The air in the Chittagong Hill Tracts once again carries the smell of gunpowder. Even after 28 years since the Peace Accord, lasting peace in the hills remains elusive. Amid this fragile situation, a significant shift has taken place in the region’s political landscape. A large faction of UPDF (Democratic) recently announced the dissolution of its organization and joined the JSS (Main) led by Santu Larma.
While some may view this as a routine political realignment, security analysts in the hills believe it could signal a deeper conspiracy leading to major conflict or election-related instability. Here’s why this development is seen as a warning sign for both the hills and the entire country:
On 16 January, under the leadership of UPDF (Democratic) founder Shyamal Kanti Chakma, nearly fifty trained members joined JSS (Santu Group). The most alarming allegation is that around 55 heavy and modern firearms (including AK-47s and M-16s) were transferred to JSS as part of this merger.
Dangerous arms expansion and imbalance of power:
JSS (Santu Group) is already considered one of the most powerful armed groups in the hills. With the addition of more than 55 modern weapons and over 50 trained cadres, their strength has reportedly increased significantly. This could embolden them in suppressing rival groups (such as UPDF Prasit, KNA, or the Mog Party), potentially putting ordinary civilians at risk.
Escalation of extortion:
An estimated 10 to 15 billion taka circulates annually in extortion across the hills. From shifting cultivators and banana farmers to small traders and large contractors, no one is spared. An increase in JSS’s power may lead to intensified extortion pressure on local residents.
Alleged dual policy of JSS:
After the 1997 Peace Accord, JSS surrendered 1,940 weapons and received state benefits, employment, and rehabilitation. However, critics claim they never fully complied with the Accord’s key condition of complete disarmament and still retain significant stockpiles of heavy weapons.
National security and border risks:
Arms smuggling through the India–Myanmar border areas (such as Dhudukhchhara, Baghaichhari, and Ruma) is reportedly increasing. If these illegal weapons spread beyond the hills into the plains, it could pose a serious threat to Bangladesh’s national security.
The hills are not the property of any single group—they are an integral part of Bangladesh. The state must take firm measures immediately:
✅ Launch immediate joint combing operations to recover illegal arms in the hills.
✅ Strengthen surveillance and patrols along the India–Myanmar border to prevent further arms inflow.
✅ Ensure full security for all civilians, both hill communities and Bengali settlers alike.
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