A vested group carried out violence in Guimara of Khagrachhari with the intention of disrupting the Hindu community’s Durga Puja celebrations, said Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday.

He added that the situation in the hill district has since returned to calm.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Home Ministry on the Guimara violence, the adviser said, “At present, the situation in the hills is peaceful. This was an attempt to prevent Hindus from celebrating Durga Puja with religious fervor. But those who tried to disrupt the festival have not succeeded.”

On Monday, the adviser had already warned that “a quarter wants this festival not to be celebrated smoothly and with religious enthusiasm.”

Earlier, after inaugurating new administrative-cum-barrack buildings for five police stations under Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Jahangir said that armed miscreants used weapons brought from outside the country to fire from hilltops during the Guimara incident.

Asked about possible foreign instigation, particularly India’s role, the adviser replied, “This is indeed a valid question. We are taking all-out measures to ensure no external party can instigate such violence. The Chattogram Hill Tracts Adviser is currently on the ground, meeting law enforcement officials and local leaders to assess the situation.”

The adviser noted that law and order is now “reasonably stable,” but stressed the need for public cooperation. “Some terrorists fired from the hills using weapons that sometimes come from abroad. I don’t want to name any country, but to prevent such incidents, we need everyone’s support.”

When asked whether the situation in Khagrachhari was deteriorating, he said, “Durga Puja is one of the major festivals of the Sanatan community. We are taking every preparation to ensure it is celebrated peacefully. Yet a certain quarter is trying to disrupt it.”

Meanwhile, the Khagrachhari district administration has formed a five-member probe committee to investigate the Guimara violence. Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandaker announced the move during a visit to the affected area on Tuesday afternoon.

The DC also met with victims, heard their grievances, and assured them of support.

We are here today to express our condolences to those affected. Rehabilitation measures will be taken, and the government will cover medical expenses for the injured,” he said.

He added that discussions were held with the protestors enforcing a blockade.

Of their eight demands, we have addressed seven. We want a negotiated settlement at the table. If they withdraw the blockade, we will also withdraw Section 144,” the DC said.

Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel added that families of those killed and injured in the violence have been requested to file cases.

If they do not, police will lodge cases as complainants,” he said.