Troops deployed in Naniarchar

The two rival bodies want to keep the area under their control.

Villagers said extortion has virtually stopped in the area after troops' deployment on Wednesday.

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They said troops now guard all roads and markets in Naniarchar, Kutukchhari and Gilachhari. Shops have reopened and trading begun at the markets. People can move freely in the area, they said.

Earlier, local people, led by tribal leaders and public representatives, submitted memoranda to the authorities several times to protect them from crimes by the PCJSS and UPDF. They also barricaded roads to press their demand.

Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council (RHDC) Maniklal Dewan and Ranagamati Deputy Commissioner Zafar Ahmed Khan had visited the area recently and assured of security measures.

They told the local people that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure security.

The DC had also held a meeting with the chairmen of Kutkchhori and Ghilachhori Union Parishads at Kutukchhori bazaar on Tuesday last. Village headmen also joined the meeting.

Earlier the district administration held a meeting with PCJSS and UPDF to persuade them to stop crimes in the area, but to no effect.

The two rival groups clashed in the area frequently, claiming lives. On July 26, three persons were killed in a shootout between the rival activists.

They imposed 'tax' on people. Many villagers fled homes failing to meet their demands.