The six representatives of the organization Jumma Students and People, which called for an indefinite blockade in Khagrachhari, are linked to the regional political group United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), according to Supradip Chakma, Adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs in the interim government.
Speaking to journalists on Monday night in Rangamati after visiting Durga Puja mandaps, the adviser said, “I spoke with the group called Jumma Students and People. Six of them came, and all six admitted they were with the UPDF. In Khagrachhari, nothing exists outside of UPDF.”
Supradip added, “This is not a crime—having an ideology is normal. But I told them that the way they acted in recent days was not mature; I found a lack of maturity in their approach.” He also noted that while the hill community often demands the withdrawal of the military, “there are certain realities in this world that we cannot bypass easily. A day may come when, even if we try to keep them here by force, we will not be able to.”
During his puja visit, Chakma was accompanied by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Habib Ullah, District Police Superintendent SM Farhad Hossain, and other officials.
The six representatives who met with the adviser were identified as Kripayon Tripura, Chadok Chakma, Pintu Chakma, Toshita Chakma, Manik Chakma, and Bagish Chakma.
Reacting to the claim, Jumma Students and People’s spokesperson Kripayon Tripura dismissed the statement as “intentional, insulting, and baseless,” warning that unless the adviser retracts it, the group will not participate in further dialogue. He stressed that their movement would continue until their “legitimate demands” are met.
Meanwhile, UPDF organizer Angya Marma told media that the six individuals “are not members or activists of UPDF.”
