Staff Correspondent

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested the chief coordinator of Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) with the army chief asserting the readiness of the Bangladesh Army, which is leading a joint drive against the separatist group, to address the challenges effectively.

The arrestee has been identified as Cheosim Bom, 55, hailing from Sharan Para in Bandarban Sadar upazila. Described as a central committee member of the KNF and a close confidant of KNF chief Nathan Bom, Cheosim’s capture marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to curb the activities of the separatist group, said RAB-15 Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel HM Sazzad Hossain during a press briefing at Bandarban Zila Parishad.

The elite force executed a swift raid on Cheosim’s residence in Suwalok village in the early hours of Sunday, leading to his arrest, added Lieutenant Colonel Hossain.

Meanwhile, in response to the escalating situation prompted by KNF’s recent attacks, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed said the Bangladesh Army is ready to tackle the challenges effectively. A coordinated operation, spearheaded by the army, has been initiated to apprehend KNF members, recover looted firearms, and restore tranquillity in the affected areas.

Expressing disappointment over the disruption of peace talks with KNF, General Ahmed reiterated the army’s commitment to ensuring stability and security in the region.

The ongoing operation will persist until the menace of terrorism is eradicated, said the army chief during his visit to Ruma and Thanchi on Sunday. “Necessary steps have been taken and peace among the people will be restored. And, it will be seen that these terrorists have no place in Bangladesh.”

Stating that the operation has already been started, General Shafiuddin said, “Our law enforcement forces were able to apprehend some terrorists and recover some firearms.”

“We will tackle the situation in coordination with the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), RAB, police and other intelligence agencies. I firmly believe the Army will carry out the responsibilities, especially leading joint operations, with utmost professionalism,” he added.

He also said, “We are carrying out our activities as per plan. Some activities are visible while some will not be visible to you. But, the people will benefit.”

“To celebrate Easter Sunday on 31 March, we distributed 38 cakes in different churches in this Ruma zone under our supervision. We had a very friendly situation here. We even went inside the Bethel Para. However, they carried out the sudden attack on 2 April,” said Shafiuddin.

Pointing out that all of the Boms, also known as Bawms, are not involved in these incidents, the army chief said, “According to sources, some of them want peace while some do not. The latter will be eliminated.”

When questioned about the potential exploitation of the removal of the 130 army camp from the hills by the KNF, General Shafiuddin said, “They are deriving some benefits from it, and we are currently addressing those gaps.”

The General said the army is necessary during times of instability, stating, “The army is required only when the situation is unstable. During times of peace, the civil administration assumes responsibility and carries out their duties effectively.”

Regarding the arrest of the KNF chief coordinator, RAB-15 Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel HM Sazzad Hossain said Cheosim had concealed himself inside a locker at his residence. RAB personnel successfully apprehended him after breaking open the locker.

Lieutenant Colonel Hossain further disclosed that during the operation, RAB seized two firearms from a hilly area of the Sadar upazila on Saturday night.

Earlier on Tuesday night, in the series of attacks, KNF members stormed the Ruma branch of Sonali Bank, kidnapping the manager and looting firearms and ammunition from the police and ansar on duty.

The following afternoon, they robbed the Thanchi branches of Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank, looting approximately Tk18 lakh in broad daylight.

The bank manager was reportedly released on Thursday evening, two days after being abducted, following a ransom payment of Tk15 lakh.

Meanwhile, the terrorist group also launched attacks on the Thanchi police station, BGB camp, and upazila parishad on Thursday night, resulting in a massive gunfight between the police and BGB.

Peace Establishment Committee urges KNF to surrender their firearms

The Peace Establishment Committee formed earlier to carry out peace talks with the KNF has called upon the KNF members to return to their normal lives by surrendering their firearms.

The call was made in a written statement signed by convener Kyaw Shwe Hla and member secretary Laljarlom Bom of the committee issued on Sunday afternoon.

The recent attacks on people and banks have shocked the Peace Establishment Committee and mass people, the statement reads.

“In this situation, we call upon all members of KNF to surrender with their firearms and return to normal life,” according to the statement.