Bandarban authorities issue tourism advisory amid tensions with KNF

Tensions are running high in Bandarban following confrontations involving the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), an armed hill group. In response, local authorities have advised against tourist travel to the area, issuing four specific directives for tourism operators to adhere to.

The directive, highlighted in a letter signed by Ruma Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Didarul Alam on Tuesday (April 9), emphasizes several key points.

Firstly, it prohibits the renting of rooms to tourists in any hotel during joint force operations. Additionally, tourist guides are instructed not to take travelers to any tourist spots, and tourist center jeeps are not to be utilized. Moreover, tourists are advised against traveling by sea.

The advisory comes in the wake of a robbery at Sonali Bank in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban on April 1. Members of the armed group KNF reportedly looted 14 weapons and ammunition from village police stationed near the bank, and abducted bank manager Nezamuddin during the incident. Although the manager was later rescued in a security operation, he had been taken hostage and assaulted by the armed assailants.

As tensions persist in the region, authorities are taking precautions to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors, urging compliance with the issued directives to prevent any potential risks to tourists.