BANDARBAN, April 7, 2024 (BSS) - The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) today arrested Cheusim Bawm, the 55-year-old chief coordinator of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), from his residence at Shayronpar village in Sadar upazila of Bandarban.

Commanding officer of RAB-15 Lieutenant Colonel HM Sazzad announced the arrest at a press briefing held at the Bandarban Zila Parishad Auditorium this afternoon.

According to the RAB, the operation marked a critical step in combating the activities of KNF.

Sazzad said Cheusim is a close associate of Nathan Bawm. Cheusim was collecting money for the organization and providing logistic support, he added.

He said some terrorists visited the residence of Cheusim a few days ago for seeking advice. The bank robberies were staged as per his advice, Sazzad added.

An air gun was recovered from his residence, the RAB official said.

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.