Kawkhali Correspondent, CHT News
Sunday, 30 November 2025
The JSS (Santu) group is allegedly demanding large sums of extortion money from various villages under Ghagra Union of Rangamati and Islambpur Union of Rangunia, using the anniversary of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord as a pretext.
It is reported that Asim Chakma, an armed commander of the Santu group, has been calling village elders, karbaris, prominent individuals, and public representatives (from mobile number 01913596617) and demanding this extortion money.
Several people have said that he also threatened, “If you don’t pay, you will not be allowed to go to Ghagra market,” and instructed them to attend a gathering with their people on 2 December 2025.
Meanwhile, today—Sunday (30 November 2025) around 12 pm—an armed group of 25–30 members led by Santu group commander Som Kumar Tonchongya, Kanchon Tonchongya, and section commander Rony Chakma raided Midingyachari village of Ward 2 under Ghagra Union and ordered food to be prepared for them. It has been alleged that during this time, they seized the mobile phones of several families in the area.
After eating the meal, they returned the phones in the afternoon and left, according to local residents.
Notably, since 31 October, this armed group operated by the Santu faction has been stationed and freely roaming around Choucholabil, Sadekkya Beel, Midingyachari, Rajkhali, Betchari, Rossyabili, Dhulyachari, Bolighona, and surrounding areas. Despite engaging in extortion and various other misdeeds, the administration has yet to take any action against them.
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