BANDARBAN, April 4, 2024 (BSS) - Forty hours into the kidnap of Sonali Bank's Ruma branch manager by armed group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), the law enforcement agencies comprising police, Army, BGB and other forces, are still continuing their search operations to rescue him.

About the joint operation in the hills, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shah Mojahid Uddin said: "All law enforcement forces have started their operations. Patrols have been increased everywhere. The law enforcement forces are trying their best."

Expressing his hope over finding a better solution, he said the law enforcers have enough capabilities to rescue the bank manager.

Noting that the locals are very peace-loving, Lal Jar Lom Bom, president of Bom Social Council, said that all efforts are being made to rescue the bank manager alongside keeping contacts with KNF.

A group of armed members of militant group KNF attacked the Upazila Parishad office, tried to rob Sonali Bank's Ruma Branch in Bandarban and abducted its Manager Nezam Uddin following his prayers around 8.30pm on Tuesday.

Later, members of KNF looted two branches of Krishi and Sonali banks located in Thanchi Bazar area around 1pm on Wednesday.

Thanchi UNO Md Mamun confirmed the incident, saying, "About 15-20 people went inside the bank branches and took Taka 17.45 lakh apart from mobile phones."

Speaking at a press conference at the Zila Parishad meeting room, Bandarban Hill District Council Chairman and convener of the Peace Establishment Committee Kya Shai Hla today said that the peace dialogue between KNF and the Peace Establishment Committee in Bandarban has been suspended.

The dialogue is expected to take place on April 22 but due to the KNF's recent activities, it has been suspended, he added.