A daylong blockade in Khagrachhari called by the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) was marked by unsavoury incidents such as sporadic gunfire, arson, and clashes on Wednesday. Supporters of the blockade allegedly committed acts of violence on the roads and highways of various upazilas of Khagrachhari, including Khagrachhari Sadar, Ramgarh, Manikchhari, Lakshmichhari, and Matiranga from the morning onwards, though UPDF organizer Michael Chakma has denied the party’s involvement. Also Read- Two Hill Women’s Federation leaders abductedDuring the blockade, vehicles could not enter or leave Khagrachhari. Most of the roads in Khagrachhari were empty over the duration of the blockade, with most people too afraid to venture out into the streets. On Sunday, an unidentified group kidnapped UPDF-affiliated group Hill Women’s Federation’s Central General Secretary Monty Chakma and member Dayashona Chakma, shooting Democratic Youth Forum leader Dharmasingh Chakma who was with them.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 21, 2018 05:48 UTC