Unidentified criminals shot dead three members of United People’s Democratic Front at a house in remote Longodu of the district early yesterday.
Rangamati Superintendent of Police Md Sayeed Tariqul Hasan, the OC of Longodu police and the sadar union chairman confirmed the deaths.
The deceased are Juddhomoni Chakma, 30, Rupomoy Chakma, 28, and Sumon Chakma, 35.
The death of another UPDF member named Avijit Chakma, 29, could not be confirmed.
Locals said the two armed groups exchanged 15-20 rounds of bullets during the incident that took place around 6:30am at Bhaibonchhara of Longodu. The attackers later set the house on fire.
UPDF leader Michael Chakma alleged that members of the rival Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samity had killed their men. He also claimed that several women and children staying at the house had been missing since the incident.
PCJSS, however, refuted the allegation of their involvement in the attack. Deputy Publicity Secretary Sajib Chakma claimed that the killing had taken place due to infighting.
Sources in the UPDF and locals said several members of the group were staying at the house since Saturday night.
In a statement, the Rangamati unit UPDF demanded arrest of the culprits and their exemplary punishment. They also criticised PCJSS chief Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, also known as Santu Larma, for creating division among the indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
They alleged that the government was patronising the PCJSS members in carrying out criminal activities.
UPDF is known as a party that opposes the 1997 CHT Peace Accord signed between the PCJSS and then Awami League government to end a decade-long armed struggle.
In late last year, the PCJSS had declared to launch a non-cooperation movement against the government from May 1 demanding quick execution of the key provisions of the Accord. At that time, the UPDF leaders said they would support the movement. But Santu Larma is yet to make any statement on the matter.
