3 KNF members killed in army operation in Bandarban

Three members of the Kuki Chin National Front (KNF) were killed in a gunfight with the army on the border of Rowangchhari and Ruma upazilas in Bandarban.

Local sources reported that on Sunday afternoon, army personnel launched a raid in the deep forest of the border area after receiving information about a KNF hideout.

Upon encountering the KNF members, a gunfight ensued, resulting in the deaths of three KNF members. The remaining KNF members fled the scene in the face of the army's operation.

During the operation, domestic weapons, cartridges, military uniforms, and other equipment were seized from the scene.

Colonel Solomon, head of the KNF's media wing, confirmed the deaths in a statement on Sunday afternoon, identifying the deceased as Edithang Bom, 24, Rualsangnuam Bom, 23, and Rualminlian Bom, 20. He claimed they were students at various educational institutions in Chittagong and Bandarban.

Following the incident, the army conducted further searches in the border areas of the two upazilas. Increased patrols by security forces were noted as locals expressed fear over the incident.

District Additional Superintendent of Police Raihan Kazemi confirmed the incident on Sunday, mentioning that the police had recovered the three bodies and were transporting them to Bandarban Hospital from Rowangchhari. After the autopsies, the bodies will be handed over to their families.

So far, 84 people have been arrested in connection with the bank robbery, the theft of 14 weapons, the kidnapping of a bank manager, and attacks on law enforcement in Bandarban's Ruma and Thanchi upazilas on April 2 and 3.