the officer-in-charge of Guimara Police Station, and several others were injured.
The ministry assured that those involved in the incident would be brought to book following an investigation, and that no offenders would be spared.
The ministry urged all to remain calm and be patient.
In a statement, the BGB said, “Seven platoons have been deployed in Khagrachhari to maintain law and order.”
The alleged rape took place on Tuesday when the eighth grader was returning from private tuition around 9:00pm.
The Jumma people began protesting on Wednesday. Responding to their call, a half-day road blockade was observed on Thursday.
On Friday, a rally was held at Chengi Square in Khagrachhari Sadar, protesting violence against women. Stones and brickbats were hurled at army vehicles.
On Saturday, a day-long blockade was called. During the picketing, tensions flared when a group of Bangalees was blocked.
From around 11:30am to 4:00pm, chase and counter-chase took place in the upazila headquarters. In the afternoon, the administration imposed section 144.
However, when news spread on social media of an attack on a local Buddhist temple, members of the Marma community again took to the streets, resulting in further confrontations with Bangalees.
By evening, the law enforcement brought situation under control.
On Sunday, protesters again staged a road blockade. As part of this, they set up barricades at various points.
JUMMA STATEMENT
Jumma Chhatra Janata has announced an indefinite road blockade across three hill districts from today, demanding justice for the rape victim.
In a statement posted on the organisation’s official Facebook page last night, it also said that all tourism activities in the region would remain suspended during the blockade.
The group alleged that since September 27, Khagrachhari town has witnessed widespread army raids, assaults, and arbitrary detentions. It also accused settler groups of looting and arson in Guimara, claiming that four people were killed and many were injured in attacks carried out by the army and settlers.
The Jumma platform has demanded that authorities guarantee protection against attacks or intimidation during and after any dialogue, and called for the immediate arrest of the two remaining suspects in the Khagrachhari rape case.
It also demanded a speedy trial of the accused; adequate financial compensation and full rehabilitation for the survivor; an impartial investigation into the 27–28 September incidents in Khagrachhari and Guimara; compensation for damages to Jumma homes and businesses; free treatment for the injured; immediate release of all detained Jumma students; and withdrawal of section 144 in Khagrachhari Sadar and Guimara.