A member of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-Prasit) named Newton Chakma was shot dead in a rival attack in Khagrachhari on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. in the Akbari area along the Khagrachhari–Rangamati road. Police said the victim, aged 47, was from Rangamati’s Mogban Union and lived in the Mahalachhari area of Khagrachhari, where he served as a collector. The shooting has triggered tension and fear in the locality.

According to the UPDF (Prasit), an eight-member armed group opened fire on Newton Chakma and another person while they were engaged in organizational work, killing Newton on the spot. The group accused rival faction UPDF (Democratic) of carrying out a planned attack. However, UPDF (Democratic) denied involvement, claiming it might be an internal conflict within the other faction. Police have recovered the body and sent it for autopsy while continuing the investigation.

Local residents believe the killing stems from long-standing disputes over territorial dominance among regional groups in the hill tracts, which have heightened local anxiety.