KNF chief coordinator arrested

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested the chief coordinator of the armed group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in Bandarban.

The elite force apprehended Cheosim Bom, 55, in a drive conducted in Sualok area in Sadar upazila early Sunday. 

Lieutenant Colonel HM Sazzad Hossain, commanding officer of RAB-15, disclosed this in a press conference at Bandarban Hill District Council this afternoon.

The arrest came after the armed group members recently committed robberies in three branches of two banks in Ruma, and Thanchi upazilas of the district.

State-owned news agency BSS adds: According to the RAB, the operation marked a critical step in combating the activities of KNF.

Sazzad said Cheusim is a close associate of Nathan Bawm. Cheusim was collecting money for the organization and providing logistic support.

He said some terrorists visited the residence of Cheusim a few days ago for seeking advice. The bank robberies were staged as per his advice, Sazzad added.

An air gun was recovered from his residence, the RAB official said.

This action is part of a larger RAB initiative against terrorism in Bandarban, which saw over 100 members launch an operation on Saturday, targeting Ruma and Thanchi upazilas.

Nayan Chakrabarty/MSU