CHT peoples federation seeks BD govt, UN action against kidnapping of six civilians by PCJSS

The CHT Indigenous Peoples Youth Federation (CHTIPYF) on Friday (July 11) sought interventions of the government of Bangladesh, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and diplomatic community against para-military group Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati (PCJSS) Chief Santu Larma for kidnapping of six indigenous villagers by its armed cadres Jumma Liberation Army (JLA) from 1 July 2025.

Those kidnapped are Dhanamuni Chakma (19), Sukesh Chakma (22), Lakshi Shanti Chakma (35), Bhanga Hada Chakma (35), Shan Bikash Chakma (36) and Hullaya Chakma (22) from  remote Rangapani Chhara village, Ward 6 of Sajek Union under Baghaichhari Upazila of Rangamati district. The PCJSS cadres confirmed the kidnapping after they released the photo of those kidnapped today and have been demanding Bangladeshi Taka 600,000 (US$ 5,500) for their release.

“The PCJSS is a para-military force of the Government of Bangladesh because it holds the government of the CHT Regional Council established under the CHT Regional Council Act of 1998. The government of Bangladesh has allowed the PCJSS to hold the government of the CHT Regional Council without elections for the last 27 years while further allowing it to keep its militia which have been involved in kidnapping, extortion and murder of indigenous civilians. Bangladesh has ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and Mr Santu Larma as the President of the PCJSS has the command responsibility and liable for the gross violations committed by his cadres, often under his instructions.”- stated Mr Pragna Tapas Chakma, President of the  CHT Indigenous Peoples Youth Federation.

The CHT Indigenous Peoples Youth Federation further stated that PCJSS Santu Group has been involved in the recruitment of child soldiers, arms smuggling, drug trafficking and torture and murder of hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent indigenous peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region since it took over power of the CHT Regional Council.

Giving details, Mr Chakma stated, “As per the Indian media reports, on 4 June 2025, Indian Police arrested 13 cadres of the PCJSS at Agartala and one of the arrested was 17 year old Bitu Chakma clearly showing the recruitment of child soldiers. On 19 June 2025, India’s security forces seized drug/methamphetamine tablets worth approximately Indian Rs. 104.3 million (about US$ 1.3 million)  belonging to the PCJSS from Lunglei district of Mizoram. On 12 February 2025, the Mizoram Police arrested PCJSS cadres Roni Chakma, Anirban Chakma and Ribeng Chakma with two AK-47 assault rifles, five US-made M4 carbines, 20 Magazines, 504 rounds of 7.62mm and 4,675 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, in addition to Rs 49,550 in cash, ID Cards, SIM cards, ATM cards and five mobile phones. In the last 27 years, over 1,000 indigenous peoples were killed in the clashes initiated by the PCJSS with the full support of the Government and the powerful Bangladesh Army.”

The CHT Indigenous Peoples Youth Federation also sought the interventions of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, diplomatic community in Dhaka and the Government of Bangladesh regarding kidnapping of the six indigenous civilians.