Army detains 3 militants after gunfight in hill tracts

A team of Bangladesh Army detained three militants from the separatist UPDF (main) group after an exchange of fire at Guimara in Chattogram Hill Tracts on Saturday noon.

The detainees are: UPDF (main) members Sathowai Marma, 32, Post Collector Ronel Chakma, 28, and Sarching Marma alias Raju, 22, said a press release.

During the drive, the Army also seized an AK-22 rifle, six rounds of ammunition, and materials for extortion from the possession of the detainees.

Earlier in the morning, while acting on a tip-off, army troops took position at Budangchhara area of Guimara region.

Around 12pm, UPDF separatists on two motorbikes approached the area. The Army team tried to intercept the motorbikes. However, noticing army presence, the militants opened fire, prompting the Army to return fire.

During the gunfight, Ronel Chakma sustained injury to the back of his neck. After pinning them down, the Army troops detained Ronel, along with his two associates, from the spot.

Army rushed Ronel to the Ramgarh Upazila Health Complex for first aid treatment. Later, he was moved to the Chittagong Medical College Hospital under police escort. Following treatment, Ronel remains out of danger, the Army press release noted.