In photos: Scars of violence in Guimara
Tension clings to the hill town like smoke that refuses to lift, as its violence-scarred streets lie in uneasy stillness.
Charred shops, razed homes, and scattered belongings mark the violence that erupted in Khagrachhari's Guimara yesterday (28 September), leaving three dead and more than 16 injured.
Tension clings to the hill town like smoke that refuses to lift, as its violence-scarred streets lie in uneasy stillness.
The unrest began on 24 September, when 'Jumma Chhatra-Janata' called for the punishment of those allegedly involved in the gang-rape of a Marma schoolgirl in the Singinala area of Khagrachhari Sadar on 23 September.
Yesterday, protesters reportedly set fire to Ramesu Bazar in Guimara, burning several shops and damaging nearby homes, despite Section 144 being in force.
Witnesses also reported gunfire during clashes with security forces earlier in the day.
Quoting locals, BBC Bangla reported that activists and supporters of the Jumma Students' Movement staged a road blockade in Guimara yesterday morning, as previously announced, in protest against the alleged gang-rape.
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Around 10am, army personnel arrived at the scene and spoke with the protesters about why the blockade continued despite the suspects' arrest, said the report.
According to the report, a clash soon broke out, during which heavy gunfire was heard. Several shops were also set on fire, while some army members were reportedly injured in a brick-throwing attack.
Eyewitnesses Mangsajai Marma and Kanjri Marma told Prothom Alo they had been peacefully demonstrating in front of the food warehouse in support of the blockade when law enforcement officers arrived and an argument ensued.
During the altercation, they alleged, law enforcers opened fire, prompting people to flee in panic.
Soon after, around 20-25 individuals, some of them masked, stormed Ramesu Bazar and nearby houses, allegedly looting before setting them ablaze.
Jumma Chhatra Janta organiser Suchisai told Samakal that after noon, clashes erupted between locals and law enforcers, leading to chase and counter-chase. During the confrontation, pellet shots were fired, leaving six to seven people seriously injured.
Law enforcement agencies have since stepped up patrols across the tense hill district.
