Five villagers arrested in Sajek, released later

Five innocent Jumma villagers have been arrested but released later in Sajek under Rangamati district.

They were arrested when a group of army personnel from Baghaihat zone raided the village of Nangolmara in the wee hours today.

The arrested are Pochondo Kumar Chakma (26) son of Chikonya Chakma, Buddha Kumar Chakma (35) son of Kanu Chakma, Bishukko Chakma (25) son of Kanu Chakma, Protimoy Chakma (45) and Chikonya Chakma (20) son of Gojallya Chakma.

They were taken to Baghaihat zone and were subjected to mental torture.

However, they were released at 12:30pm after a group of village elders, led by Chitta Ranjan Chakma, the village head or Karbari of Guchchagram village, made a plea to the zone authority.

Before their release, the arrested Jummas were forced to sign a pledge stating that they would not get involved in “any terrorist activities”.

The Second-in-Command of the zone talked to the village elders at the zone headquarters.

He told them that his men had gone to the village and arrested those five after they received information that a group of terrorists were staying there.

The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) has condemned the arrest.