RAB arrests KNF's chief coordinator in Bandarban

In a significant crackdown on Sunday, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Cheusim Bawm, the 55-year-old chief coordinator of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), from his residence in Sualok of Bandarban sadar upazila.

Colonel Sazzad, commanding officer of RAB-15, announced the arrest at a press briefing held at the Bandarban Zila Parishad Auditorium.

The operation marked a critical step in combating the activities of KNF, which according to RAB, was formed under the pretext of a cultural organisation by Roal Lin Bawm and Cheusim Bawm, with links to KNF chief Nathan Bawm.

The arrest follows statements made by Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed regarding the arrest of two suspected KNF members with arms earlier in the day.

This action is part of a larger RAB initiative against terrorism in Bandarban, which saw over 100 members launch an operation on Saturday targeting Ruma and Thanchi upazilas.

Khandaker Al Moin, director of RAB's legal and media wing, had briefed the media about the commencement of the operation, which seeks to dismantle the network of terror rooted in the region.

KNF’s recent bank robberies in Bandarban have created a tense atmosphere in the affected upazilas, prompting visits by senior home ministry officials and security forces. In response to these activities, eight cases have been filed with Ruma and Thanchi police stations, signaling a robust legal follow-up to the ongoing security operations.