Protest erupts in Bandarban over 'gang-rape and murder' of Khiyang woman

Hill-based organizations in Bandarban staged a protest rally and human chain condemning the gang-rape and brutal murder of Chingma Khiyang, an indigenous Khiyang woman from Thanchi upazila. They called for a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for those involved.

Hundreds of men and women marched through the streets holding banners and placards, as a protest rally began at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Muktamancha and moved through key roads in the town. The demonstration, held on Tuesday (May 6), was organized by the Bangladesh Khiyang Welfare Association, Bangladesh Khiyang Students’ Union, Khiyang Student Forum, Bandarban Adivasi Chhatra Samaj, Women Resource Network, CHT Women Network, Women Activist Forum, Durbar Network, and SHUJAN.

Speakers at the protest rally included Donai Pru Neli, district president of Durbar Network and; human rights activist Lellung Khumi; lawyer Umya Singh Marma; Aung Chamang Marma, district president of the Anti-Corruption Committee; Parmita Chakma, coordinator of Nari Jogajog Kendra; and women leaders Yoisa Pru Marma, Sangma Pru Khiyang, and Paing Hla Oo Marma.

Donai Pru Neli said, “We no longer want to see rape or murder. We demand the right to live safely and freely. Rapists are enemies of both the country and society—there can be no forgiveness for them.”

Echoing similar concerns, Lellung Khumi said, “This brutal killing has struck fear into our hearts. We don’t want to live under such fear.”

According to locals, Chingma Khiyang (29), wife of San Khiyang from Mongkhong Para in Tindu Union, went to a nearby hill for jhum cultivation on Sunday (May 4). When she did not return by the afternoon, her family and villagers launched a search. On Monday, May 5, they found her body beside a hilly stream. Police later recovered the body and sent it to Bandarban Sadar Hospital for an autopsy.

Following the incident, San Khiyang filed a murder case with Thanchi Police Station.