3 killed, 9 injured in clashes in Khagrachari

Three people were killed and nine others injured in clashes in Khagrachari yesterday (19 September).

The bodies of the deceased Junan Chakma, 20, Dhananjay Chakma, 50 and Rubel, 30, are in Khagrachari Sadar Hospital now, confirmed resident doctor of Khagrachari District Sadar Hospital Ripple Bappi Chakma.

According to locals, heavy gunfire was heard in Narankhaiya area of the district town yesterday night around 10:30pm. Panic spread throughout the area.

However, no one could confirm who were involved in the shooting incident.

Later that night, 12 people were brought to Khagrachari Sadar Hospital. Among them, three people died while undergoing treatment, said doctor Ripple Bappi Chakma.

He said four seriously injured people have been referred to Chattogram. Some of the injured were shot. Among the deceased, Junan Chakma and Rubel resided in Khagrachari Sadar and Dhananjay Chakma lived in Dighinala.

Chittagong Medical College Hospital Director Brig Gen Md Taslim Uddin told the Business Standard, three people have been brought here from Khagrachhari. Of them two people had bullet wounds on their legs and another person had bullet wounds on the shoulder.

On Wednesday, a man named Md Mamun was beaten to death on suspicion of theft in Khagrachhari. Following the death, Bangali students brought out a protest rally yesterday. Many provocative speeches were given, according to eye-witnesses.

At one point, heated arguments broke out between the Bangalis and the indigenous people.

Clashes ensued and at one point, miscreants set fire to about 50 shops in Larma Square. Five people were injured in the incident.

Later at night, there were shootings in Narankhaiya area of Khagrachhari sadar.

At present, the patrolling of law enforcement along with the army has been strengthened in various parts of the district.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Md Sahiduzzaman said Army and BGB have been deployed to calm the situation.