The PCJSS, a pro-CHT peace accord platform of hill people, in a press release yesterday blamed its rival United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) for the violence.

A 25-man strong UPDF gang led by Shantidev Chakma and Tapon Jyoti Chakma stormed Kurollyamura village in Naniarchar upazila at around 8:00pm.

The attackers reportedly in search of PCJSS activists found Chitra Kumar Chakma, 27, and Judhamoni Chakma, 25, shot them point blank and left them dead instantly.

Chitra Kumar, son of Kamala Kanto Chakma and former member of Shantibahini, PCJSS's armed wing, returned to normal life after surrendering arms with the peace deal signed on December 2, 1997.

While leaving the village at 1:00am Sunday, the assault team set fire to a house and abducted eight villagers at gunpoint.

Seven of the captives are Promud Kumar Karbary, 50, Biraj Moni Chakma, 35, Kanta Chakma, 25, Probhat Kumar Chakma, 52, Shadhon Moni Chakma, 45, Sumoti Ronjon Chakma, 33, and Kangsa Chakma, 65. The identity of the eighth abducted villager could not be known immediately.

The PCJSS and UPDF claimed to have lost 300 members in rival clashes since 1997.

Protesting the rampage, Rangamati district unit of PCJSS took out a procession in the district headquarters yesterday evening, followed by a rally at Rajbari.

Presiding over the 20-minute rally, PCJSS Rangamati district unit President Gunendu Bikash Chakma alleged a section of the government was guiding and patronising the UPDF, although it was demanding full autonomy of the CHT (Chittagong Hill Tracts).

"But what does the government prefer, autonomy of the CHT or implementation of the peace accord?" he wondered.

PCJSS central leader Jolly Mong, district unit Secretary Palash Khisa and Paharhi Chhatra Parishad leader Uzzal Chakma also spoke at the rally.

The PCJSS release says local police recovered the bodies.

Rangamati Superintendent of Police Humayun Kabir said he was ignorant of the incident, having no contact with Naniarchar Police Station because of radio network breakdown.