A court in Rangamati has sent seven members of newly launched militant outfit Jama'atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya and three members of the armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) to jail in a case filed with Belaichhari police station in the district.
Rangamati Judicial Magistrate Farzana Akter passed the order around 7:30pm on Friday after police produced them before court without any remand plea, said Asaduzzaman, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of Court Police.
There may be an appeal for remand when they are produced again in the court after a few days, he added.
On Thursday, the RAB arrested 10 people including militants and separatists raiding various areas in Bandarban and Rangamati districts.
The arrestees were identified as: Sayed Maruf Ahmed alias Manik, 31, of Sunamganj, Imran Hossain alias Shaon, 31, of Pirojpur, Kawsar alias Shishir, 46, of Jhenaidah, Jahangir Ahmed alias Jonu, 27, of Sylhet, Md Ibrahim Ali, 19, of Barishal, Abu Bakar Siddique alias Bappi, 23, of Sylhet, Rofu Mia, 26, of Sunamganj, and the members of the separatist group Jouthang Sang Bom, 19, Stephen Bom, 19, and Mal Som Bom, 20, all of Bandarban.
“The arrestees confessed that they had an agreement with a separatist group (KNF) to provide them shelter and training in exchange for money,” Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of Rab’s legal and Media Wing told the media briefing on Friday noon.
In 2021, the Amir of Jamatul Ansar fil Hindal Sharqiya had an agreement with the CHT-based armed group KNF regarding militant training in the area till next year. As per the agreement, Tk 3 lakh per month and food expenses of all KNF members were to be borne, according to the briefing.
“In this regard, details can be known after interrogating the three members of the separatist group,” said Commander Moin.
“We are conducting drives through the remote hilly areas (mostly 2,500 feet high) and deep forests where they (militants) are hiding. They are also changing their location, sensing our presence,” he said.
More than 50 militants were being trained at the militant camps in the CHT area, he added.