Three individuals were killed in a shooting by unidentified assailants in Latiban Union’s Shanti Ronjanpara area of Panchhari upazila around 10am on Wednesday.

The victims were identified as members of the United Peoples' Democratic Front (UPDF), according to a statement issued by UPDF spokesperson Niron Chakma. 

He claimed that a group of armed attackers entered the area and launched an assault on the UPDF members.

The deceased were identified as Sijan Chakma, Shasan Tripura, and Jain Chakma. Although they were confirmed to be UPDF members, further details about their identities have not yet been disclosed.

Latiban Union Parishad Chairman Bhumi Dhar Tripura confirmed the incident, stating that locals heard gunshots in the morning. "We later learned that three people had been killed, but no one has yet retrieved the bodies," he added.

Panchhari police station officer-in-charge (OC) Md. Jasim Uddin said that they had received reports of gunfire. However, due to the remoteness of the area, it will take time for law enforcement to reach the site.

Meanwhile, UPDF district organizer Angya Marma blamed the attack on a rival armed group in the area. In response to the killings, the UPDF has called for a dawn-to-dusk road blockade across Khagrachhari district on Thursday.

Further investigation is underway.

BDST: 1833 HRS, OCT 30, 2024
MSK