Unrest at Myanmar border displaces 3,000 Bangladeshis

Shelling and gunshots across from the border since Saturday night have left the inhabitants of the Ghumdhum border area of Naikhongchhari in Bandarban terrorised. Nearly 3,000 Bangladeshi people from two border villages in Tumbru have left their homes to seek shelter elsewhere. Exploded parts of a mortar shell and stray bullets were found at two houses in the area. However, the incident did not cause any casualties.

Confirming the matter, Shafiqul Islam Union Parishad member of ward number 2 of Ghumdhum Union, said, "Mortar shelling and gunshots have not stopped since last night. Hence, nearly three thousand people of two villages (Konapara and Pashchim Para) have sought shelter elsewhere."

An exploded mortar shell part crashed into the house of Yunus in Konapara, and stray bullets bore into the house of Farid Alam in Pashchim Para. However, as the inhabitants had already left the houses, no one was injured.

Gunshots were also heard from the border from Howaikyang to Shah Porir Dwip area of Teknaf, locals said.

Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB) Captain Lt Col Md Mohiuddin Ahmed said, "We have taken a cautious position along the border. Trespassing will not be allowed in any way."

/KN/