UPDF supporter kidnapped, released later

A SUPPORTER of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) was
kidnapped and later released on payment of a ransom in Chitmorom under
Kaptai Upazila in Rangamati district.

The kidnappee has been identified as Hlathui Khiang alias Shanti Babu
(35), belonging to one of the microscopic nationalities in the CHT. He
is a resident of Hamtangpara village under Roangchari Upazila in
Bandarban.

According to sources, a group of armed JSS (Santu) men led by
Commander Dulal took him from Chitmorom area on 3 December and held
him hostage.

Shanti Babu’s wife Rita Chakma said the kidnappers had called her from
her husband’s mobile phone and demanded Taka 300,000 as ransom.

Later, on 6 December, she paid Taka 200,000 and got him released.

After release, Shanti Babu, a father of two children, told chtnews.com
five or six Jumma youths he suspects to be members of JSS (Santu
faction) had forcibly taken him away from Chitmorom area in Kaptai and
then handed him over to a group of armed men.

He was kept at Barabunia, a stronghold of the Santu faction.

“They punched me and tied me down all the time.” he said.

Shanti Babu Khiang is a supporter of the UPDF. He participated in a
national convention against national repression in CHT held in Dhaka
on 29 November.

The convention was organised by Jatio Mukti Council, a political
alliance of which UPDF is a component.