Kaukhali Correspondent, CHT News
Monday, 19 January 2026
Since last Thursday (15 January 2026), the army has been stationed in Kaukhali of Rangamati after occupying three school buildings and one Union Parishad (UP) building.
According to reports, 30 army personnel are stationed at Harangi High School under Ghagra Union, 50 at Panchari High School, 40 at Dabua Brikkhabhanupur High School under Fatikchari Union, and 32 at the Fatikchari Union Parishad building located in the Barmachari Bazaar area.
Army personnel stationed at Harangi High School conducted patrols in Chakma Joutha Bagan, Chelachara, Harangi Refugee Para, Noadam, and Kajaichari villages.
It has been reported that today, Monday (19 January), the same army unit attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Punnoban Chakma, a primary school teacher from Nich Kajaichari village, and urged invited guests to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election.
They reportedly told people that they must vote even if the UPDF attempts to obstruct voting.
The army unit stationed at Dabua Brikkhabhanupur High School conducted patrols in Balukhali, Pachhupara, Dhupchari, Porabazar, Dabua Tila Para, Madhyampara, Lamapara, Dabua Bazaar, Headman Para, and Brindaban Bazaar. During these patrols, they reportedly tore down posters that had been put up on various occasions, including the anniversary of the UPDF.
The same unit reportedly visited a Buddhist monastery in Balukhali village under Betbunia Union today, Monday, and searched for UPDF members by name. They also asked local shopkeepers and passersby for the same information.
Meanwhile, army personnel stationed at Panchari High School also carried out patrols in the neighboring villages of Panchari, Debachari, Shuknachari, and Hajachari. However, it was reported that during these patrols they did not engage much in conversation with local residents.
On the other hand, a group of 32 army personnel has also been stationed since last Thursday at the Fatikchari Union Parishad building located in the Barmachari Bazaar area.
Teachers from the affected schools, who requested anonymity, said that the army’s presence on school premises has caused disruptions to teaching activities. They noted that students in remote areas already lag behind in Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination results, and expressed concern that continued disruption due to the army’s presence could have a negative impact on exam results.
It has been reported that the army will remain stationed until 22 January.
——
