KNF allegedly abducts 5 people from Ruma

Five people have reportedly been abducted from Paindu Union in Ruma upazila, Bandarban.

Paindu UP Chairman Uhlamong Marma confirmed the incident on Wednesday, adding that the upazila administration, along with government detectives, is aware of the allegations of abduction.

As per information from the Paindu Union office officials, a group of men and women in the Nyakhyang neighbourhood was warming themselves by a fire to fend off the cold in the morning. At that moment, 15 armed members of the separatist organization Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) reportedly attacked the Nyakhyang neighbourhood, beating several people. 

Subsequently, five individuals were taken away by KNF members, who warned the neighbourhood residents not to disclose the abduction or face threats to the lives of the victims.

Typically, the villagers refrain from speaking out until the abducted individuals are rescued. The names of the victims have not been disclosed.

Another source mentions that armed KNF members, known as the Bomb Party, took the five people from the Nyakhyang neighbourhood as guides to an undisclosed location.

SI Mohammad Midan Mia of Ruma police station commented: "I have heard about the incident, but the truth has not been confirmed yet."

Locals also reported that KNF armed members had previously arrested two individuals, Uhlasing, 31, and Chinumong, 30, from the neighbouring Padua neighbourhood the night before the Nyakhyang neighbourhood incident.

During that arrest, KNF members allegedly informed the neighbourhood residents that they were taking the two individuals to show them the way.

Ruma Upazila Nirbahi Officer Syed Mahbubul Haque mentioned that the actual situation would become clear by the afternoon.