The display of arms and repeated incidents of attacks on people for extortion by the members of the United Democratic Front (UPDF-reformist) in Bandarban city are creating panic among the locals.
The latest report speaks of UPDF leaders Jai Babu Tangchangya, Pulu Mong Marma and several others being in a drunken state when they swooped on locals on a road in front of the Sangrai festival venue at Ujani Para Government Primary School on Friday.
They misbehaved with the people who came to the festival. Even if they were forbidden to do so, the UPDF leaders hurled abuses and beat up the locals with logs brought from a nearby sawmill. At least three people were injured in the attack.
According to locals and a case filed with Sadar police, the attackers also ripped off the clothes of a woman and molested several others. At one point, they threatened to kill the festival organizers.
One of the women filed a case with Bandarban Sadar police station against 10 persons, including UPDF Jai Babu Tangchangya and Pulu Mong Marma.
Seeking remedy, a memorandum signed by 166 locals living in Ujani and Madhyampara of the town was submitted to the Bandarban Hill District Council chairman, the deputy commissioner, the 69 Brigade Commander and the Superintendent of Police.
Officer-in-Charge of Sadar police station SM Shahidul Islam said appropriate legal action against the criminals would be taken.
