One killed in CHT gunfight

An activist of United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) was killed and another injured during a gunfight with members of Parbattya Chattagram Jana Sangahti Samity (PCJSS) in Bhitar Balukhali village of Rangamati on Thursday night.

The deceased was identified as Supayan Chakma, 28, son of Adi Ranjan Chakma of Maishyapara village in the district.

Ataur Rahman, officer in-charge of Jurachhari Police Station, said two rival groups clashed around 7:00pm over establishing supremacy at Bhitar Balukhali village.

Around 500 bullets were exchanged during the five-hour long gunfight that left Supayan dead on the spot and injured another member of his party, he said.

On information, police reached the spot yesterday morning and sent the body to Rangamati General Hospital for an autopsy.

Police are taking preparation to file a case in this connection, the OC added.

Supayan's body was sent to his village home after the autopsy.

Sajib Chakma, publicity secretary of PCJSS central committee, denied his party members' involvement in the gunfight, saying it occurred due to internal feud of UPDF.

“We do not believe in terrorism and politics of killing,” he added.

Michael Chakma, secretary of Gono Tantrik Juba Forum, the youth front of UPDF, said armed members of PCJSS came to the area and started firing on Supayan.

He also demanded exemplary punishment to the killers.