People in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are scared and upset. Groups like PCJSS (also called JSS) and UPDF fight each other for control. They demand money (extortion), kidnap people, and kill. This makes life hard. Peace feels like a dream. The 1997 peace deal was 28 years ago, but they still have guns and cause trouble.
In the last year, JSS and UPDF fought over 90 times. At least 37 people died. In March-April 2025, UPDF fights in Rangamati and Khagrachhari killed many, including some ex-members. Normal people died from their gunshots in Panchari (Khagrachhari) and Baghaichhari (Rangamati). In April 2025, UPDF kidnapped 5 university students from Chittagong and asked for money to free them.
Tourist spots like Sajek, Ruma, and Thanchi are dangerous. Shootouts and demands for money trap hundreds of visitors. Shop owners, farmers, and local Jumma people must pay or face beatings and threats of death. UPDF (Prasit group) and JSS block roads, beat people, and stop food supplies in villages.
In September 2025, in Singinala (Khagrachhari), a Marma girl was gang-raped. People protested. UPDF is blamed for starting fights, which turned into riots between groups. Three Marma young men died. Houses burned, shops looted. PCJSS blames others, but their own armed groups cause most problems.
These groups use the peace deal to grab power and money. They don’t give up guns. They get new ones and train young people to keep fear alive. No safety for locals. No new roads or schools. Real peace is gone.
Government must act fast: Arrest these illegal armed groups, take their guns, stop money demands. Stop talking—do something strong. Hill people want peace, not fights. When will it end? Peace comes only when they drop guns and follow the law.
