400 army personnel martyred in the mountains, no one was informed: Rawa chairman Retired Armed Forces Officers Welfare Association (RAWA) chairman Col. (Retd.)

 Mohammad Abdul Haque has said that there may be international influence behind the recent violence in Khagrachari. In an interview with a leading media outlet, he said that the alleged rape allegations were exaggerated so that the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and its affiliates attacked, vandalized and set fire to the houses of local people and opened fire on the army, creating instability. Three people were killed and many were injured in this.

Col. Haque said that some forces from across the border are directly fueling the UPDF's activities. He warned that armed groups are engaged in illegal activities including extortion, forced property acquisition and kidnapping in the hilly areas, which pose a serious threat to the local people and the environment.

He urged the government that deploying troops alone will not solve the problem. Sustainable peace and development in the hilly areas requires civil administration, economic development and social cohesion. Separatist sentiments will only strengthen if the basic rights of the local people—education, health and security—are not ensured.

The Rawa Chairman, while praising the military’s actions, highlighted the lack of adequate assistance to the families of the injured and killed soldiers. He said,

“400 army personnel have been martyred. Has this country kept up with the news? Has anyone stood by their families? Look at India, how much respect they give to their soldiers. Have we been able to do that?”

Colonel Haque Khagrachari praised the leadership of Brigade Commander Hassan and noted that even though the army has made such great sacrifices, the common people and the administration do not give enough recognition.