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Published : 03 Jul 2025, 11:57 PM
The Bangladesh Army has reported the recovery of more weapons and ammunition following an operation against the Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA) in a remote area of Ruma Upazila in Bandarban.
On Thursday, the Ruma Army Zone Commander, Lt Col Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, detailed the outcome of the raid, mentioning that the mission was targeted solely at the armed group and not against locals.
Earlier in the day, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a media release that two members of the KNA, including a commander, had been killed during the operation.
Initial reports said three submachine guns (SMGs), one rifle, and other arms and ammunition were seized at the site.
In the evening briefing at Ruma’s Darbar Hall, Lt Col Alamgir provided an updated inventory, listing the seized arms as one 7.62mm rifle, three SMGs, eight magazines, 237 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition, 60 rounds of 7.62×54mm ammunition, uniforms, mobile phones, and 52 other items.
“Our operation is aimed only at armed groups. We respect and sympathise with the peace-loving local people. Just as we are citizens of this country, so are they,” he said.
“The Army is committed to protecting their lives and property.”
He added, “The security forces are determined to eliminate terrorists and counter their propaganda. Operations like this will continue to uphold peace and stability in the hill tracts.”
He said the variety of weapons recovered suggested that the Kuki-Chin militants were trying to reassert their presence in response to the return of 126 Bawm families to their homes.
“KNA is a separatist armed group that has long engaged in ransom extortion, bank robbery, weapons acquisition, and training activities in Bandarban and neighbouring hilly areas,” he said.
“They are accused of attacking security forces and threatening public safety.”
The Army identified one of the two slain KNA members as a commander simply called Putting, also known as Dolly, who held the rank of “major” in the KNA’s hierarchy.
The second deceased was also believed to be a member of the group’s armed wing, according to preliminary information.
Ruma police chief Mohammad Suhrawardy said the bodies would be sent to Bandarban Sadar Hospital on Friday morning.
Asked whether the military operations would affect tourism in the region, Alamgir said tourist sites would remain open and unaffected.
Locally known as the “Bawm Party,” the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) seeks an autonomous territory called “Kuki-Chin State” where ethnic groups such as the Bawm, Khiyang, Pangkhoa, Lushai, Khumi, and Mro would reside, excluding the larger communities of Chakma, Marma, and Tripura.
Due to repeated crackdowns on the KNF and its armed wing, around 3,000 members of the Bawm community fled to Mizoram in India or into nearby forests. Many of them have recently begun returning to their homes with support from the Army and the Bawm Social Council.
According to the council, around 300 families who have returned are now facing a food crisis.
