A local coordinator of the United People’s Democratic Front (Democratic) has been shot dead in a targeted attack in Khagrachhari’s Panchhari upazila, raising fresh concerns over escalating factional tensions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The victim, Nitidatta Chakma, who served as the upazila coordinator of the UPDF (Democratic), was killed on Friday morning in the Sutokorma Para area under Panchhari Sadar Union. The attack took place at approximately 8:30 a.m., according to local police and eyewitness accounts.
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Morning attack sparks panic
Police said unidentified armed assailants opened fire on Nitidatta Chakma in a residential hill settlement shortly after sunrise. Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots, which caused panic and prompted locals to alert law enforcement.
Officers from Panchhari Police Station rushed to the scene shortly after receiving information about the shooting. The wounded leader was quickly evacuated and transported to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital. However, doctors confirmed that he had died before arrival due to the severity of his injuries.
Incident summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Nitidatta Chakma |
| Role | Upazila Coordinator, UPDF (Democratic) |
| Location | Sutokorma Para, Panchhari Sadar Union, Khagrachhari |
| Time | Around 8:30 a.m., Friday |
| Cause of death | Gunshot injuries |
| Outcome | Declared dead before hospital admission |
| Investigation status | Ongoing |
Political blame and denial
Following the killing, the UPDF (Democratic) alleged that the attack was carried out by members of a rival faction led by Prasit Bikash Khisa, accusing them of internal political violence within the broader UPDF movement.
However, the rival faction strongly rejected the allegation. Speaking to local media, spokesperson Angya Marma denied any involvement, insisting that the group had no connection to the incident. He further suggested that the killing could be the result of internal disputes within the breakaway faction itself.
The conflicting claims highlight the deep divisions that continue to exist among political groups operating in the hill districts.
Police statement and investigation
Officer-in-Charge of Panchhari Police Station, Ferdous Wahid, confirmed that police responded immediately after reports of gunfire in the Sutokorma Para area. He said officers secured the scene and arranged for the victim to be taken to hospital.
Separately, Officer-in-Charge of Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station, Kai Kislu, confirmed that the body of Nitidatta Chakma is currently being held at the Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital morgue. He added that the victim was already deceased when brought in.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the killing. However, no arrests had been made at the time of reporting. Security presence in the area has been strengthened as a precautionary measure.
Long-standing tensions in the region
The incident comes against the backdrop of prolonged political instability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where rival groups and factions have frequently accused each other of intimidation, violence, and targeted attacks.
The United People’s Democratic Front itself has experienced internal divisions over the years, contributing to recurring clashes and a cycle of retaliation between competing factions. These tensions have periodically disrupted local stability and heightened insecurity in remote hill communities.
Growing concern among residents
Local residents in Panchhari expressed alarm following the shooting, with many calling for increased security deployment to prevent further violence. Fear and uncertainty have reportedly spread in the area in the wake of the attack.
As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies are expected to explore both political motivations and possible intra-factional disputes behind the killing. The situation remains tense, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance across the region.