RANGAMATI: Four leaders-activists of Pahari Chhatra Parishad and Hill Women’s Federation, two associate organizations of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), were arrested Sunday night with two firearms, police said.

The arrested persons were identified as Binoyon Chakma, president of PCP Naniarchar College Unit, Juthika Chakma, convenor of HWF Rangamati District Unit, Ratna Chakma, HWF Naniarchar Upazila Unit leader, and PCP member Titon Chakma.

Naniarchar thana sources said police raided the UPDF office in T&T area of the upazila headquarters at about 10:30pm and arrested the four.  

Naniarchar thana OC Abdur Razzak also confirmed the arrest of the four along with firearms.

Chief Judicial Magistrate M Shariful Alam of Rangamati District and Sessions Judge’s Court sent the detainees to jail after they were produced before the court at 11am Monday.

Meanwhile, UPDF leaders in a statement denounced the arrest of four leaders and activists of PCP and HWF “without any reason”.

They alleged that the law enforcers forcibly took written statement from two shopkeepers near the UPDF office that two arms were recovered from the possession of those arrested.

“They also locked the office without the permission of the UNO and threatened dire consequences of opening the office,” the statement said.

BDST 1540 HRS, AUGUST 30, 2010