Army captain killed in tribal clashes
Gulf Times/ December 19, 2006
By Mizan Rahman
DHAKA: An army captain was reportedly killed during an armed clash between rival tribal gunmen of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) and United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) at Gilachhari in the Naniarchar sub-district of Rangamati on Sunday evening.
Locals said the fighting ensued between the two hostile organisations at about 4.35pm.
“Hearing the firing, an army patrol team moved in to the spot when a gunfight started,” said an eyewitness.
“As the firing didn’t stop, another patrol team led by Captain Nurul Azam Gazi rushed to the spot. Amid exchange of gunfire between the two terrorist groups, Gazi was caught in the crossfire and hit by bullet in the head,” said an official statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Defence Ministry in Dhaka.
“He was immediately flown to Chittagong Combined Military Hospital by helicopter where the duty doctors declared him brought dead,” the military press wing said.
Army troops cordoned off the area for a massive manhunt for the gunmen and the search in the hills is continuing.
Meanwhile, procession for the slain captain was held at Chittagong cantonment and the body flown to his village in Bakerganj of Barisal. He was buried with military honours.